02/07/2025
Since it's getting to foaling time.... let's talk about red bag deliveries! You should not see red tissue during foaling (after is normal). You MUST get the foal out as quickly as possible in a red bag delivery.
Here is some very timely and important information courtesy of the horse doctors at Pine Ridge Equine Hospital:
As we are in the midst of foaling season, let’s talk about what is normal and abnormal. The placenta is made up of two major parts: the red bag (chorioallantois) and the white bag (amnion). The red bag attaches to the uterine wall, which allows the exchange of nutrients and oxygen to the fetus. In a normal delivery the amnion is visible and characterized by a white appearance. A red bag delivery is characterized by a red velvety appearance.
A red bag delivery is considered an EMERGENCY as it signifies premature separation of the placenta leading to a lack of oxygen to the fetus so **you need to intervene immediately.** The red placental membrane should be opened carefully to release fluid, the foal should be delivered/pulled with your assistance and then stimulated to breathe. Foals may develop problems associated with lack of oxygen even though they appear normal at birth.
If your mare is having or had a red bag delivery, you need to call your horse doctor ASAP!
