Short- and Long-Term Outcome of 71 Foals Undergoing Omphalectomy with Peritonealization of Arterial Stumps

Umbilical remnant disorders are common in neonatal foals and may require surgical intervention when complicated by infection or urinary involvement. Abdominal surgery in this population is often considered high risk, particularly due to postoperative complications and adhesion formation. The aim of this retrospective observational study was to evaluate the short- and long-term outcomes of foals undergoing omphalectomy with peritonealization of the umbilical arterial stumps. Medical records of foals younger than 30 days treated surgically between 2005 and 2025 were reviewed. Data regarding signalment, diagnosis, comorbidities, postoperative complications, and short-term survival were collected. Long-term follow-up was obtained by owner interview to assess post-discharge colic episodes and if they started their intended athletic activity. Seventy-one foals met the inclusion criteria. Overall, 83.1% survived to hospital discharge. Mortality was significantly associated with the presence of concurrent comorbidities and postoperative complications, but not with age or sex. Long-term follow-up was available for a subset of foals; post-discharge colic was reported in 6.4% of cases, with only one foal developing colic considered compatible with postoperative adhesions. Most foals with available follow-up successfully started their expected athletic activity. These findings suggest that omphalectomy with peritonealization of the umbilical arterial stumps is associated with favorable short- and long-term outcomes and may represent a safe surgical option in neonatal foals.