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Priscilla Severini
Member
Username: Priscds
Post Number: 4
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Monday, Jul 18, 2005 - 10:33 am: |   |
I just purchased a mare about a month ago, she looked very over weight , the guy who sold her to me said that she would steal the food from his other horse so he fed her extra to give his gelding time to eat all his food. well since I have had her home I cut her feed down to less that half of what she was getting and it seems that she has grown even more in the belly , could it be possible that she is pregnant? She was exposed to a stallion late last September during the hurricanes here in Florida , he took her and the others to Georgia to weather out the storms . He had a vet check her earlier this year to see if she was pregnant and the vet so no. Should I be concerned |
Sherri L. Hueser
Member
Username: Tangoh
Post Number: 518
Registered: 3-2000
| | Posted on Monday, Jul 18, 2005 - 1:32 pm: | |
Believe me...it's possible, even if the vet said no. If she was exposed in September she'd be having an August foal so she probably didn't show much earlier this year. Have her checked out again! Our mare did not get the proper mare care she needed and deserved because we did not think she was in foal only to completely SURPRISE us early one morning last week. Fortunately so far, all is fine, but had we known, we could have been giving her more feed, she's nursing now with not much for reserves. We're really trying to improve her condition now while she nurses her foal, who is also a little on the thin side but thankfully healthy. |
Robert N. Oglesby DVM
Moderator
Username: Dro
Post Number: 13369
Registered: 1-1997
| | Posted on Tuesday, Jul 19, 2005 - 7:39 am: | |
Since the check is hearsay, you should have her checked so you can manage it correctly, particularly if you are on fescue grass.
DrO |
Priscilla Severini
Member
Username: Priscds
Post Number: 5
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, Jul 19, 2005 - 3:01 pm: | |
Update on my mare : I have called the vet and I am waiting for him to call me back to come out and check her . She has a cloudy fluid that comes out of her teats if you squeeze them gently, also they seem to be getting bigger and seem to be getting firm . This is driving me crazy I wish the vet would just hurry up and get here! She also has been refusing her hay , she still is eating her grain with no problem but just walks away from the alphalfa . Very strange to me, since all this has been happening in the last week... I am going out to take a picture of her so you all can see for your self... thank you in advance |
Sherri L. Hueser
Member
Username: Tangoh
Post Number: 519
Registered: 3-2000
| | Posted on Tuesday, Jul 19, 2005 - 3:21 pm: | |
Can't wait to hear what the vet says or see the picture of her!!! Is she any bigger on her left side when you stand behind her? |
Priscilla Severini
Member
Username: Priscds
Post Number: 6
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, Jul 19, 2005 - 3:35 pm: | |
mare |
Priscilla Severini
Member
Username: Priscds
Post Number: 7
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, Jul 19, 2005 - 3:36 pm: | |
 teats |
Priscilla Severini
Member
Username: Priscds
Post Number: 8
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, Jul 19, 2005 - 3:41 pm: | |
rear view  |
Priscilla Severini
Member
Username: Priscds
Post Number: 9
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, Jul 19, 2005 - 3:43 pm: | |
 side view |
Lesslie Ann Johnson
New Member
Username: Shark
Post Number: 1
Registered: 6-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, Jul 19, 2005 - 3:53 pm: | |
heh heh heh your going to have a baby soon  |
Sherri L. Hueser
Member
Username: Tangoh
Post Number: 520
Registered: 3-2000
| | Posted on Tuesday, Jul 19, 2005 - 3:54 pm: | |
I'm sorry, I can't help but giggle a little - she sure does look preggers to me!!! Just look at how the left side protrudes (although I guess it could just be the way she's standing - and what about that udder???)
