The meconium is the first fecal matter of a foal following birth. It is composed of dead cells, secretions of the intestinal glands including bile, and amniotic fluid. Usually dark green in color it?s consistency is soft and gummy. Foals usually begin passing the meconium within about 3 hours of birth and may continue for 24 hours when at this time it is replaced with the fecal stools. These are a light yellow in color.

Though straining is normal for the newborn, it should produce meconium. If nonproductive straining continues for 12 hours the meconium is considered retained or impacted. Recent advances in medical therapy have greatly reduced the need of surgery. This article consists of clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.

Early on the newborn may be restless with tail swishing, frequent posturing to defecate including elevating his tail and grow disinterested in sucking. As the impaction continues the foal will grow colicky, getting up and down and eventually the abdomen may become distended. Any factor that weakens the foal can predispose to impaction and males and more likey than females. Colostrum is known to have a laxative effect so delayed intake predisposes.

Meconium impaction is one of the most common causes of colic in non-white newborns and should be considered likely whenever straining is accompanied by minimal feces production. Other considerations should be:

• Congenital defect in the anus and rectum
• Lethal white defect of white foals

Most impactions are located in the small colon at the pelvic inlet, but can also be located in the dorsal or transverse colon.