Changes

==Aetiology==

==Aetiology==

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 to meconium retention include maternal malnutrition and other conditions that compromise the foal such as dystocia, prematurity, low birth weight, and dehydration.<ref>Semrad, S.D, Shaftoe, S (1992) Gastrointestinal diseases of the neonatal foal. In: Mills, L '''Current Therapy in Equine Medicine''' (Third Edition), W.B. Saunders, Philadelphia. pp 446-447.  In: </ref>

Other factors predisposing

to meconium retention include maternal malnutrition, delayed

colostral intake with loss of its laxative effect, conditions that

compromise the foal, such as asphyxiation, dystocia,

prematurity, low birth weight, intestinal disease or

hypomotility of the colon, and dehydration (Semrad and

Shaftoe 1992).(Pusterla)

==Clinical Signs==

==Clinical Signs==