Use the navigation bar above to access articles and more discussions on this topic.
| Author |
Message |
    
Michelle Oliver
New Member
Username: Moliver
Post Number: 1
Registered: 8-2006
| | Posted on Friday, Aug 11, 2006 - 10:39 pm: |   |
I have a 19y/o mare that was given to us almost a year ago. Noticed increasing belly size..decreased feed...still getting bigger!! Has clear, yellowish fluid from teats but not bagging up!! Not around stud that I am aware of...I have attached pics!! any thoughts?? If she is preg I want to feed her better...if she's fat then I need to make some changes!! Please help! Thanks! |
Michelle Oliver
New Member
Username: Moliver
Post Number: 2
Registered: 8-2006
| | Posted on Friday, Aug 11, 2006 - 10:53 pm: | |
sorry...here are the pics |
Karen Nolte
Member
Username: Morg1
Post Number: 118
Registered: 4-2005
| | Posted on Saturday, Aug 12, 2006 - 10:46 am: | |
How long exactly have you had her? Since you don't think she was exposed to a stallion could she have been pastured with any young stud colts by any chance? She looks like she could be pregnant, but if she's had several foals in her life she could just tend to be big in the belly now. Could you have a vet look at her? As far as her no bagging up, is she on fescue hay or pasture? If so, switch her off, but she could be just one of those who produces a bag late. I think that you should really have a vet examine her. If she is pregnant, good luck and congratulations. |
Robert N. Oglesby DVM
Moderator
Username: Dro
Post Number: 16366
Registered: 1-1997
| | Posted on Saturday, Aug 12, 2006 - 11:20 am: | |
Michelle I agree with Karen your first step should be having her examined by a veterinarian.
DrO |
Michelle Oliver
New Member
Username: Moliver
Post Number: 3
Registered: 8-2006
| | Posted on Saturday, Aug 12, 2006 - 12:37 pm: | |
I have had her a year in September. She has been on my property with a 30 y/o gelding since December. Prior to that she was with about 10 horses..mares, geldings, and 2 yearlings. I am the second owner of her and her previous owner states she has never foaled before! I had the vet out last week and he said that she looked pregnant to him, but he didn't do an invasive exam! Just looked her over, and listened to her heart, lungs, bowel sounds, etc. He said she looked good...and that there would be no other reason for her to have clear fluid from her teats unless she was with foal(except for mastitis that he ruled out!)
As for her diet...she gets 1 scoop 10% pellets in the am and a flake of coastal hay...she is pasture keep the rest of the day & night. SHe has been on this same regimen for years...except the pasture is a bit smaller now! 
Let me know what else you may have to offer! Thanks for your help! |
Chris Doyle
Member
Username: Christel
Post Number: 159
Registered: 8-2005
| | Posted on Saturday, Aug 12, 2006 - 4:56 pm: | |
Michelle, sounds like you are going to be a grandma! Was one of the yearlings she was with a colt? Yearling stallions can dang sure get a mare in foal, have heard of sons breeding their dams as yearlings.
If she has never had a foal (maiden mares can break all the rules) - she may not bag up till closer to foaling and from the picture it doesn't look like she has much of a bag- I have unbred veteran broodmares that have more bag than that. The pics to me look definetly pregnant, especially since the pear shape is so prominent on the rear view.
Im kinda surprized the vet could not feel the foal move when he was listening to bowels etc..
Since you have had her 11 months, she could foal at anytime if she is in foal.
Keep an eye on her, some things to watch for- but may or may not happen-
Muscles around the tail head get real soft, a mushy feel
Waxxing on teats- a crystal looking substance that beads up, may string down, and may be be only 1 little drop- usually 24- 48 hours away when this happens, but I had a mare do this, quit, and deliver a week later
Some people will milk the mare and are able to tell how far from delivery she is by the color of milk, im sure there is a post somewhere on this site that could help you with that. Lots of foaling info can be found too.
Good luck, and let us know what happens, foal pics would really be nice.
