Radiographic Diagnosis of Gastrointestinal Disorders in the Foal

Abstract

Abdominal discomfort in the foal presents a diagnostic challenge, because the small size of the foal precludes rectal palpation. Standing lateral horizontal beam abdominal radiographs using conventional techniques were evaluated as a diagnostic aid to identify the presence and location of gastrointestinal disorders in foals presented with colic. Forty foals were radiographed prior to surgery (20 foals), necropsy (7 foals), or clinical diagnosis (13 foals). Clinical, surgical, or necropsy findings were then correlated to radiographic findings. Gastrointestinal disease was accurately identified on radiographs as the source of colic in 25 of 26 foals that had surgical or postmortem confirmation. The site of disease, whether gastric, small intestinal, large intestinal, or a combination, was accurately determined from radiographs. Standing lateral abdominal radiographs were determined to be a valuable diagnostic aid in the foal presented with colic.

Volvulus of the large colon in a foal

“…While abdominal radiography did not provide a definitive diagnosis in this case, it did identify the portion of the gastrointestinal tract responsible for gross abdominal distention. Abdominal radiography with or without contrast material has proved useful in the diagnosis of gastrointestinal disease in foals (Fischer and Yarbrough 1995;Fischer et al 1987). There are limitations to this diagnostic test.…”

Atresia coli in a nine‐week‐old kitten

“…The exact diagnosis is made at surgery or necropsy. A tentative diagnosis can be made radiographically and confirmed with a barium enema (Fischer andothers 1987, Lamb 1994). Surgically corrected calves have reached breeding age (Constable and others 1989).…”

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

“…Colic in foals can be caused by a number of different factors. The condition poses a challenge to clinicians due to the smaller size of the animal making some diagnostic modalities utilised in mature horses, such as rectal palpation, unavailable options (Fischer et al . 1987; Vatistas et al .…”

“…Colic in foals can be caused by a number of different factors. The condition poses a challenge to clinicians due to the smaller size of the animal making some diagnostic modalities utilised in mature horses, such as rectal palpation, unavailable options (Fischer et al 1987;Vatistas et al 1996;Chaffin and Cohen 1999). It is also difficult to recognise clinical signs as specific for colic as they can be confused with other neonatal diseases and, in general, young foals are less pain tolerant than mature horses, making it even harder to determine if surgical intervention is warranted.…”