Question

You are examining a 13-year old Standardbred brood mare 5 hours after parturition. You note that the placenta is still present in the reproductive tract of the mare (see image). What is the most appropriate therapy?

Place physical traction on the placenta and remove it manually
Administer oxytocin (IM or IV) and lavage the uterus to facilitate removal
Do nothing; the placenta is not considered retained until 12 hours post-parturition and it will likely be expelled by this time
Administer penicillin (IM) until the placenta is expelled on its own

Answer 1

Giving oxytocin and performing a uterine lavage is the recommended treatment for a mare with a retained placenta 5 hours after parturition. Manual removal or waiting for natural expulsion is not recommended due to potential health risks.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most appropriate therapy for a Standardbred brood mare that still has the placenta present 5 hours after parturition is to administer oxytocin (IM or IV) and perform uterine lavage to facilitate removal. This approach encourages the uterus to contract, which in turn can help in expelling the retained placenta. In equine practice, a retained placenta is considered a concern if not passed within three hours postparturition.

Immediate attention is generally recommended to reduce the risk of potential complications such as metritis or laminitis. Utilizing oxytocin and lavage aids in stimulating uterine contractions and clearing any potential debris or infection, respectively. It is important to avoid applying physical traction on the placenta, as this can damage the uterine lining and cause severe hemorrhaging.