Diagnosis and management of retained fetal membranes

Abstract

Retained fetal membranes (RFM) is one of the more commonly encountered postpartum problems associated with equines. Clinical signs include persistent vulval protrusion of placental material, vulval discharge, an incomplete allantochorion on inspection, or the subtle presence of retained placental tags following manual examination of the uterus. Secondary septic complications such as metritis, endotoxaemia and laminitis may or may not develop. Treatment strategies include oxytocin administration, manual removal of the retained placental material and uterine lavage. Antimicrobial (systemic and intrauterine) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory therapy is often indicated, while cases involving secondary septic complications require additional symptomatic and supportive therapy. Approaches to treatment of RFM vary among practitioners, and additional research is warranted to establish an informed consensus on the merits of each therapy.