Chris |
Michelle Oliver
New Member
Username: Moliver
Post Number: 4
Registered: 8-2006
| | Posted on Sunday, Aug 13, 2006 - 9:06 pm: | |
Chris,
Thank you so much for your thoughts about my sweet girl! I am struggling with what to do about her diet! I have some people say to cut her food it is grass belly....and then others say she is in foal! She has certainly turned some of the "grass belly" supporters into the "in foal" supporters with the production of milk from the teats! I want to make sure she is getting enough to feed two...if she needs it...but I don't want to make her obese if she has grass belly! The vet said she looked good...and to keep the feed the same. Any thoughts?
I was feeling her tummy last night and felt a lot of movement! She is also acting different these days....she started biting at me when I saddle her up! She never has bitten or acted up before (even before I had her!) she is a laid back old girl! I also notice her standing in her stall with her nose in the corner. SHe is usually following me where ever I go...she never wants to miss a thing!
Anyway, I'm not sure about the yearlings...I think there was one of each! I will call and find out!
I have not seen any changes to her bag...the "milk" seems more white today...it had been clear/yellow a few days ago. Does that mean anything? I palpated around her tail head...and it seems very mushy on both sides of it! Haven't seen the waxing over yet....but I will keep checking!
I was also wondering...should I be able to hear a foal heartbeat with a stethescope? What about with a doppler?
Is there any other ways to confirm pregnancy...or rule out obesity??
Thanks again for all of the input!
Michelle |
Karen Nolte
Member
Username: Morg1
Post Number: 119
Registered: 4-2005
| | Posted on Sunday, Aug 13, 2006 - 9:32 pm: | |
HI Michelle
It certainly sounds like you have a pregnant mare, and if so, she should be due anytime. Can you have a vet come out and specifically check her for pregnancy? If not, continue to wait and see.
About her feed, if she looks good don't change anything at least not until after she has the foal. From your pictures, she looks like she's in great shape.
I'm looking forward to seeing pictures of your new baby when it arrives.
Good luck,
Karen |
Chris Doyle
Member
Username: Christel
Post Number: 160
Registered: 8-2005
| | Posted on Sunday, Aug 13, 2006 - 11:29 pm: | |
Michelle, go with what your vet says, keep the feed where you have it. I usually increase both grain and hay gradually starting in the last 3 months, as the foal is in an active growing phase. Your mare being a maiden mare, it has been my experience, will be an easier keeper than a mare that has a foal year after year. If your vet thought she was in good condition, go with what he says. After foal is born you may notice weight loss and want to increase feed. I feed my broodmares a 14% protein grain year round, but would hesitate to tell you to switch at this point, it may not be good for the mare.
I have not any experience on guessing at this stage of the game, I have always known my mares were in foal, am not sure if they can do a sonogram or palpate to confirm a pregnancy as far along as your mare would have to be.
Hope that helps,
Chris |
Linda S.
Member
Username: Banthony
Post Number: 129
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Monday, Aug 14, 2006 - 9:22 am: | |
Michelle,
I'm very surprised your vet didn't do a rectal exam or ultrasound so that you will know for sure if the mare is in foal or not.
You need to know for sure. There is no sense waiting up or for feeding for pregnancy if the mare isn't in foal. |
Michelle Oliver
New Member
Username: Moliver
Post Number: 5
Registered: 8-2006
| | Posted on Tuesday, Aug 15, 2006 - 11:27 pm: | |
The vet offered to do a rectal but he would have to sedate her,etc...which would cost $250+...he said that he thought she was pregnant and wouldn't spend the money if I didn't have to. My husband jumped all over that idea...he is still getting used to the cost of all of this! SO I was out voted...I just thought I would get the opinions of some more experienced "grandparents"!
Thanks to all of you that have responded...I greatly appreciate you taking the time to answer my post! I keep checking for all of the signs to look for...and will keep you updated!
Thanks again and God Bless!!
