Meconium Impaction

CHAPTER 187 Meconium Impaction



Susan J. Holcombe, Kristin P. Chaney


Meconium impaction is the most common cause of colic in neonatal foals. Meconium is composed of glandular secretions from the gastrointestinal tract, amniotic fluid, mucus, and cellular debris and should be passed by 48 hours of age. Colts are somewhat more predisposed to meconium impaction than are fillies, purportedly because of a narrower pelvis.



CLINICAL SIGNS


Foals that have not passed meconium and that develop signs of abdominal pain within 6 to 24 hours of birth likely have meconium impaction. Clinical signs may be vague, such as decreased frequency of nursing, straining to defecate (posture characterized by hind limbs placed beneath the body), and tail flagging with the back dorsiflexed. More severe signs of pain, such as rolling and thrashing, may be caused by colonic gas distension resulting from meconium obstruction or from ileus. Because these foals are not necessarily ill, physical examination is usually normal aside from signs of pain and mild to moderate abdominal distension. Progression or regression of abdominal distension can be monitored by using a tape or a rope to measure the abdominal circumference. Using an indelible marker or clipping the hair where the tape is placed on the dorsum and ventrum of the foal helps to ensure consistent measurement.


The clinicopathologic data should be normal, although in rare cases foals with impaction can develop hyperammonemia and abnormal mentation. Foals are usually well hydrated and have no clinical signs of endotoxemia.



RADIOGRAPHIC DIAGNOSIS

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May 28, 2016 | Posted by in EQUINE MEDICINE | Comments Off on Meconium Impaction

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