An atypical presentation of a mesenteric Meckel's diverticulum in a 7-year-old warmblood mare: case report

BACKGROUND: Meckel's diverticula are a rare cause of small intestinal strangulation, diagnosed at laparotomy or necropsy. This congenital anomaly of the gastrointestinal tract originates from a remnant of the vitelline duct. In reported equine cases, they present as a full-thickness diverticulum on the antimesenteric border of the distal jejunum or proximal ileum.

CASE PRESENTATION: On laparotomy a Meckel's diverticulum positioned at the mesenteric side was found to be the cause of small intestinal strangulation. This position is very uncommon and to the best knowledge of the authors there is no unambiguous description of another case.

CONCLUSIONS: Meckel's diverticula should be on the list of differential diagnoses in cases of small intestinal strangulation. As in humans, equine Meckel's diverticula can have the standard antimesenteric as well as a more exceptional mesenteric location. This case adds to the series of anecdotal reports of anomalies with regard to Meckel's diverticula in the horse.