Changes

==Aetiology==

==Aetiology==

Meconium is composed of glandular secretions, swallowed amniotic fluid and cellular debris.  It is dark brown to black and cement- or pellet-like in texture.  Most foals defaecate shortly after their first meal, within 24 hours of birth.  Once meconium has been passed, the faeces become a dark yellow, reflecting milk digestion.  Meconium retention may result from a lack of colostrum ingestion, since colostrum is a natural laxative.  Thus foals with meconium retention should also be checked for failure of passive transfer (FPT).  Intestinal dysmotility may also be an indication of perinatal asphyxia.

Meconium retention may result from a lack of colostrum ingestion, since colostrum is a natural laxative.  Thus foals with meconium retention should also be checked for failure of passive transfer (FPT).  Intestinal dysmotility may also be an indication of perinatal asphyxia.

Other factors predisposing

Other factors predisposing

to meconium retention include maternal malnutrition, delayed

to meconium retention include maternal malnutrition, delayed