Case Report: Atresia coli in a foal: Diagnosis made with colonoscopy aided by Nbutylscopolammonium bromide

Intestinal atresia has been reported in numerous species including man, cattle, sheep, pigs, dogs, cats and foals (van der Gaag and Tibboel 1980; Johnson 1986a). In foals, the defect is considered rare and is most commonly reported in the large and small colon. Intestinal atresia can be categorised as type 1, 2 or 3 and there is some argument over the pathogenesis of the problem. Invariably intestinal atresia carries a poor prognosis (Young et al. 1992). Attempts at surgical correction often fail. In an industry where one foal may have significant financial value, accurate diagnosis of this rare defect ante mortem can be very important and assessing the feasibility of surgical correction prior to incurring the cost of surgery is sound economic practice.