What condition was likely causing the absence of feces in an all-white neonatal foal with a recessive X gene?

The absence of feces in an all-white neonatal foal with a recessive X gene is most likely attributed to meconium impaction. Neonatal foals often pass a substance known as meconium, which is a mix of materials ingested in utero, within the first few hours of life. If the meconium is too thick or hard, it can obstruct the intestines, leading to a condition known as meconium impaction.

This type of impaction is particularly common in foals, especially in those with certain genetic predispositions. In the case of an all-white foal, which can be indicative of specific genetic traits or disorders that might affect gastrointestinal motility or function, meconium impaction is a critical condition to consider as a cause of fecal absence. Recognizing this condition is essential for timely diagnosis and treatment, which may include medical management or, in severe cases, surgical intervention.

The other options, while potentially relevant in different contexts, do not specifically address the typical neonatal scenario of fecal absence in foals linked to genetic factors or the time-sensitive nature of passing meconium after birth. Intestinal blockage, for example, could refer to various types of obstructions that do