IT is absolutely imperative that the mare’s placenta or “afterbirth” is inspected after foaling. If there is any placenta left in the mare after foaling it can be fatal. If you are not confident examining it yourself, keep it in a bucket or strong plastic bag for your vet to examine. The placenta should be passed within three hours of foaling. Here are some steps to follow when examining your mare’s placenta:

  • Lay the placenta out on the ground in the shape of an F.
  • Examine it for any tears, abnormalities or missing pieces. Pay careful attention to the tips of the horns.
  • There should be one large hole at the bottom where the foal came out (cervix) and two “horns”.
  • The amniotic sack is white in colour.
  • The inside of the placenta is a red velvet colour.
  • It is important to turn the placenta inside out to check for infection inside. You can turn it inside out through the cervical star hole.
  • If there are signs of infection on the inside of the placenta you should call your vet immediately.