## Overview Meconium impaction is retention of the foal’s first feces. Meconium is sticky material composed of intestinal secretions and swallowed amniotic fluid. Most foals pass it within 12 hours. Impaction causes straining, tail flagging, and colic in the first 1 to 4 days of life. Colts and post-term foals may be at higher risk. ## Causes Failure to evacuate the sticky meconium, sometimes related to weak nursing or dehydration. ## Diagnosis Clinical signs in a newborn, digital rectal examination, radiographs, or ultrasound showing the impaction. ## Treatment Enemas (warm soapy water or acetylcysteine retention enemas), oral laxatives, fluids, and pain relief. Most cases resolve medically. Surgery is rarely needed. ## Recovery and Prognosis Excellent with prompt treatment. ## Prevention Ensure the foal nurses well and monitor for passage of meconium in the first day.
straining; tail flagging; colic signs within the first 24 to 96 hours; abdominal distension
## Overview Meconium impaction is retention of the foal’s first feces. Meconium is sticky material composed of intestinal secretions and swallowed amniotic fluid. Most foals pass it within 12 hours. Impaction causes straining, tail flagging, and colic in the first 1 to 4 days of life. Colts and post-term foals may be at higher risk. ## Causes Failure to evacuate the sticky meconium, sometimes related to weak nursing or dehydration. ## Diagnosis Clinical signs in a newborn, digital rectal examination, radiographs, or ultrasound showing the impaction. ## Treatment Enemas (warm soapy water or acetylcysteine retention enemas), oral laxatives, fluids, and pain relief. Most cases resolve medically. Surgery is rarely needed. ## Recovery and Prognosis Excellent with prompt treatment. ## Prevention Ensure the foal nurses well and monitor for passage of meconium in the first day.
straining; tail flagging; colic signs within the first 24 to 96 hours; abdominal distension