Retained Placenta (Retentio secundinarum)
Absent or incomplete passing of the placenta (fetal membranes) after foaling. Unlike in the cow, this is an emergency in the horse: if the placenta does not pass completely within a few hours (rule of thumb about 3 hours), life-threatening uterine inflammation (metritis), endotoxaemia and, as a consequence, laminitis threaten.
Veterinary care required
This condition belongs in veterinary diagnosis and treatment. Compounds are at most supportive.
Priority · vet & management
Emergency — clarify with the vet within a few hours. The vet decides on controlled removal, contraction-promoting (oxytocin) and anti-inflammatory medication and laminitis prophylaxis; do not pull on the placenta yourself. The passed placenta should be checked for completeness.
Possible causes
- · severe or premature birth / dystocia
- · placentitis (placental inflammation)
- · weak labour
- · premature birth/abortion
- · retention of fetal membrane parts (esp. the tip of the non-pregnant horn)
Supportive compounds · supplementary feed, not medication
Prevention
Foaling supervision, checking the passed afterbirth for completeness and early veterinary involvement in case of delayed passage prevent severe follow-on complications.
Equiterna's take
Equiterna makes it clear that retained afterbirth in the horse — unlike what is often assumed from cattle — is a genuine emergency with a laminitis risk; labour-/hormone-active agents are prescription-only and remain veterinary.
Usage note
This content is for information and education. It does not replace veterinary diagnosis or treatment. If your horse shows signs of illness, consult a veterinarian.
Equiterna is an intermediary platform for equine knowledge, marketplace and tools — not a veterinary-medicines dealer, veterinary practice or pharmacy. Compound information is study-attributed and free of healing claims. Legal framework: Regulation (EU) 2019/6 / TAMG (DE/AT), Feed Regulation (EC) 767/2009, FEI Prohibited Substances List, HWG.