Incarceration of the jejunum in the epiploic foramen of a four month old foal.

Abstract

A 4-month Arabian filly presented for abdominal pain of 30 hours duration was found to have tachycardia, tachypnea, congested mucous membranes and gross abdominal distension. Further examination disclosed gastric reflux and small intestinal distension. Dehydration, prerenal azotemia, electrolyte abnormalities and metabolic alkalemia were observed. There was a progressive nonresponse to analgesic medication and deterioration in the foal's physiologic condition consistent with a small intestinal strangulating obstruction. Surgical exploration was declined. Necropsy examination revealed incarceration of the mid-jejunum in the epiploic foramen with proximal jejunal distension. This case is remarkable as the first report of entrapment of the jejunum in the epiploic foramen of a young foal.