Ultrasonographic findings in newborn foals with acute abdominal pain

Under field conditions, the diagnosis of foal 's diseases relies almost exc lusively on the physical examination. As signs of illness in the equine neo nate are frequently vague and non-localizing, the diagnosis of diseases may be problematic. Thus, resulting misinterpretations often lead to ineffecti ve prophylaxis and treatment. Purpose of this study was to evaluate the use fulness of diagnostic ultrasonography to determine the cause of foal 's acu te abdomen under field conditions. Diagnostic ultrasonography of the abdome n was performed in 82 foals with acute abdomen after obtaining clinical his tory and performing the physical examination. The foals were scanned in a s table box, being restrained by three persons in semi lateral recumbency. A portable sector scanner (,,Microimager 2000 ", Ausonics) with 5.0 and 7.5-M Hz iransducers was used. The ultrasonographic findings were compared with t he clinical results, and if applicable, with the surgical and pathological findings. In addition to the physical examination, abdominal ultrasonograph y red to a correct diagnosis and/or the correct choice between medical and surgical therapy in 79 of 82 cases (96 %). In the cases of megavesica, urop eritoneum, peritonitis, ileus and diaphragmatic hernia the ultrasonographic findings were regarded as sufficient to operate without delaying for furth er imaging procedures or more invasive diagnostic techniques. Problems in d istinguishing surgical from non-surgical lesions remained in the case of me conium impaction and gas-filled bowel. Ultrasonography was also helpful in getting a more realistic idea of the prognosis and in monitoring during the clinical course. in conclusion, ultrasonography was found to be a useful t ool to determine the cause of foal 's acute abdomen under field conditions.