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Foaling, Red Sac Shown, Red Bag Delivery

Summary

A well known foaling emergency is the presentation of a "red bag" at delivery. In a normal foaling, the amnionic sac, a translucent pale membrane, appears and is rapidly followed by the foal's feet and head.

If instead you see a red, velvety-looking, opaque "red bag" before the foal is born, it means that the placenta has prematurely detached from the uterus, and the unborn foal is no longer properly sustained by the mare's circulation. This is premature placental separation and it is a life-threatening emergency for the foal. The foal must begin breathing on its own immediately, or it will suffocate.

Code Red

Call Your Vet Immediately, Even Outside Business Hours
- Questions coming up around foaling should usually be discussed right away with your vet.

You also might be observing

Very Common

Less Common

Rare

Foaling, Foal Foot has Torn Hole Into Mare's Rectum & is Trapped

more observations

your role

What To Do

Call your vet immediately. Unless your vet can attend to the situation within minutes, ask them if you should cut the red bag and deliver the foal yourself. Your vet may guide you over the phone. See also the related Skill "Assist Foaling Mare, Pull Foal"

In the case of a red bag delivery, carefully but rapidly cut the thick red bag with a pair of scissors. To cut the bag, simply make a small snip in the bag with the scissors before making an aggressive cut or tearing the placenta with your hands. In this way, you are certain not to cut the foal inadvertently.

After the crisis, the foal is at risk for HIE (Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy a/k/a Dummy Foal Syndrome). Watch the foal carefully. It should rise to its feet and nurse soon after birth.

What Not To Do

If faced with what you know is a red bag delivery, and you are without veterinary assistance, do not wait. Cut the placenta and deliver the foal.

Skills you may need

Procedures that you may need to perform on your horse.

Very Common

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your vet's role

Following a red bag delivery, your vet should perform a post-foaling exam on foal, placenta and mare. In some cases, the foal will require special care.

Questions Your Vet Might Ask: