This article first appeared in the October 2022 digital edition of Equestrian Life. To see what’s in the current issue, click here.

 

Retained foetal membranes

By Mazine Brain

With thousands of mares foaling every year, it is common for veterinarians to be called to see a mare that has not lost her placental membranes after foaling. Most of the time, retained foetal membranes (RFMs) can be dealt with easily and without complications, but they can result in disastrous consequences if not treated in a timely fashion.

The placenta is formed by the foetus and starts its development around 35 days (34-37) when cells from the developing foetal unit migrate into the endometrium (uterine lining) of the mare to form what are called endometrial cups. The placenta continues to develop and expand throughout the uterus until it is physically in contact with the entire endometrium. The foal develops predominantly in one side of the uterus or the other, depending on whether it implanted at the junction between the horn and the body of the uterus on the right or the left side…

Click here to read the full article FREE in the October 2022 issue of Equestrian Life magazine.