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Retained Placenta

Veterinary Tip of the Month

Following the birth of a cria, an intact placenta follows the process usually in a matter of minutes to a few hours.  With some gentle pushing by mom, assistance is not usually required.  Occasionally, however, a portion of placenta may show externally but nothing happens, no matter how much time passes. It is imperative, that regardless the length of the portion showing, that one does not pull the tissue thinking it can be removed with continual traction.  Think of the placenta as being adhered to the uterine lining the way two pieces of Velcro are joined.  Imagine a myriad of blood vessels at this junction and what would happen if the Velcro was separated with fervor!  The result , more than likely, would produce substantial hemorrhaging which could be difficult to control.  Therefore, to minimize trauma during the removal procedure, use a warm dilute solution of Betadyne and water to first flush the uterine area. A uterine catheter and 60 cc syringe can be used. By using a liberal quantity during the flush, both the disinfectant and astringent properties of the Betadyne are optimized. The next step involves the use of oxytocin, an injectable drug that will create uterine contraction.  In the process, the Betadyne solution gets "massaged" into  the tissues and loosens the adhering placenta from the uterine wall. At this point, the placenta can be gently teased from the uterine lining a small portion at a time.  It can be tedious, but with patience and a light touch, the placenta can be removed in its entirety or in several pieces.  In either result, injectable antibiotics should be used afterward for several days. Continue to flush the uterus daily for the next two or three days with Betadyne solution or an antibiotic solution to aid in the removal of any residual material.  It also is a good idea to postpone breeding the female for an additional follicular cycle to allow sufficient time for the uterus to heal. 

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This is a normal llama placenta (Bramblett, 2003). The concrete pavers are 8 " x 16". (high resolution photo)