🐴 Septic Metritis in Mares: Emergency Uterine Infection Management in 2025 🧬🩺

By Dr Duncan Houston BVSc

Septic metritis—a severe uterine infection—is one of the most critical conditions affecting mares after foaling. In 2025, rapid veterinary treatment is the only way to prevent life-threatening complications such as toxemia and laminitis. This post-foaling emergency demands immediate attention, especially in mares with a retained placenta or difficult birth. 🧠🐎

🦠 What Is Septic Metritis?

Septic metritis is an infection of the uterus that occurs after foaling—typically in mares with:

• 🔁 Retained placenta (not passed within 3 hours)
• 🛠️ Difficult or assisted foaling
• 🩸 Internal trauma during delivery

Left untreated, the infection becomes systemic, causing fever, depression, laminitis, and even death. 🚨

📉 Signs of Post-Foaling Infection

Be alert if your mare shows any of the following after foaling:

• 💧 Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
• 🥱 Depression or inappetence
• 🌡️ Elevated temperature
• 🐢 Stiff movement or reluctance to walk (early laminitis)

If infection is suspected, your vet should perform an exam and initiate treatment immediately. 🩺

🔍 Why Retained Placenta Is a Risk Factor

A placenta not passed within 3 hours is considered retained. It creates a perfect breeding ground for bacteria, and attempting to manually pull it risks:

• 🧠 Uterine tears
• 💥 Massive internal bleeding
• 🚫 Permanent reproductive damage

Veterinarians instead use oxytocin injections or uterine flushing to encourage safe expulsion. 🧼

💊 Treatment Protocol for Septic Metritis in 2025

✅ Step 1: Uterine Flushing

• 🧼 Large-volume flushing with sterile saline or lactated Ringer’s
• 🧪 Removes infected fluid and debris

✅ Step 2: Systemic Antibiotics

• 💉 Broad-spectrum antibiotics (e.g., penicillin + gentamicin)
• 🛡️ Continued for 5–10 days based on response

✅ Step 3: Anti-Inflammatories & Pain Control

• 💊 NSAIDs to reduce uterine inflammation and systemic toxicity

✅ Step 4: Laminitis Prevention

• 🧊 Continuous icing of the feet (24/7 for 2–3 days)
• 🦶 Supportive bedding or soft footing
• 🩺 Monitor hoof temperature and digital pulses

Laminitis is a common and often fatal side effect of uterine toxemia. Preventive care must begin at the first signs of infection. ❄️

📋 Post-Treatment Monitoring

Recovery involves:

• 📆 Daily temperature checks
• 🧬 Repeat uterine exams to confirm infection has cleared
• 👶 Monitoring for signs of future fertility concerns

Many mares recover fully with fast treatment and can safely breed again. 💖

📲 Ask A Vet for Emergency Uterine Care

If your mare had a retained placenta or difficult birth, or is showing signs of infection, visit AskAVet.com or use the Ask A Vet App to get immediate help. 📱🐴

Dr Duncan Houston and the team can guide you through flushing, medication dosing, and laminitis prevention during recovery. 💬🧠

🏁 Final Thoughts

Septic metritis is one of the most urgent post-foaling emergencies in horses. In 2025, with early vet care and modern treatments, survival and future fertility are possible—but every hour matters. Know the signs. Call your vet. Save your mare. ❤️🐎

Need a post-foaling infection protocol? Visit AskAVet.com and protect your mare’s future 🐴💉