Michelle |
Little King Ranch
Member
Username: Eoeo
Post Number: 276
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, Aug 16, 2006 - 12:37 am: | |
Holy Cow!! What kind of sedation is he going to give her? I have never heard of charging $250.00 to sedate and do a rectal palpation. I am glad I don't have to pay that exorbitant amount. They will do an ultrasound here at our place with sedation for $49. The most I have ever paid was $90.00 and that was in a pinch. EO |
Robert N. Oglesby DVM
Moderator
Username: Dro
Post Number: 16405
Registered: 1-1997
| | Posted on Wednesday, Aug 16, 2006 - 7:47 am: | |
If the vet's attitude that this should be left to chance, considering the recommended management changes, and that the cost of the rectal, including sedation alone would be 250 dollars, I would consider a new veterinarian.
DrO |
Karen Nolte
Member
Username: Morg1
Post Number: 120
Registered: 4-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, Aug 16, 2006 - 8:18 am: | |
I agree with DrO. I have a vet that is an hour away from me that I occasionally use, and I could have him do about 4 mares for that fee. Including the farm call (which is around $100, because of the mileage). |
Chris Doyle
Member
Username: Christel
Post Number: 162
Registered: 8-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, Aug 16, 2006 - 8:56 am: | |
WOW, I have never had a mare to have to be sedated for a rectal palpation. Cost for me is $18, and thats with a sonagram included which you dont need.
I agree w/ Dr O. Find another vet.
Chris |
Linda S.
Member
Username: Banthony
Post Number: 132
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, Aug 16, 2006 - 10:11 am: | |
We never sedate for rectal palpation or ultrasound. For most of our mares we don't have to use any restraint (twitch.)
That is nuts! |
Christine Holmes Bukowski
Member
Username: Canyon28
Post Number: 139
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, Aug 16, 2006 - 6:25 pm: | |
You should get a new vet, I concur with Dr O. Any vet that would tell you to leave it to chance is not someone I would take my business to. Also the fee is ridiculous, and I would have told them so! A shot of Dom costs just a few dollars if you have a mare that is not going to stand still for palpating and if you dont have your own chute. It should cost no more than about $60 for the shot, the palpating and pregnancy exam, plus maybe some for the farm call. I have several mares that we routinely sedate to palpate or US, because they are young mares, they were ranch raised, they were never broke to ride, and I would rather BE SAFE THAN SORRY. It isnt a big deal, but it sure makes it safer for the vet, the handler, and the mare! I have my own chute and have had horses try to jump out of it on several occasions, it is really scary and not worth the danger when you can have the vet sedate the mare a little and everything will be fine. My two mares are getting better about being in the chute, but if you havent had this mare long I would not allow a vet to look at her unless she was tranquilized, because neither of you know what she will do. A few dollars for a shot is a lot better than having to pay for a big injury to the mare or to yourself, or even to the vet! |
Nicole Tucker
Member
Username: Tuckern
Post Number: 80
Registered: 9-2004
| | Posted on Friday, Aug 18, 2006 - 1:51 pm: | |
Michelle,
How is your mare doing? Any further indications as to whether she's definitely in foal? Actually, maybe I should be asking if there's a baby on the ground yet?
Nicole |
Michelle Oliver
Member
Username: Moliver
Post Number: 6
Registered: 8-2006
| | Posted on Monday, Aug 21, 2006 - 11:19 pm: | |
well...her bag is getting bigger today! I am looking for a new vet..thanks for all of your help! I will keep you updated and hopefully post baby pics soon! |
Shawna
Member
Username: Qh4me
Post Number: 186
Registered: 3-2005
| | Posted on Friday, Aug 25, 2006 - 1:37 pm: | |
If you find a new vet, I think I would palpate her to see if there is indeed a baby!
Ooohh. Maybe baby pics coming soon. This reminds me of the post last year about baby Levi!!
I hope we don't have to wait as long as we did for him. That must have been one of the longest posts on HA. 
