Ultrasonography Evaluation of Umbilical Structures in Clinically Healthy Donkey Foals during the First Week of Life

Simple Summary Umbilicus assessment is an essential part of the clinical examination in neonates because the umbilicus could be a potential access-point for pathogens. Thus, an early and accurate diagnosis is pivotal in order to check for any evidence of umbilical infections and potentially life-threating sepsis. Ultrasound scanning has been shown to be a valuable tool, both in equine foals and calves, in order to assess the diameter and appearance of external and intra-abdominal umbilicus remnant. To the best of our knowledge, no reports are available for donkey foals; thus, the present study evaluates ultrasonography and measures the umbilical remnants in donkey foals in the first week of life. No statistical differences in the size and appearance of the umbilical remnants were observed during the first week of life in the donkey foals, and the measurement values reported in this study are comparable with the ones obtained in equine foals and calves. The umbilicus is a potential access-point for pathogens in equine foal, causing umbilical infections and potentially life-threating illness. Early diagnosis based on ultrasonographic appearance and measurement is crucial to avoid severe complications and promptly implement appropriate therapy. This study ultrasonographically evaluates the umbilical remnants of donkey foals, in the first week of life. Fifteen healthy donkey foals were included in the study. The umbilical vein, arteries and urachus ultrasounds were performed at 24 h, 3 and 7 days of life, using a portable ultrasound machine and a 5-7.5 MHz multifrequency linear probe. The Kruskal-Wallis test and Dunn's multiple comparisons test were applied to verify differences in relation to time for all the umbilical remnants measured. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. No statistical differences were observed in relation to time regarding umbilical remnant measurements. A correlation was found between body weight and the left artery at T0. The regression of the umbilical remnant during the first week of life was slower compared with what was reported in equine foals but was comparable with the results on calves. Thus, the different regression timing needs be considered when evaluating donkey foals with umbilical remnant diseases within the first week of life.

Automated summary

Umbilicus assessment is crucial in neonatal clinical examination to detect potential infections. Ultrasound scanning can effectively evaluate umbilical remnants in different animal species, with this study focusing on donkey foals in their first week of life. Results showed a slower regression of umbilical remnants in donkey foals compared to equine foals, emphasizing the importance of considering different species when diagnosing umbilical issues.