ABDOMINAL-SURGERY IN FOALS

Foals are good candidates for abdominal surgery because their smaller size permits a more complete abdominal exploration and frequently defi nitive procedures in many casts. The use of rectal examination is repl aced with alternative diagnostic modalities such as barium contrast ra diography and ultrasonography. With the advancements in these technolo gies they can distinguish common gastrointestinal lesions and, in most casts, provide sufficient information to guide surgical intervention. The unique aspects of diagnosis and surgical management of gastrointe stinal disorders of the foal are discussed.