Speaking of baby Levi!! Do we have any update on him? He must be coming a year old soon? |
Shawna
Member
Username: Qh4me
Post Number: 187
Registered: 3-2005
| | Posted on Friday, Aug 25, 2006 - 1:43 pm: | |
Sorry..I think I got mixed up on the posts, I was thinking about Levi, who was also a surprise right? but I guess the post I was referring to which started out...Is she pregnant...and ended up ...waiting for foal....was about Kodak, Priscilla's baby
Priscilla...How is Kodak doing? |
Michelle Oliver
Member
Username: Moliver
Post Number: 7
Registered: 8-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, Aug 31, 2006 - 12:04 am: | |
Hi guys...sorry i have been without pc...still no baby..she is definately pregnant...she was kicked in the belly close to the hind quarter yesturday and she has a large area of swelling developing on that side about 10 inches away from kick???...it is soft fluid filled, slightly warm, and tender to the touch...i took some photos...still eating as normal...should i be concerned...size has doubled since this AM...should i be worried???
|
Michelle Oliver
Member
Username: Moliver
Post Number: 8
Registered: 8-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, Aug 31, 2006 - 12:56 am: | |
here are more photos....i hope these might help!!! thanks!!
 |
Robert N. Oglesby DVM
Moderator
Username: Dro
Post Number: 16507
Registered: 1-1997
| | Posted on Thursday, Aug 31, 2006 - 6:26 am: | |
There is nothing in the photos to suggest permanent injury but to make this determination for sure would require a physical exam including careful palpation of the kicked areas. The swelling, which is probably serum and blood, is being pulled down by gravity and if not accompanied by tearing of the muscle layers or a broken rib will in time resolve without treatment though moving around will help.
DrO |
Sara Wolff
Member
Username: Mrose
Post Number: 1650
Registered: 1-2000
| | Posted on Thursday, Aug 31, 2006 - 8:49 am: | |
Hi, Michelle. Keep a good eye on this girl. If you can separate her from other horses, imo it would be a good idea. I don't know how many horses you have, but if she has one good buddy that she can be near, that is good, but don't turn her out with the whole herd. I'd keep her where I could watch her and have her in at night.
If you aren't experienced I'd be sure and read the articles on this site on foaling, and get a foal kit ready, and keep a stall or other foaling area clean and ready.
Considering the fee your vet would charge to palpate your mare I wonder if he's uncomfortable doing them due to lack of practice. Maybe he hasn't done one since vet school..another reason to find a new vet if possible, one who's had some experience with pg mares and new foals. All the years we bred we only had to sedate a mare once or twice for palpation, and that was with a shot of Acepromazine or xylazine to "chill them out" a little so they weren't so tight and nervous.
Best of luck and I'm looking forward to foal pictures. |
Michelle Oliver
Member
Username: Moliver
Post Number: 9
Registered: 8-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, Aug 31, 2006 - 9:45 am: | |
thanks for the info...she had me worried last night..the kick from 2 days ago is the one by her hind quarter...so i wasn't sure why there would be a hematoma so far away...but the gravity thing makes sense!! she looked so deformed...i wanted to make sure that they were ok...the pigeon fever info had me scared...she is doing fine this am...eating good...couldn't check on the passing of stool due to the lovely tropical storm we've had the last 24hrs...but it has cleared up today so i can see what we have...we have 4 horses on our property..and i am keeping them in pairs separated until she gives us that baby...thanks again...i will keep you updated...i was hoping the tropical depression would put her in labor (like it does with humans) but no such luck!!! |
Linda S.
Member
Username: Banthony
Post Number: 151
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, Aug 31, 2006 - 10:20 am: | |
Hey Michelle,
I have had a couple of mares that I sure thought were pregnant that came up open. Mares with big bellies and udder development.
Try to get her palped so you know for sure. |
barbara
Member
Username: Oscarvv
Post Number: 757
Registered: 10-1999
| | Posted on Thursday, Aug 31, 2006 - 6:17 pm: | |
Thanks for the update. Can you take pics of her udder? I am curious to see what it looks like.
-B |
