Atresia coli in the foal: a review of six cases.

The research article is about a study on six cases of a condition known as atresia coli in newborn horses (foals) that exhibited signs of severe abdominal pain (colic), and the examination of an eight-month aborted fetus also diagnosed with atresia coli and another condition known as congenital hydrocephalus.

Atresia Coli in Newborn Horses

• The researchers examined five newborn horses that were exhibiting signs of severe abdominal pain, also known as colic.
• These horses underwent physical examinations and exploratory celiotomy, a surgical procedure in which an incision is made into the abdominal cavity to investigate and potentially treat a variety of conditions.
• Atresia coli, a condition in which a part of the colon is absent or closed, was confirmed in each of the examined horses during the surgery.
• The most consistent finding during the physical examinations of these horses was the absence of a type of feces known as meconium following repeated enemas. Meconium staining is a typical condition in newborn animals and its absence can be a sign of a blockage or other abnormal condition in the colon.
• The parts of the colon that were affected in all of these horses were the large, transverse and/or small colon, further suggesting the presence of atresia coli.

Examination of an Aborted Fetus

• In addition to the five newborn horses, the researchers also examined an eight-month aborted fetus.
• This fetus was diagnosed with atresia coli, which may have contributed to its early demise, and congenital hydrocephalus. The latter is a condition in which there is an abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain, causing increased intracranial pressure and potentially leading to mental disability or death if untreated.

Conclusion

• Based on these findings, the researchers suggest that atresia coli should be considered in the diagnosis of newborn horses that display signs of severe abdominal pain.
• This could help in the identification and treatment of this disease at a more early stage, which could potentially prevent complications and increase survival rates of affected horses.