How do I get the amnion from the placenta after foaling?

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Amnion is the think sack which forms around a developing fetus. Reptiles, birds, and mammals, including horses, all produce amnions in fetal development. The purpose of amnion is to protect the fetus as it grows by reducing the risk of injuries that could interfere with the development of the fetus and/or lead to the death of the fetus. The size of the amnion changes during the course of fetal development to accommodate for the growth in size of the fetus. In the earliest stages of fetal development, the amnion is in direct, physical contact with the fetus. As the fetus begins to grow, the amnion fills with fluid and this fluid pushes the amnion away from the fetus in order to keep the fetus suspended in fluid. The chorionic sac, a tough additional sac, develops and surrounds the amnions.

The foaling process is divided into three distinct stages; the first is characterized by uterine contractions which are accompanied by signs of discomfort. The duration of the first stage is usually two to three hours. This stage enables the mare to facilitate a smooth delivery by optimally positioning the foal. The uterine contractions generally begin at the oviductal end of the uterus and continue toward the cervix. The velvety, reddish allanto-chorionic membranes, followed by the smooth textured, white amnion, are pushed to the cervix and the pressure results in the dilation of the opening of the uterus. These chorionic membranes break and discharge two-plus gallons of fluid, the majority of which consists of the fetal urine that held up the foal in addition to the amnion throughout the foal’s gestation.

The second phase, known as the expulsion stage, generally occurs quite quickly. It should take between 15 minutes to half an hour. The amnion generally bursts at the foal’s feet and passes through the mare’s vulva. The amniotic fluid that is released lubricates the tract and allows the foal to pass through with a minimum amount of friction. Most veterinarians advise that any intervention at this point, providing the foal is in the correct position, should be avoided because unnecessary force and mechanical extractions have the ability to cause internal injuries and rib damage to the foal as well as lacerations, perforations and prolapse of the mare’s reproductive tract. Immediately after the foal emerges, one should walk quietly into the foaling area and remove the amnion from the foal’s head. One should take great care to remove any remaining placental or amniotic membranes from the foal’s mouth or nostrils. This facilitates the foal’s breathing.

The third phase includes the expulsion of the afterbirth. The afterbirth consists of the amnion, the chorionic sac and the remains of the umbilical cord. This process occurs, in most cases, within one to three hours after the birth. After additional uterine contractions, the villi attached to the uterine endometrium start to reduce in size and disconnect from the uterus. The placenta disconnects slowly and the partially expelled placenta’s weight provides gravitational assistance. If the mare harms the trailing membranes and they tear, this could impede the final expulsion.

If this afterbirth has not been expelled naturally, this can be serious and requires the attention of a veterinarian. One should never pull on the afterbirth because this can cause dangerous tearing and increases the risk of retaining pieces of the afterbirth. Never cut off the expelled part of the afterbirth or tie it into the mare’s tail as the afterbirth’s weight gradually aids in gravity, pulling it completely away from the mare’s uterus. Retained afterbirths can cause septicemia, laminitis, or colic in the mare.

Once the afterbirth has been expelled, it should be carefully examined and weighed. The examination should determine if the afterbirth is whole and intact and that the weight is approximately 11 percent of the foal’s birth weight. If there is any trace of blood or if the afterbirth is too heavy, over 20 pounds, this can be the sign of infection and the veterinarian should be notified immediately.

Resource by Will

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