Intestinal surgery in the foal

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Surgery
• Equine Medicine
• Surgical Gastroenterology

Background:

• Intestinal surgery in foals is rarely needed but essential for specific, recognized conditions.
• Foals are suitable surgical candidates, but prompt intervention before irreversible damage is key to success.
• Exploratory laparotomy is advised for suspected mechanical intestinal obstruction in foals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the main indications for intestinal surgery in foals.
• To discuss diagnostic and treatment challenges associated with congenital defects and acute obstructions.
• To highlight the importance of surgical techniques for improving foal survival.

Main Methods:

• Review of indications for intestinal surgery in foals, categorized into congenital defects and acute obstructions.
• Discussion of etiological factors for intestinal obstruction, with a focus on ileal volvulus near the ileocaecal valve.
• Evaluation of surgical interventions, including resection of compromised small intestine and creation of a jejuno-caecal anastomosis.

Main Results:

• Indications for foal intestinal surgery are primarily congenital defects or acute obstructions like volvulus/torsion.
• Ileal volvulus near the ileocaecal valve is a significant cause of acute obstruction in foals.
• Surgical options include resection of affected intestine and jejuno-caecal reconstruction.

Conclusions:

• Early surgical management of mechanical intestinal obstruction in foals is critical for positive outcomes.
• Advancements in surgical techniques, such as jejuno-caecal anastomosis, offer potential for increased survival rates.
• Prompt diagnosis and treatment are paramount for foals presenting with intestinal compromise.