large colon volvulus due to meconium impaction in a neonatal foal: a case report

A 36 hours old foal was presented with abdominal pain and undefication that did not respond to medical treatment. physical examination revealed marked abdominal distension, mild tachycardia, tachypnea and high rectal temperature. radiographic and ultrasonographic investigations confirmed the meconium impaction and large colon involvement. the case was recommended for urgent exploratory celiotomy. close observation during surgery showed distention of small and large intestine and 360° volvulus of left colon associated with meconium impaction in small colon. after decompression and correction of large colon, impacted meconium was removed from the lumen via small colon enterotomy. the foal was recovered uneventfully and did not show any complication during 2 weeks follow up. this report suggested failure to pass meconium can cause other gastrointestinal disorders in neonatal foals.