PG.32
RETAINED PLACENTA IN THE
MARE CAN HAVE VERY
SERIOUS AND DEVASTATING
CONSEQUENCES IF NOT TREATED.
the uterus and is being delivered before the foal. The
foal normally gets its oxygen from the connection
between the placenta and the uterus. Once the
placenta has separated, the foal is not receiving any
oxygen until it is out and breathing. If this occurs,
you would see a red velvet-like chorioallantoic
membrane at the vulva. If allowed to continue, this
will result in a severely compromised foal and likely
death. Quick action is required to avoid a severely
compromised foal. In this case, there is no time to
wait for your veterinarian to arrive. The bag should
be cut with scissors (being careful not to cut the
foal) and help the foal be delivered. Contact your
veterinarian immediately for any assistance and to
check the foal as these foals can become severely
compromised and may require intensive care.
SUMMARY - CALL YOUR
VETERINARIAN WHEN:
• The foal doesn’t present the normal birthing
appearance (two feet and a head) within five
minutes of the water breaking.
• One or both legs appear, but the head
doesn’t present within five minutes
of the water breaking.
• The placenta is retained for over 6 hours.
• After delivery, the mare exhibits signs of colic,
depression or inappetence.
• If the foal is not up, standing and nursing
within two hours after birth.
ACT FIRST, THEN CALL YOUR
VETERINARIAN WHEN:
• You have a ‘red bag delivery’.
Cut the placenta (be careful of the foal)
and help with the delivery of the foal.
RETAINED PLACENTA
A retained placenta is when the placenta has not
been expelled within 6 hours of foaling. If this is the
case, do not try and pull on the membranes. You
should contact your veterinarian immediately for
assistance.
Retained placenta in the mare can have very serious
and devastating consequences if not treated.
Other problems that may occur during delivery of
the foal are rupture of the uterus, rupture of the
uterine artery or gastrointestinal problems, such
as a ruptured intestine or recto-vaginal tearing
during a violent foaling. If not already attended by
a veterinarian, the mare should be closely examined
following any difficult foaling or if the mare appears
unwell, is in pain or you have any other concerns.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: About the Author: Linda
Dillenbeck, BVSc, is a veterinarian at WestVETS
in Anstead. She graduated from the University of
Sydney in 2012 and then completed a 12 month
internship at Agnes Banks Equine Clinic in New
South Wales. This was followed by a year in private
equine practice in New South Wales before making
the move to Queensland.
Linda is interested in all aspects of veterinary
medicine with a focus on equine practice. She
has particular interests in diagnostic imaging and
equine lameness.
AUSTRALIAN QUARTER HORSE ASSOCIATION - WWW.AQHA.COM.AU