The placenta is usually expelled within 6 hours after parturition in small ruminants and is considered retained if not expelled by 12–18 hours after parturition. Causes of retained fetal membranes in sheep and goats include deficiency of selenium or vitamin A, infectious abortion (toxoplasmosis, listeriosis, and campylobacteriosis), obesity of the dam, hypocalcemia, and dystocia.
In does and ewes, retained fetal membranes are relatively uncommon, although an increased incidence has been reported in dairy goats. Retained fetal membranes are the most common complication after C-section in these species.
Veterinarians and clients should take necessary precautions in handling fetal membranes in cases where an infectious cause is suspected because many infectious causes of abortion in small ruminants are zoonotic.
Systemic treatment to guard against infection and gentle traction on exposed membranes may be used.
