An unusual cause of colic in a neonatal foal

A case of a neonatal foal with acute colic and respiratory distress is described. The foal presented with signs of acute colic and was treated medically. The foal did not respond to treatment and 2 h after admission the foal began to demonstrate signs of respiratory distress. Thoracic and abdominal radiographs were obtained and a diagnosis of a diaphragmatic hernia was made. Surgical repair of the hernia was recommended but the owner declined and the foal was subjected to euthanasia. Post mortem findings confirmed the diagnosis and revealed that the defect was of congenital origin. Congenital diaphragmatic hernia is an unusual cause of colic in a neonatal foal.     

Small colon obstruction by an ovarian pedicle as an acquired condition in a foal

This report describes the clinical course and the surgical findings in a 7‐day‐old foal referred for signs of abdominal pain. The foal underwent abdominal celiotomy due to the degree of pain unresponsive to medical treatment and, upon exploration, an ovarian pedicle was found to be wrapped around the small colon. The lesion was corrected, the foal recovered well from anaesthesia, and a 4 month follow‐up revealed no other signs of abdominal pain or complications.     

Successful outcome after surgical correction of large colon atresia in a colt foal

This report describes successful surgical correction and long-term survival of a case of large colon atresia in a 24-h-old Warmblood colt, referred with signs of unrelenting abdominal pain and a suspicion of meconium impaction. Radiographic and ultrasonographic examination was indicative of large colon meconium impaction with secondary ileus. Due to deterioration of the foal, surgery was recommended. An atretic segment was found between the left ventral and dorsal large (ascending) colon. A band of fibrous tissue with no identifiable lumen connected the segments. Surgical correction was done by performing a stapled side-to-side anastomosis. Twelve days after surgery, the foal was discharged. Twenty-two months after discharge, the owner reported the foal developing as expected compared with its peers, but had a mild, self-limiting episode of colic at 20 months of age.     

Small colon stenosis secondary to ulcerative colitis in three Standardbred foals

Three Standardbred foals, a colt approximately one month old and 2 fillies approximately 4.5 months old, from the same farm, presented to University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Centre over the course of 3 months for further evaluation due to acute onset of colic. All foals had a history of diarrhoea prior to presentation. On presentation, the foals had abdominal distension, dull demeanour and repeatedly lay down and rolled. Exploratory celiotomy revealed a segment of stenotic (lumen diameter 1–4 mm) small colon with marked distension of the colon proximal to the stenotic segment. Post mortem examination of the foals confirmed stenosis of the small colon with a segment of ulcerative colitis associated with the stenotic region. An aetiological agent was not identified.     

Extensive umbilical herniation of the large colon in a foal

A 5‐month‐old Warmblood cross colt was presented with focal swelling of the ventral abdomen extending from the umbilicus to the scrotum in the absence of colic signs. Palpation and ultrasound examination revealed the presence of incarcerated large intestine within the subcutaneous space adjacent to the caudal ventral abdomen and prepuce. Surgery was performed and revealed that the umbilical hernia sac had ruptured, and confirmed that the left dorsal and ventral colon were present in the subcutaneous space. The mild degree of vascular compromise of the large colon did not necessitate resection and so it was replaced within the abdomen. The abdominal wall defect was closed and the subcutaneous dead space was reduced by using a walking suture pattern. Herniation of the large colon through the umbilicus with dissection through the subcutaneous tissues of the ventral abdominal wall and prepuce has not been previously reported in foals. Ultrasonography permits differentiation of herniated small intestine from large intestine.     

Seizures in an Arabian foal due to suspected prolonged transient neonatal hypoparathyroidism

This Case Report describes a 5‐week‐old male Arabian foal of Egyptian bloodline with generalised seizures due to hypocalcaemia. The laboratory changes in this foal were consistent with an abnormal regulation of calcium as occurs with hypoparathyroidism. Prolonged transient neonatal hypoparathyroidism as reported in man was suspected. The foal received oral calcium and vitamin D₃ supplementation combined with the calcium sparing diuretic carbonic anhydrase inhibitor acetazolamide. Calcium concentrations increased gradually over 6 months. In Arabian foals, especially those of Egyptian bloodline suffering suspected juvenile epilepsy, hypocalcaemia should be ruled out as a cause of seizures.     

