Rare cause of ileus (ovarial strangulation) in foals. Case report

The authors report about a rare condition of young (newborn to three-month- old) foals causing abdominal pain, subileus or ileus as a result of strangu lation of the small colon by the right ovary. The condition (ovarial strangulation) was caused by the right ovary and its ligaments turning around the descending colon and forming a real loop thus causing a strangulation, i.e. partial or total occlusion of its lumen. The laxity of the ligaments of the right ovary (which is the larger) in foa ls constitutes a predisposing factor. The mechanism of strangulation during play, rolling and jumping is the same as that already known in the case of pendulous lipomes. An accurate diagnosis could not be made. Diagnostic laparotomy was performe d because of the partial or total occlusion of the colon. The condition was detected in two cases, which, in the experience of the au thors, corresponds to an occurrence of less than 0.1%. Removal of the affec ted ovary was necessary and, in one case, also resection and colocolostomy.