Very Common
OTHER DIAGNOSES CONSIDERED
Other conditions or ailments that might also need to be ruled out by a vet.
Diagnosis
Conditions or ailments that are the cause of a problem that you see - your observation.
Your vet may diagnose
Foal or Newborn, First Manure, Meconium Impaction
Summary
Meconium is a foal's first manure that consists of glandular secretions and digested amnion. It is typically dark brown, black or green and passed within a few hours after standing.
It is sticky, smells like fetal fluids, and looks more like dog feces than horse manure. If it is not passed within 24 hours of birth, it is considered impacted.
Male foals (colts) are more likely than females to have very firm impactions of this first manure. It is a common cause of straining to defecate. It can lead to abdominal pain (colic) if it causes complete obstruction.
It is sticky, smells like fetal fluids, and looks more like dog feces than horse manure. If it is not passed within 24 hours of birth, it is considered impacted.
Male foals (colts) are more likely than females to have very firm impactions of this first manure. It is a common cause of straining to defecate. It can lead to abdominal pain (colic) if it causes complete obstruction.
my vet's role
Diagnostics Used
These are tests that might be helpful to make this diagnosis or further characterize the condition.
Very Common
Rare
Treatments May Include
These treatments might be used to help resolve or improve this condition.
PROGNOSIS AND RELEVANT FACTORS
The prognosis is good if the problem is a simple meconium impaction and it is promptly treated. However, some meconium impactions can be difficult to treat, require special enemas and may even require intensive care.my role
I might observe
You might make these observations when a horse has this condition.
Skills I Might Need
I might need these skills if my horse has this diagnosis.
Questions To Ask Your Vet:
- Should I routinely give a phosphate enema to my foals?
Prevention
Monitor foals for the first 24 hours after birth for passage of meconium. Look for it in the stall. Take note of the amount of straining when the foal does pass meconium.
If the foal appears to be straining, talk to your vet about administering an enema. If the straining persists, your vet should examine the foal.
further reading & resources
Outside Resources
CREDIBLE EQUINE HEALTH INFORMATION ON THE INTERNET
