Retained Placenta
Learn what the condition is, how it may be detected early, how it is treated or managed, and which breeds or species are linked to it.
Condition snapshot
A concise guide to the condition’s pattern, detection, management and urgency.
Emergency presentation is possibleFailure to pass all membranes by three hours prompts veterinary contact; deterioration at any time is an emergency.
This snapshot is a general guide, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. New, severe or worsening signs require veterinary assessment.
About the condition
A retained placenta means that all or part of the fetal membranes remains in the mare after foaling. Equine membranes normally pass within three hours. Retention may be obvious when tissue hangs from the vulva, but a small piece—most often the puckered tip of the nongravid uterine horn—can remain hidden while the rest appears to have passed.
Risk is increased after dystocia, abortion, placentitis, uterine atony, unusually short or long gestation and previous retention; Friesian mares are predisposed. The retained tissue supports bacterial growth and releases inflammatory products. A mare may initially look normal, then develop fever, depression, colic, foul discharge, rapid heart rate, endotoxaemia and laminitis. Severe metritis, peritonitis, shock and death can follow.
The clock begins when the foal is delivered, not when membranes are first noticed. Forceful owner traction is dangerous: it can tear off the visible portion, leave the horn tip behind, invert or injure the uterus and cause haemorrhage. Cutting off hanging membranes also removes their useful weight; they may instead be tied above the hocks to prevent the mare stepping on them without applying pull.
Every placenta should be spread out and inspected after passage. The red-brown chorionic surface, both horn tips, body, cervical star, amnion and umbilical cord provide evidence about completeness and foal health. Retention is an urgent postpartum condition even in a bright mare because systemic complications can develop quickly. Prompt treatment usually preserves life and future fertility, whereas delayed recognition markedly increases laminitis and endotoxaemia risk.
The placenta's pattern also reveals placentitis, oedema, meconium staining or areas that failed to support the fetus, so examination informs care of both mare and foal. Retention can recur in later pregnancies. Friesian predisposition and a previous episode justify having veterinary assistance and oxytocin access planned before the next expected delivery.
Screening & Early Detection
Record foaling time, dystocia, placental separation and every expelled piece. The passed membranes are arranged in an F or Y shape with the chorionic surface visible; both horn tips must be found, particularly the thinner puckered nongravid tip. Missing tissue is presumed retained rather than dismissed because the hanging mass looks large.
The veterinarian examines temperature, pulse, mucous membranes, digital pulses, gut sounds and comfort, then assesses the reproductive tract by safe vaginal examination and transrectal ultrasonography when appropriate. Uterine fluid, trauma, haemorrhage and remaining membranes are documented. Blood count, fibrinogen or serum amyloid A, lactate, kidney values and other tests establish systemic involvement in a sick mare.
The foal is assessed separately after a difficult birth. The mare is monitored repeatedly for fever, depression, reduced appetite, discharge, colic, warm feet or stronger digital pulses. Failure to pass all membranes by three hours prompts veterinary contact; deterioration at any time is an emergency. A normal first examination does not remove the need to confirm complete expulsion and continue laminitis surveillance.
Treatment & Management
Oxytocin is the first-line treatment, given by the veterinarian in small repeated doses or controlled infusion to stimulate effective uterine contractions while limiting severe cramping. Nursing or milking may support endogenous oxytocin release. Selected cases may be treated with a fluid-distension technique within the intact membranes. Any manual assistance uses patience and minimal traction; forceful stripping is avoided.
Once membranes pass, they are reassembled to confirm completeness. Uterine lavage helps remove debris and inflammatory material in prolonged retention or metritis. Broad-spectrum antimicrobials, anti-inflammatory and anti-endotoxic therapy, intravenous fluids and other support are added according to duration and systemic findings. Hoof cooling may be started early in a high-risk toxic mare rather than waiting for lameness.
The hanging tissue is tied up safely so it cannot be stepped on, but no weight is attached. The mare remains under close observation for appetite, temperature, manure, discharge, digital pulses and foot pain for several days. Persistent fever or toxicity requires hospital-level treatment and repeated lavage or assessment for a retained fragment, uterine injury or peritonitis. After recovery, a reproductive examination before rebreeding checks involution and endometrial health; many promptly treated mares retain normal fertility.
Breeds or species affected
Akhal-Teke
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Anglo-Arabian
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Arabian
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Barb
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Caspian
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Kathiawari
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Marwari
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Shagya Arabian
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Thoroughbred
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American Quarter Horse
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American Paint Horse
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Appaloosa
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Australian Stock Horse
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Brumby
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Waler
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Morgan
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Standardbred
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American Saddlebred
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Tennessee Walking Horse
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Missouri Fox Trotter
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Rocky Mountain Horse
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Peruvian Paso
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Criollo
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Mustang
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Canadian Horse
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Andalusian
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Lusitano
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Lipizzaner
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Friesian
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Dutch Warmblood
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Hanoverian
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Holsteiner
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Oldenburg
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Westphalian
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Trakehner
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Selle Français
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Belgian Warmblood
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Danish Warmblood
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Swedish Warmblood
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Swiss Warmblood
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Australian Warmblood
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Irish Sport Horse
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Cleveland Bay
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Württemberger
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Zangersheide
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Knabstrupper
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Orlov Trotter
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Camargue
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Icelandic Horse
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Pony of the Americas
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Quarter Pony
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Miniature Horse
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Clydesdale
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Shire
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Percheron
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Belgian Draft
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Suffolk Punch
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American Cream Draft
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Ardennes
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Breton
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Boulonnais
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Comtois
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Dutch Draft
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North Swedish Horse
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Norwegian Fjord
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Haflinger
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Gypsy Cob
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Irish Draught
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Welsh Pony and Cob
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Connemara Pony
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New Forest Pony
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Dartmoor Pony
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Exmoor Pony
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Shetland Pony
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Highland Pony
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Fell Pony
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Dales Pony
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Australian Pony
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Finnhorse
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Black Forest Horse
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