'Red Bag' Delivery or Placenta Previa: An Emergency in Mares

Mares have an active and fast labor process where the foal is born within 30 minutes from the start of active labor. Any complications during foaling can result in loss of foal, if timely assistance is not provided. One such foaling emergency condition is ‘red bag’ delivery or placenta previa in which premature placental separation of chorioallantois results in protrusion of intact fluid-filled red velvety-looking chorioallantois through vulva of mare (the characteristic dark red colour of placenta gives the condition its name). Failure of chorioallantois to rupture and its subsequent separation from uterus results in hypoxia to fetus leading to a life-threatening emergency. The condition, though rare can be managed through timely intervention during foaling.