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The Canadian veterinary journal = La revue veterinaire canadienne1980; 21(8); 234-236;

Pyloric stenosis in a foal.

Abstract: A two month old Thoroughbred filly was presented with signs of depression, grinding of the teeth, frothing of the mouth and abdominal pain. These signs had persisted for two weeks despite treatment with mineral oil, dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate, meperidine and antibiotics. A variety of diagnostic tests were done, the only abnormal finding was a stress leukon. On exploratory laparotomy the stomach was dilated with fluid and gas and the pyloric canal was constricted. Pyloroplasty resulted in correction of the condition. The etiological possibilities are discussed. This is believed to be the first report of pyloric stenosis in the horse.
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Publication Date: 1980-08-01 PubMed ID: 7427855PubMed Central: PMC1789725
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research investigated a peculiar case of digestive tract obstruction called ‘pyloric stenosis’ in a two-month-old Thoroughbred filly which was displaying signs of discomfort and abdominal pain for two weeks. After undergoing various diagnostic tests and an exploratory surgery, the condition was corrected through a surgical procedure known as ‘pyloroplasty’. The researchers believe this to be the first reported case of pyloric stenosis in a horse.

Case Presentation and Symptoms

The research begins with the description of the case. A two-month old Thoroughbred filly was observed to display signs of distress such as:

  • Depression
  • Teeth grinding
  • Frothing at the mouth
  • Abdominal pain

Despite attempts to treat the identified symptoms using various medications such as mineral oil, dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate, meperidine, and antibiotics for two weeks, the condition didn’t improve.

Diagnostic Tests and Findings

The researchers conducted several diagnostic tests on the filly. Out of these tests, only one revealed an abnormal finding:

  • A high number of stress leukocytes (also known as white blood cells) in her blood.

This is often an indicator of the body’s immune system responding to prolonged stress or an infection.

Exploratory Surgery and Treatment

In an attempt to discover what was causing the filly’s symptoms, an exploratory laparotomy was conducted. In this procedure:

  • The stomach of the filly was found to be excessively dilated with fluid and gas.
  • The pyloric canal was constricted, thus preventing food from passing from the stomach to the small intestine, a condition known as ‘pyloric stenosis’.

After identifying the problem, a surgical procedure called ‘pyloroplasty’ was used to correct the condition. In this operation, the muscle of the pylorus (the opening from the stomach into the intestine) is divided in order to expand the opening and allow food to pass through more freely.

Discussion of Etiological Possibilities

Though the exact cause of the condition was not determined by the research, possible causes were discussed with respect to horses. These could include muscular or neurological abnormalities causing reduced movement of the digestive tract, or possibly genetic factors, as this condition is typically observed in certain human populations.

Finally, the writers surmise that this study appears to be the first to report about pyloric stenosis, a typically rare condition in horses, thus adding significant value to equine health research and veterinary medicine.

Cite This Article

APA
Barth AD, Barber SM, McKenzie NT. (1980). Pyloric stenosis in a foal. Can Vet J, 21(8), 234-236.

Publication

The Canadian veterinary journal = La revue veterinaire canadienne
ISSN: 0008-5286
NlmUniqueID: 0004653
Country: Canada
Language: English
Volume: 21
Issue: 8
Pages: 234-236

Researcher Affiliations

Barth, A D
    Barber, S M
      McKenzie, N T

        MeSH Terms

        • Animals
        • Female
        • Horse Diseases / diagnosis
        • Horses
        • Pyloric Stenosis / diagnosis
        • Pyloric Stenosis / veterinary

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        Citations

        This article has been cited 1 times.
        1. Geor RJ, Petrie L, Papich MG, Rousseaux C. The protective effects of sucralfate and ranitidine in foals experimentally intoxicated with phenylbutazone. Can J Vet Res 1989 Apr;53(2):231-8.
          pubmed: 2713788
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