Are you hoping for a positive or a negative diagnosis of pregnancy? |
Lesslie Ann Johnson
New Member
Username: Shark
Post Number: 2
Registered: 6-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, Jul 19, 2005 - 3:55 pm: | |
Good Luck.... |
Priscilla Severini
Member
Username: Priscds
Post Number: 10
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, Jul 19, 2005 - 4:07 pm: | |
Well a positive would be very neat but i didnt buy her for a baby i really fell in love with her, but I would take the baby too. I am just waiting to wake up one morning and find something laying beside her it would really be a great gift as long as nothing happenes to her |
Priscilla Severini
Member
Username: Priscds
Post Number: 11
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, Jul 19, 2005 - 4:23 pm: | |
 another view of her teats she just looks huge |
Sherri L. Hueser
Member
Username: Tangoh
Post Number: 521
Registered: 3-2000
| | Posted on Tuesday, Jul 19, 2005 - 4:27 pm: | |
Here's hoping you get that 'great little 4-legged gift' and all turns out well with the mare. |
Heidi Magnuson
Member
Username: Heidim
Post Number: 26
Registered: 1-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, Jul 19, 2005 - 4:39 pm: | |
Looks like you've got a pretty good camera there. We'll be watching for new baby photos when the blessed event occurs. Good luck! |
Sara Wolff
Member
Username: Mrose
Post Number: 771
Registered: 1-2000
| | Posted on Tuesday, Jul 19, 2005 - 7:35 pm: | |
Sorry, but I just had to laugh!
I agree with the consensus; a very "preggers" mare! I'd highly recommend that you read the articles here on foaling if you're not experience at this. Watch for your mare to "wax up" that is for globs of sticky, waxy looking stuff to form on her teats. Also, she should soften up around the head of her tail. Of course, just to keep you guessing some mares foal with no traditional signs. Looks to me like you probably have a few days to learn before she foals; but I'd keep a close eye on her!
Good luck! |
D.
Member
Username: Dyduroc
Post Number: 155
Registered: 6-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, Jul 19, 2005 - 8:29 pm: | |
Looks to me like there's another 'Dandy Surprise' in store! Sorry, I couldn't help myself!
When's the vet coming?
D. |
Priscilla Severini
Member
Username: Priscds
Post Number: 12
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, Jul 19, 2005 - 10:01 pm: | |
Still never heard from the vet today hopefully in the morning I will get a call . SHe was acting very strange this afternoon, I went out to check on her and she had her nose on the ground while her head was pressing up against a tree, I tried talking to her and she just stood there and ignored me, like she was asleep ...still not very interested in her hay, but she was grazzing on grass for a while. You talked about softening around her tail, is this on the top of her tail? She is very soft at the top of her tail already, seems pretty puffy |
Holly Wood
Member
Username: Hwood
Post Number: 704
Registered: 3-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, Jul 19, 2005 - 10:57 pm: | |
Head pressing is often a sign of pain in a horse. I would stay with her or check on her often during the night tonight.
Best to all of you . . . |
Priscilla Severini
Member
Username: Priscds
Post Number: 13
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, Jul 20, 2005 - 7:41 am: | |
Well nothing happened last night everything is still the same,looking forward to the vet calling today |
Nancy S. Kaplan
Member
Username: Redalert
Post Number: 141
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, Jul 20, 2005 - 8:55 am: | |
Priscilla
Has her bag changed significantly lately,to look like that? Sometimes, overweight mares also have that "fat bag"! However, if that bag has changed recently to look like that, then I'm jumping on the bandwagon with everybody else, to say "Happy Foaling!"
Can't wait to hear what the vet finds ... I think all of us here at HA are ready for another "Dandy Surprise"!
Nancy |
Nancy S. Kaplan
Member
Username: Redalert
Post Number: 142
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, Jul 20, 2005 - 9:04 am: | |
Oh, Priscilla, in answer to your question about the "softening around the tailbone" ... it would be the area on the rump on both sides of the backbone area toward the tail bone. The muscles there become soft and sometimes a bit "sunken in". Hope this helps lead you to the spot!
