Colic in Foals

The approach to the colicing foal is much the same to that in adults, although, a rectal exam cannot be performed.

The main causes of abdominal pain in foals are

Meconium impaction

This occurs when meconium, the first droppings passed by foals, becomes impacted within the rectum. This usually occurs in colts due to their narrow pelvis.

Affected foals will show signs of colic and straining to pass droppings.

Treatment

The meconium is softened with an enema.

Enteritis

See section on diarrhoea.

Gastric ulcers

Gastric ulcers are caused by excessive acid production and subsequent damage to the stomach lining.

Ulcers a regularly seen in foals, especially if they become ill or undergo excessive stress. The signs of ulceration include ill thrift, weight loss, reduced appetite and colic. Many anti-ulcer medications are available to treat gastric ulcers many of which can be given as an oral paste.

Intussusseptions

An intussusseption is when one piece of intestine becomes telescoped into the following piece and is seen most commonly in younger animals. The blood supply to the intestines is lost causing them to die. This can also when the blood supply is lost through direct blockage e.g. blood clot.

Once the blood supply is lost the intestine begins to die allowing it’s contents to leak into the bloodstream causing the animal to eventually go into shock.

Signs

Affected foals will show severe pain may collapse or be in shock. They will usually have a combination of the follwing; an increased heart rate, no gut sounds, distended loops of small intestine felt on rectal exam, abnormal peritoneal fluid and the retrieval of fluid when a stomach tube is passed.

These severe cases, if not treated promptly, may die from shock or by rupture of the intestines.

Treatment

The treatment is to perform surgery as soon as possible to attempt to rectify the problem. These types of surgery are major and if horses recover this recovery can be long and fraught with complications.

Bladder Rupture

This condition is usually seen in colts due to their narrow pelvis and occurs during birth. The clinical signs are usually seen two-three days after birth. Affected foals will frequently attempt urinate, show colic signs and be depressed.

Diagnosis is made by ultrasound scanning and radiographing the bladder and taking a sample of the peritoneal fluid.

Surgery must be performed to repair the bladder. Sick foals must be stabilised initially before they can have a general anaesthetic.