Equine Omphalophlebitis Study Guide

Overview and Clinical Importance

Omphalophlebitis refers specifically to infection of the umbilical vein, while the broader term omphalitis describes infection of all umbilical remnant structures. These infections represent one of the most common and clinically significant conditions affecting neonatal foals, typically occurring within the first 14 days of life, with the majority presenting within the first week.

The umbilicus serves as a potential portal of entry for pathogens in the immunologically naive neonate. Left undiagnosed, umbilical remnant infections frequently result in life-threatening secondary complications including septic arthritis, osteomyelitis, pneumonia, hepatic abscessation, and systemic septicemia. Approximately 50% of foals with evidence of ongoing infectious processes demonstrate ultrasonographic evidence of umbilical pathology, making this a critical component of neonatal evaluation.

Anatomy of the Umbilical Remnant

The equine umbilical cord consists of four distinct structures enclosed within an amniotic sheath, each with specific functions during fetal life and different postnatal fates.