Nancy |
Priscilla Severini
Member
Username: Priscds
Post Number: 14
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, Jul 20, 2005 - 9:06 am: | |
Nancy, to answer your question she was a bit fatty down there but has changed alot in the past few days , they have gotten bigger and seem to have become quite firm. She has definetly changed her moods and seems to be very sad or just uncomfortable. Still drinking plenty of water and eating her grain, she is not really going crazy for her alphalfa , maybe a few bites and then she leaves it... so many questions still out there if the vet does not call me back this morning I will be calling another one to get out here |
Priscilla Severini
Member
Username: Priscds
Post Number: 15
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, Jul 20, 2005 - 9:07 am: | |
Thanks Nancy I know just where you are talking about , seems that everything that is being said she is ready to drop any minute |
Karen Nolte
Member
Username: Morg1
Post Number: 20
Registered: 4-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, Jul 20, 2005 - 9:24 am: | |
I agree with everyone else. I thought that she looks a little relaxed on either side of the tail head, but it's hard to tell, and she's not my mare. Is her vulva looking relaxed? That's also a good sign. She could show you these signs for awhile or she could foal immediately. That's the beauty of having a mare about to foal they certainly keep you on your toes. If she's not eating real well I would say that she's close, and check on her often. Hopefully, you will have a healthy foal on the ground in no time. |
Sara Wolff
Member
Username: Mrose
Post Number: 775
Registered: 1-2000
| | Posted on Wednesday, Jul 20, 2005 - 9:43 am: | |
Have you had a foal before? Did you get a chance to read up on foaling if you haven't? You should get together a "foaling kit" if you don't already have one ready. I put in mine betadine and a small paper cup(to dip the umbilical cord in), an aspirator bulb (like you use for babies with a cold - in case the foal's nose is stuffed up with fluid) a plastic garbage bag (to put the placenta in) a pediatric enema (like Fleet's) a tetenus shot and an antibiotic shot, and I also put in a long examination glove and some sterile lubricant in case the mare has problems and I have to help reposition the foal. I add a few other things, but if you aren't experience, better to call the vet instead of doing too much yourself.
If you haven't read about foaling on this site, do so and follow Dr. O's suggestions.
Normally, all goes well and the mare foals with no problems. I always keep a close watch on the mare (I sleep in the barn when a foal is due) "just in case." If there is a problem, someone's being there can make the difference between life and death for the foal. Sometimes, for instance, a foal is weak and can't break out of the sac, in which case cutting the sac open is necessary. If the mare is struggling and no foal is emerging, or there are any other problems, your being there to call the vet may save her and the foal's life.
Keep food and water in front of the mare all the time and let her pick at it as she chooses. Keep her stall/pen picked out and clean as possible. Make lots of coffee, and sit and wait.
Keep us posted!! |
Holly Wood
Member
Username: Hwood
Post Number: 705
Registered: 3-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, Jul 20, 2005 - 9:57 am: | |
I know it's not imperative, but if you have a chance to prepare, you'll probably want to have straw in the stall, rather than shavings (if you DO have shavings). If you have a clean pasture/paddock with grass, that should be good for the birthing, but if you have the mare closed into a stall, straw is safer than shavings (but a pain in the neck to clean). |
Priscilla Severini
Member
Username: Priscds
Post Number: 16
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, Jul 20, 2005 - 10:40 am: | |
Well I have read everything i could possibly get my hands on , If she indeed is going to have a baby I do believe I will be completely ready , I am going to get a box of things ready just incase.This is almost like waiting for your own due date and very very exciting.wish me luck and dont go anywhere in case i have questions  Thank you everyone |
Sherri L. Hueser
Member
Username: Tangoh
Post Number: 522
Registered: 3-2000
| | Posted on Wednesday, Jul 20, 2005 - 10:55 am: | |
Well Priscilla - you are fortunate. At least you are prepared 'just in case' with all the good advise from people that have posted here. I was NOT prepared but this same group of posters got me through the 'after birth' of our unannounced foal!
Get ready to spend hours sitting on your butt in the middle of a pen with mom and foal, like I'm doing now...playing with the little buggar. The dishes are starting to pile up in the house but what an awesome experience having a foal! GOOD LUCK!!! |
Sue G
Member
Username: Warwick
Post Number: 170
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, Jul 20, 2005 - 11:00 am: | |
Along with all the excellent suggestions you've already been given, there are two key ingredients missing from the list - a large bottle of wine and a corkscrew. Plastic stemware glasses are also a nice touch but definitely not a necessity.
