3.1 Case 1
Twenty-one days post-marsupialization, the colt was re-presented for
persistent drainage from the marsupialization site. The site was open
and draining, though granulation tissue was present within the site. The
omphalectomy incision was warm on palpation but otherwise normal.
Ultrasonographic evaluation showed an enlarged umbilical vein coursing
to the marsupialization site. An elastic tape abdominal bandage was
placed over the marsupialization site to reduce risk of hernia
formation.
Three months post-marsupialization, the colt developed diarrhea and
extreme pyrexia per the owner. The foal was en route for evaluation but
died prior to arrival. The cause of death was determined to be moderate
acute fibrinous peritonitis at necropsy. Pathologic examination also
revealed a visible focal outpouching of the skin, 5 cm diameter, on the
anteroventral abdominal midline at the site of the previous umbilical
vein marsupialization with reducible, non-strangulating herniated small
intestine. There were firm fibrous adhesions of the proximal ileum and
jejunum to the herniated site.