Volvulus of the large colon in a neonatal foal

A one‐day‐old Thoroughbred colt foal was presented for assessment of abdominal pain and reduced urine output. Physical examination of the foal revealed marked abdominal distension, mild tachycardia, tachypnoea and congested mucous membranes. A marked anechoic peritoneal effusion, intestinal hypomotility and mural thickening of the large colon were detected sonographically. Serosanguinous fluid was obtained by abdominocentesis. After haemodynamic stabilisation, the foal underwent general anaesthesia and exploratory laparotomy and a 720° volvulus of the large colon at the sternal and diaphragmatic flexures was identified. After correction of the volvulus, the intraoperative findings were consistent with nonviability of the affected portion of the colon. The owner declined partial colon resection and elected for euthanasia of the foal. Although rare in neonatal foals, large colon volvulus should be considered in foals with signs of abdominal pain, abdominal distension and ultrasonographic findings of colonic mural thickening and luminal distension.     

Jejunal myxoma as a cause for jejunoileo‐caecal intussusception in a horse

A 17‐year‐old gelding was presented with mild to moderate signs of colic. Exploratory laparotomy revealed an intussusception of ileum and jejunum into the caecum. The starting point of the intussusception was an intramural mass in the jejunum. Half a metre of jejunum was resected and the horse recovered without complications. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry revealed a myxoma with no myogenic or neurogenic origin.     

Surgical repair of a congenital lateral abdominal wall hernia in a neonatal foal

A 16‐hour‐old Quarter Horse filly presented for evaluation of a soft mass in the right caudoventral lateral abdominal wall. Radiography and ultrasonography confirmed the presence of a nonreducible lateral abdominal wall hernia with small intestine located between the skin and body wall. The size of the defect itself could not be imaged and the filly was taken to surgery. A 4 cm vertical defect that appeared congenital was found in the transverse abdominal muscle and was repaired by primary apposition. This case report describes the repair and outcome of this unusual type of congenital hernia.     

Hydranencephaly in a foal

Hydranencephaly is well recognised in several domestic animals, especially ruminants, but is virtually unknown in the horse. This case report describes a premature filly foal that on the day of delivery was found with a severe neurological disorder that initially improved but then progressively worsened. The foal was subjected to euthanasia on humane grounds and post mortem examination revealed somewhat asymmetric but bilateral destruction of the telencephalon identified as hydranencephaly. The possible causes of hydranencephaly in foals are discussed.     

A novel use for polyamide tie‐wraps in the surgical resolution of caecocolic intussusception in a horse

Caecocolic intussusception is an uncommon cause of colic in the horse. Surgical correction presents its own set of challenges. The affected tissue is often markedly oedematous and a partial typhlectomy through an enterotomy incision in the right ventral colon can be the only method of successfully reducing the intussusceptum. Suture ligation of the nonviable portion of caecum can result in cut through of tissue, which can lead to an insecure ligation. In addition, a right ventral colon enterotomy can result in life‐threatening peritoneal contamination. This report describes the novel use of polyamide tie‐wraps to ligate the inverted caecum, allowing for partial typhlectomy and reduction of the intussusceptum, as well as a method to minimise potential abdominal contamination. To the author's knowledge, this is the first report of the use of polyamide tie‐wraps in the gastrointestinal tract of the horse.     

Septic pyomyositis,multiple pelvic osteomyelitis and thrombosis in a Thoroughbred foal

Multiple septic osteomyelitis, septic thrombi and septic arthritis are recognised as possible complications of sepsis; however, there are few reports of localised pyomyositis in association with septic arterial thrombosis in foals. A 1-month Thoroughbred colt was presented for investigation of acute and progressive left hindlimb lameness. Physical and laboratory examinations were performed. Ultrasonographic, radiographic and computed tomographic examinations revealed the presence of multiple abscesses and areas of osteomyelitis localised to the gluteal muscles, coxal bone and lumbar spine respectively. Considering the poor prognosis, the foal was subjected to euthanasia. Necropsy confirmed the diagnostic imaging findings and revealed the presence of an extensive septic thrombus, affecting the internal iliac artery, and a single pulmonary abscess. Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus was isolated from all lesions.     

Equine laryngeal dysplasia as a cause of acute respiratory distress in a neonatal foal

Equine laryngeal dysplasia (ELD) is a congenital disorder caused by hypoplasia or aplasia of the structures derived from the fourth and possibly sixth branchial arches. The severity of the clinical signs varies widely, and depends on which structures are involved and the extent of the defect. In most cases, affected horses present with abnormal respiratory noise during exercise and poor performance. Manifestation of the disease in foals is very rare. This case report describes an unusual presentation of ELD in a neonatal foal. The foal presented with severe respiratory distress and weakness. Equine laryngeal dysplasia was suspected on endoscopy and later confirmed on post mortem examination of the larynx. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report describing ELD as a cause of respiratory distress in a neonatal foal.     

