If the placenta only partially separates, the uterus cannot contract properly, so the blood vessels inside will continue to bleed.

[2] However, ergometrine should not be given as it causes tonic uterine contractions which may delay placental expulsion.

[2] Manual extraction may be required if cord traction also fails,[2] or if heavy ongoing bleeding occurs.

There is currently uncertainty about the effectiveness of anaesthesia or analgesia for manual extraction, in terms of pain and the risk of postpartum haemorrhage.

Retention of fetal membranes (afterbirth) is observed more frequently in cattle than in other animals.