"Apart from the genetic makeup, the most important determinant of how a neonatal foal does is the placental integrity," said Peter R. Morresey, BVSc, Dipl. ACT, of the University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center, at the 50th annual American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) Convention in Denver, Colo., Dec. 4-8, 2004. He explained that examination of the placenta can yield important information relating to the reproductive health of the mare and the medical prognosis of the foal. That information can lead to better or more complete referral information if either mare or foal is admitted to an equine hospital.

"It is said that what does not kill you makes you stronger, but I do not agree," he added. "The fetal inflammatory response leads to death, premature delivery, and disease."

The Client's Role in Placental Evaluation

The examination of a well-preserved placenta adds value to a post-partum checkup. "What clients can do to help us is the timeliness of placental examination," he added. "There is little you can draw from a placenta that has been exhumed from beneath an azalea bush after three days