Which clinical signs are suggestive of enterocolitis in a foal?

• A. Colic, diarrhea, FPT
• B. Tenesmus, stranguria, urinating
• C. Severe pain, shock
• D. Diarrhea alone

Answer: (A)

In foals, enterocolitis is suggested by signs of intestinal inflammation that cause abdominal pain plus diarrhea, especially when there is a risk factor like failure of passive transfer of immunity. Colic indicates visceral pain from enteritis, and diarrhea shows disruption of the intestinal lining and fluid loss. Failure of passive transfer of immunity means the foal has not obtained enough maternal antibodies, which increases susceptibility to enteric infections and sepsis, making this combination particularly indicative.

Other signs like tenesmus or stranguria point more to rectal or urinary issues, not primarily enterocolitis. Severe pain and shock can occur with various critical conditions and aren’t specific to enterocolitis, and diarrhea alone can result from many different causes. Hence, the combination of colic, diarrhea, and FPT best fits enterocolitis in a foal.