Radiographic Gastrointestinal Anatomy of the Foal*

Summary This retrospective study consisted of 14 horses (age 6 weeks–12 years) with radiographically evident sand accumulations cranioventrally in the abdomen and clinical signs suggestive of sand enteropathy. The horses were treated medically and resolution of sand was monitored radiographically. Routine treatment consisted of psyllium mucilloid, combined with magnesium sulphate and/or mineral oilif needed. Initially, the number, size and shape of the sand accumulations showed large variation and the response to therapy was not predictable based on the initial appearance of the accumulation. In 2 foals, some of the sand was passed and the rest was mixed with other intestinal contents within 2–4 days. Even large accumulations disappeared in 2–4 days with psyllium alone or combined with mineral oil in 4 horses. In another 4 horses, the size of the accumulations decreased but varying amounts remained approximately at the same site, despite treatment for 1–4 weeks, and all these horses also had either gastric or large colon impaction. Three horses had a limited response to psyllium treatment, but the accumulation resolved with repeated doses of magnesium sulphate, with or without mineral oil. One horse did not respond to prolonged laxative treatment but the accumulation resolved on pasture. Clinical improvement was not necessarily related to the resolution of sand. Radiography of the cranioventral abdomen was found to be a useful means for monitoring the resolution of sand and confirming the effect of medical treatment in removing sand from the large colon in the horse.

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The cranioventral abdomen is a common location for sand accumulations and is a difficult area to evaluate using other methods. Radiographically evident but asymptomatic sand accumulations have also been reported (Rose et al 1 9 8 0 ;Campbell et al 1984;Specht and Colahan 1988).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 91%

Abdominal radiography in monitoring the resolution of sand accumulations from the large colon of horses treated medically

Ruohoniemi

Kaikkonen²,

Raekallio³

et al. 2001

“…Plain lateral abdominal radiographs were taken in six foals using the technique of Campbell, Ackerman and Peyton (1984). One foal (Case 11) had a contrast cystogram.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Exploratory celiotomy for suspected urinary tract disruption in neonatal foals: A review of 18 cases

Adams

Koterba

Cudd³

et al. 1988

Summary The medical records of 18 neonatal foals, in which exploratory celiotomies were performed for suspected urinary tract lesions, were reviewed. Despite clinical signs and laboratory values indicative of disruption of the urinary tract, three foals did not have a site of urinary tract leakage at surgery. Eight foals had ruptured bladders and seven foals had urachal lesions. Ultrasonography was used as a pre‐operative diagnostic procedure in eight foals to evaluate the presence of free peritoneal fluid and urinary tract integrity. Nine foals were alive six months after discharge. Seven of the nine non‐surviving foals died or were destroyed because of fungal or bacterial infections.

“…Diagnosis of atresia coli is usually based on proctoscopy, abdominal radiography and contrast studies using barium enemas (Campbell, Ackerman and Peyton 1984;White 1988). Early diagnosis with surgical correction offers the only chance of patient survival.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Atresia coli in 7 foals (1964–1990)

Nappert

Laverty

Drolet

et al. 1992

Summary Intestinal atresia is uncommon in foals. The occurrence of equine atresia coli was 0.44% in the Veterinary Medical Data Base (VMDB). An occurrence of equine intestinal atresia of 1.3% was found at the Large Animal Hospital, University of Montreal. Five case records from the VMDB and 2 from the University of Montreal were reviewed. The breed distribution of cases was: Appaloosa (N = 2), Morgan (N = 1), Standardbred (N = 1), Throughbred (N = 1), Paint Horse (N / 1) and Quarter Horse (N = 1). Five foals had type III or blind‐end atresias and 2 foals had type II or cord atresias. The pelvic flexure was absent in 2 cases. Clinical signs were progressive abdominal distension, colic, lack of faecal production and lack of response to enema administration. Two cases presented a blind ending rectum on digital palpation. Surgical correction was attempted in 3 foals but was unsuccessful. A grave prognosis should be given when this condition is diagnosed in foals.