All kidding aside, do you have a vet who will respond quickly in the wee hours if needed? It might be worth a call to the office to alert them that this might be a possibility. It might give you peace of mind - especially as your vet hasn't returned your call yet which is a bit of a concern to me.
Lots of exciting happenings on the HA baby front lately! |
Susan Bilsky
Member
Username: Suzeb
Post Number: 427
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, Jul 20, 2005 - 11:27 am: | |
Better get some paper plates and disposable knives and forks too... .
Like Sue G. said, it might be worthwhile to phone the office for some peace of mind.
We are all wishing you a wonderful and healthy outcome.
Susan B. |
Priscilla Severini
Member
Username: Priscds
Post Number: 17
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, Jul 20, 2005 - 1:31 pm: | |
Well the vet called and he will be out in the morning , I will let you all know what the outcome is. |
Sherri L. Hueser
Member
Username: Tangoh
Post Number: 524
Registered: 3-2000
| | Posted on Wednesday, Jul 20, 2005 - 1:49 pm: | |
You might have a foal on the ground before he gets there |
Priscilla Severini
Member
Username: Priscds
Post Number: 18
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, Jul 20, 2005 - 8:53 pm: | |
well I borrowed a stethescope from my neighbor.. I could barely find my own heart beat  I tried to listen and all I heard was a bunch of fluid rolling around, thats why i am not the doctor. I will wait until the morning and see what Dr.Smith has to say |
Sherri L. Hueser
Member
Username: Tangoh
Post Number: 526
Registered: 3-2000
| | Posted on Thursday, Jul 21, 2005 - 10:54 am: | |
I'm on pins and needles Priscilla! What TIME is the vet coming? |
Nancy S. Kaplan
Member
Username: Redalert
Post Number: 146
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, Jul 21, 2005 - 11:06 am: | |
Okay, Priscilla ... do WE have a foal yet? Man, are we going to be disappointed if there isn't one coming!!!!!!!
Nancy |
Priscilla Severini
Member
Username: Priscds
Post Number: 20
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, Jul 21, 2005 - 12:46 pm: | |
well no baby yet , and the vet had an emergency so he will be here tomorrow , i am coming out of my skin waiting for something to happened could this be any worse |
Cheryl Hohler
Member
Username: Chohler
Post Number: 307
Registered: 8-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, Jul 21, 2005 - 12:51 pm: | |
Hehee sounds like everyone's gonna need a drink or 2!
Good Luck! |
Sherri L. Hueser
Member
Username: Tangoh
Post Number: 527
Registered: 3-2000
| | Posted on Thursday, Jul 21, 2005 - 1:04 pm: | |
You have GOT to be kidding!!! Not until tomorrow! I don't think I can wait....you must be going nuts!!! |
Julie Hall
Member
Username: Julieh
Post Number: 19
Registered: 6-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, Jul 21, 2005 - 1:33 pm: | |
I couldn't wait to come back from lunch to check on this! I am not sure we all can wait! Let us know - we're keeping our fingers crossed! |
Priscilla Severini
Member
Username: Priscds
Post Number: 21
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, Jul 21, 2005 - 5:23 pm: | |
oh believe me everyone I am pulling my hair out, here's to another night waking up all hours wondering . This is my kind of luck |
Sara Wolff
Member
Username: Mrose
Post Number: 781
Registered: 1-2000
| | Posted on Thursday, Jul 21, 2005 - 5:59 pm: | |
And to think, there are those of us who go through this waiting and watching several times each spring...by design!! |
Nancy S. Kaplan
Member
Username: Redalert
Post Number: 148
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, Jul 21, 2005 - 6:57 pm: | |
Does your vet know that hundreds of us are eagerly awaiting the answer!!!!!!!!!!!! |
JoDeen Levanger
Member
Username: Jodeen
Post Number: 27
Registered: 6-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, Jul 21, 2005 - 7:00 pm: | |
Priscilla,
I have a special bottle of wine waiting for the news. was going to open it last night, but after following these threads, decided to wait till the little one arrives. Every spring I buy a special one bottle of wine per foals we are excpecting. (silly huh) |
