Characteristics of meconium impaction/retention in newborn foals: From 2006 to 2024
S. Rivera Maza, R. C. Bishop, S. M. Austin, J. H. Foreman, P. A. WilkinsSummary
Background
Meconium impaction/retention is a significant cause of colic in foals. Historically, limitations of both medical and surgical treatment are noted. Outcomes of meconium impaction/retention have not recently been reported.
Objective
To describe case characteristics and outcomes in foals with meconium impaction/retention.
Study design
Retrospective, single referral hospital.
Methods
Medical records from 2006 to 2024 were searched for foals ≤3 days old with a history of straining to defecate, abdominal distention, colic, weakness and/or tail flagging. Signalment, presenting complaint, treatment, outcome and comorbidities were summarised and compared between groups based on sex and survival. Associations between comorbidities and survival were evaluated by zero‐inflated Poisson regression.
Results
Forty‐three foals met the inclusion criteria. Male foals dominated (30/43; 70%). All foals were managed with enemas; phosphate (11/43; 30%), water with soap/lube (25/43; 58%), not specified 9/43 (21%), multiple types (8; 19%), acetylcysteine retention (1; 2%). Forty foals (93%) survived to discharge, and three (7%) were humanely euthanised. Of surviving foals, 37/40 (93%) responded fully to medical treatment. Surgical treatment was required in 4 foals (9%); 3/4 (75%) survived. Comorbidities were common including sepsis (10/43; 23%), pneumonia (10/43; 23%), failure of passive transfer (6/43; 14%) and hypoxic‐ischaemic encephalopathy (5/43; 12%). Non‐survivors (3/43; 7%) were euthanised due to sepsis, limb malformation and pneumonia.
Main limitations
Small sample size and low number of non‐survivors prevented meaningful statistical analysis.
Conclusion
Medical management of meconium impaction/retention is successful in the great majority of cases. Prognosis depends on the comorbidities present.