Primary malignant melanoma in the oesophagus of a foal

A 2‐month‐old filly was evaluated for severe colic. Ultrasound, abdominocentesis and physical examination findings prompted an abdominal exploratory surgery. Perforation of the stomach was discovered during the surgery. The filly was humanely subjected to euthanasia under anaesthesia and post mortem examination was performed. In addition to gastric and duodenal ulceration, a thickened, black area of the proximal oesophagus was discovered. Histopathology of the lesion revealed primary malignant melanoma. Although rare, primary melanoma can occur in noncutaneous locations.     

Clinical presentation and surgical repair of traumatic lateral patellar luxation associated with a complete tear of the vastus medialis muscle in a neonatal Cob foal

Patellar luxation associated with traumatic injury is rare in the horse, and surgical correction has not been adequately described. This case report describes the clinical findings associated with traumatic lateral patellar luxation in a 2-day-old cob colt, and the technique used for successful surgical repair. A combination of computed tomography (CT), radiography and ultrasound was used to diagnose lateral luxation of the patella due to a complete tear of the vastus medialis muscle. All patellar ligaments were intact and no congenital abnormalities associated with the patellar luxation were present. Surgical correction of the patellar luxation was achieved using a lateral release of the patella performed by transection of the lateral femoropatellar ligament along with overlying fascia, and stabilisation of the patella by medial imbrication of the medial patellar ligament and parapatellar fascia to the distal tendon of the sartorius muscle. Radiographs at 18 weeks of age showed the patella in a normal position in a well-developed trochlear groove. At 1 year of age the foal was walking and trotting sound, with normal range of motion of the affected stifle.     

Osteomyelitis of the scapulohumeral joint associated with Rhodococcus equi and unresponsive to antibiotherapy in a foal

This case report describes the treatment and outcome of a 3.5-month-old lame foal, with a history of pneumonia associated with Rhodococcus equi. Clinical examination identified osteomyelitis of the scapulohumeral joint. The unusual location of the Rhodococcus equi osteomyelitis unresponsive to prevention and adequate treatment led to euthanasia of the patient. Post-mortem findings confirmed bronchopneumonia due to Rhodococcus equi as well as the osteomyelitis of the scapulohumeral joint. This case highlights that Rhodococcus equi should be considered as a pathogen in extrapulmonary locations such as septic arthritis and osteomyelitis in foals with history of bronchopneumonia. Early and aggressive treatment should be considered.     

Traumatic sacral fracture following dystocia in a Thoroughbred foal

A Thoroughbred colt with a history of dystocia was referred for further management of suspected hypoxia. The foal showed signs of neonatal maladjustment syndrome and hindlimb paralysis. Radiography revealed the presence of a severe lumbosacral injury. The foal was subjected to euthanasia due to a hopeless prognosis. Computed tomography was performed post‐mortem and revealed a type I Salter Harris fracture of the cranial physis of the first sacral vertebra.     

Laparoscopic assisted surgical removal of a congenital rectal hamartoma in a foal

In this report we describe a 3‐week‐old Paint horse filly that presented with rectal bleeding associated with a protruding mass. Rectal bleeding in neonates can be caused by infectious agents, trauma, congenital defects, rectal tears or tumours. Histopathology was performed on an avulsed piece of tissue. A second mass was identified endoscopically and was removed using a stapling instrument per rectum under endoscopic guidance and laparoscopic assistance. The mass was diagnosed as a rectal hamartoma. Recovery was uneventful.     

Splenic rupture and splenectomy in a foal

A 45‐day‐old foal was presented for abdominal pain. Examination revealed the presence of haemoabdomen. An exploratory celiotomy was performed that revealed a large tear on the visceral surface of the spleen. A splenectomy was performed without rib resection. An abdominal wall hernia and leucocytosis had developed by 6 weeks post surgery. A second celiotomy to repair the hernia and explore the cause of the leucocytosis was performed 10 weeks after the first surgery. A portion of the caecum and colon had become adhered to the body wall at the site of the hernia; these areas were resected and the hernia repaired with a polypropylene mesh. The filly made a good recovery and is currently in training. Splenic rupture should be considered in any horse showing signs of abdominal pain with ultrasonographic findings consistent with haemoabdomen.