What is retained placenta?

Retained placenta occurs when the placenta or fetal membranes are not fully expelled after birth. It can lead to infection or haemorrhage and should be evaluated by a vet using imaging and blood tests.

Does retained placenta require surgery?

Whether surgery is needed depends on the extent of retention and whether infection is present. Mild cases may be managed conservatively with monitoring, while severe cases often require surgical intervention. Always follow your vet's recommendation.

What can I observe at home to help with diagnosis?

Record changes in alertness, appetite, and body temperature, and note the colour, amount, and odour of vaginal discharge. Photographs or short videos are helpful to share with your vet.

What follow-up care is needed after treatment?

After treatment, attend regular follow-up visits for blood work and imaging. Keep the perineal area clean, record temperature and changes in alertness and appetite, and seek prompt veterinary care if anything seems abnormal.

How much do the tests and treatment usually cost?

Costs vary by clinic and region — ask your vet for an estimate before proceeding.

Disease Guide

Retained Placenta in Dogs & Cats: Symptoms, Ultrasound & Home Care Guide [2025]

Retained placenta after birth requires prompt veterinary attention

Take 1 minute to check the symptoms first

Last updated: 2026/01/06

Pethealthmap Editorial Team

Sources: AVMA, WSAVA, National Taiwan University Veterinary Hospital

When to See a Vet

Seek Emergency Care Immediately

•Persistent high fever with obvious lethargy and loss of appetite
•Heavy or continuous vaginal bleeding or blood clots
•Severe abdominal pain, constant crying out, or inability to stand

Schedule a Clinic Visit Soon (within 24–72 hours)

•Abnormal vaginal discharge lasting more than a few days without improvement
•Significantly reduced appetite or refusal to eat for more than one day
•Markedly decreased activity level and reluctance to move

01What symptoms indicate a problem?

Retained placenta typically presents within hours to days after birth; owners should monitor changes in alertness, appetite, and vaginal discharge.

Lethargy, drowsiness, or reduced responsiveness
Noticeably reduced appetite or refusal to eat
Decreased activity, reluctance to move or jump
Abnormal vaginal discharge, blood clots, or foul odour
Changes in urination or defecation habits
If symptoms persist for more than a day without improvement, seek veterinary care promptly

02How to assess abnormalities at home: key observations and emergency criteria

Keeping systematic records at home helps your vet assess the situation quickly and arrange appropriate tests.

Note the onset time and progression of changes in alertness and responsiveness
Record daily food intake, appetite changes, and water consumption
Observe and photograph vaginal discharge — note colour, amount, and odour
Measure and record body temperature daily; watch for fever
Photograph or video abnormal behaviour and discharge to share with your vet
If possible, seek a clinic with ultrasound capability for a more thorough assessment

03How will the vet make a diagnosis? Common examination items

At the clinic, the vet will use physical examination, imaging, and blood tests to confirm whether placental tissue or infection remains.

Physical examination

assessing vital signs, uterine palpation, and pain response

Blood and biochemistry panel

evaluating infection markers and organ function

Urinalysis

to rule out urinary or metabolic issues

Abdominal ultrasound

checking the uterus for retained placental tissue or abnormalities

Radiography

assessing pelvic and uterine shadows, ruling out other conditions

Referral to a specialist or reproductive medicine clinic when further intervention is needed

04How to treat and care for your pet after diagnosis: medications, diet, and home care

Treatment is guided by examination findings; both surgical and conservative approaches require regular follow-up and home care to reduce the risk of complications.

Choose between conservative management or interventional treatment based on examination results
Attend scheduled follow-up visits to monitor blood values and imaging changes
Keep the perineal area clean at home; avoid moisture and contamination
Monitor diet, body weight, and appetite recovery
Measure temperature regularly and report changes in alertness and elimination to your vet
If abnormalities persist or worsen, seek referral to a specialist hospital

05What to prepare before the vet visit: key information to help your vet assess quickly

Note when symptoms started and when each change occurred

Prepare recent records of feeding, elimination, and body temperature

List current medications, supplements, and vaccination history

Take photos of vaginal discharge and short video clips of abnormal behaviour

Bring previous test reports or imaging if available

Call ahead to ask whether an ultrasound appointment can be arranged

This content is for reference only and cannot replace a professional veterinary diagnosis. If your pet shows signs of illness, please seek veterinary care promptly.