Incarceration of the jejunum in the epiploic foramen of a four month old foal.

This research describes a case study of a four month old Arabian filly who exhibited abdominal pain and other symptoms for 30 hours and upon examination was found to have strangulated small intestinal obstruction due to the mid-jejunum inching into the epiploic foramen, with eventual deterioration in physiology due to the trapping. This is the first reported case of such occurrence in a young foal.

Case Presentation

• The research revolves around a 4-month old Arabian filly that came in with a complaint of enduring abdominal pain for up to 30 hours.
• The filly had observable symptoms like faster than normal heart rate (tachycardia), quick shallow breathing (tachypnea), congested or overly pink mucous membranes, and noticeable abdominal bloating or distension.
• Further investigation disclosed evidence of gastric reflux (a form of indigestion) and small intestinal bulging or overexpansion.
• The filly showed signs of dehydration, a type of kidney condition called prerenal azotemia, electrolyte imbalance and a condition that causes the body’s pH to become too alkali – metabolic alkalemia.

Deterioration and Diagnosis of the Filly’s Condition

• Despite being given pain medication, the filly’s condition worsened and there was no improvement or response.
• By observing the progressive nonresponse to analgesic medication and continual deterioration in the horse’s physiological state, the researchers could establish this was consistent with a condition known as small intestinal strangulating obstruction.
• In simpler terms, a portion of the small intestine was entangled and becoming constricted or ‘strangled’.

Surgical Exploration and Necropsy Examination

• Even though a surgical exploration could have been beneficial, it was rejected for reasons not disclosed in the study.
• Rather, a post-mortem examination or necropsy was carried out, revealing that the mid-part of the jejunum was incarcerated or trapped in the epiploic foramen.
• This resulted in the proximal part of the jejunum (the part towards the center of the body) becoming excessively expanded or distended.

Unique Feature of this Case Study

• The unique feature of this case is that it is the first reported incidence of entrapment or incarceration of the jejunum in the epiploic foramen of a young foal.
• This contributes to the understanding of digestive tract disorders in young horses and could influence future diagnosis, treatment proceedings and preventive measures in similar cases.