Abdominal pain in the foal can have many different causes, making it difficult to diagnose a cause. However, with knowledge of the different causes, a proper physical exam, the use of diagnostic tools, and common sense, a veterinarian can pinpoint a diagnosis from which decisions on treatment can be based, said Bill Bernard, DVM, Dipl. ACVIM, of Rood and Riddle Hospital in Lexington, Ky., during his presentation "Assessment of Abdominal Pain in Foals" at the 2003 American Association of Equine Practitioners' convention.

The need for a quick diagnosis is imperative, said Bernard. If surgery is necessary, the time from the onset of problems to surgery can make a difference in the outcome. "If, however, the decision for surgery is made without careful consideration of 'non-surgical' conditions, the outcome may be compromised by an unnecessary procedure," said Bernard.

The age of the foal can alert the practitioner to what might be causing the problem