Which of the following is a congenital digestive tract abnormality that could be a differential diagnosis for foal colic?

• A. Colonic atresia
• B. Meconium impaction
• C. Enterocolitis
• D. Ulcers

Answer: (A)

Foals with colic, especially newborns, should be evaluated for congenital digestive tract obstructions, which are structural problems present at birth. A colonic atresia fits this pattern because it is a congenital blockage where part of the colon is missing or closed. This creates a physical obstruction that leads to proximal bowel distension and abdominal pain, making it a classic surgical cause of foal colic to consider early in the workup.

Meconium impaction can cause colic in foals but it isn’t a congenital structural abnormality; it’s more about thick, dry meconium that is difficult to pass. Enterocolitis and ulcers are inflammatory or mucosal conditions rather than congenital tract malformations, so they don’t represent a congenital anatomical abnormality like colonic atresia.