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Meconium Impaction - Horse (view source)
Revision as of 13:02, 10 August 2010
, 13:02, 10 August 2010→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 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.
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==