I have a 7 yr old tb here. She was covered June 6th and is due approx May 14th. Being 7 weeks away give or take the usual. This is her second foal. She gave birth early last year and the foal died. She ran thru a gate injurying her side and went into labour last year.
Problem.
She is 6-7 weeks from foaling. She is getting very irritable ( i dont blame her with her size) and she is really bagging up. Her teats have not become involved yet but her udder and some of the area in front of is very noticably enlarged. Im used to seeing mares bag up 3 weeks in advance not 7. This does not resolve on turnout and is constant size thru the day.
I know when i bred her but im wondering if the farm she came from before i got her covered her thinking it didnt work. I have inquired with the current owner as i have her on lease for 2 yrs.
Anyone else ran into this situation? She is not waxing. But im getting worried. Vet doesnt seem alarmed at this point.
help!
Bagging UP 7 weeks early !! anyone seen this?
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Hi Kirsten,
It doesn't sound to me like you mare is doing anything out of the ordinary. Mares go through hormonal changes all through their pregnancies. Although it's true, the changes are different for each mare, it has been my experience over the years that they are all close to the same.
There will be days you will see the bag get larger, only for it to shrink again in a day or two. Remember, cholostrum is a mare's "first milk." She will not make it until birth is quite imminent. This is the characteristic "waxing over" that we have all come to know and love.
It doesn't sound to me like you mare is doing anything out of the ordinary. Mares go through hormonal changes all through their pregnancies. Although it's true, the changes are different for each mare, it has been my experience over the years that they are all close to the same.
There will be days you will see the bag get larger, only for it to shrink again in a day or two. Remember, cholostrum is a mare's "first milk." She will not make it until birth is quite imminent. This is the characteristic "waxing over" that we have all come to know and love.
Hi Kirsten,
My mare that is due 5/11 is more bagged up than my mare that is 3 days overdue. I wouldnt be overally concerned about her at all. Each mare is different and there are so many signs of foaling besides bagging up that they will all fall into place. We have mares here that will foal 3 weeks early and others that will foal at 12 1/2 months...each is different but all will drive you crazy! All we can do is sit back, be prepared and enjoy!
My mare that is due 5/11 is more bagged up than my mare that is 3 days overdue. I wouldnt be overally concerned about her at all. Each mare is different and there are so many signs of foaling besides bagging up that they will all fall into place. We have mares here that will foal 3 weeks early and others that will foal at 12 1/2 months...each is different but all will drive you crazy! All we can do is sit back, be prepared and enjoy!
My maiden mare just did the same thing. They pulled blood on her to check progesterone which turned out to be low indicating she was ready to foal; however, it went back up five days later and the progesterone dip was believed to be due to hauling, so if your really freaking out and just need some peace of mind have her progesterone checked. She may just be one of those "early bird gets the worm" type of mares.
Karie wrote:These girls just want to keep us all guessing.. Its always something.
Today my boyfriend ran out there to see what my one mare was doing.. and she was just itching her butt on a tree
ha ha It was funny to see him "Freak Out" over nothing..
Brings new meaning to the phrase "it's a woman's prerogative..." 
Kristen,
Forgot to mention, the "old" vet that came out to see the mare the morning the milk dripping started said "go read a book on horse breeding and call me when her water breaks" as he got back in his truck without doing a thing. We called another vet who actually knows repro and did all the appropriate things. I did a websearch and checked on the IVIS site to educate myself as well. We did everything possible.
Sometimes old vets just don't keep up with agressive medicine.
Forgot to mention, the "old" vet that came out to see the mare the morning the milk dripping started said "go read a book on horse breeding and call me when her water breaks" as he got back in his truck without doing a thing. We called another vet who actually knows repro and did all the appropriate things. I did a websearch and checked on the IVIS site to educate myself as well. We did everything possible.
Sometimes old vets just don't keep up with agressive medicine.
Yes, thanks Sysonby.
The mare is still getting pit 2x day and flushed every few days with antibiotics. She'll be ok and it's probly a blessing as we haven't moved yet. I wasn't planning on being in this house/property with a foal. Dumaani's numbers are not good, his Ca crop should be doing something and they're not. Next year will be better.
The mare is still getting pit 2x day and flushed every few days with antibiotics. She'll be ok and it's probly a blessing as we haven't moved yet. I wasn't planning on being in this house/property with a foal. Dumaani's numbers are not good, his Ca crop should be doing something and they're not. Next year will be better.
Thanks Diane, i will consult my "good horse repro vet" asap. I lost a foal last year. April 1st ( mares name was snow joke) sick joke! anyway she was 10 days early and aborted with no signs of a problem and no bagging up. Its so heartwrenching to get so close and take a loss to our horse families.
I feel a bit at ease with the advice given by all you more experienced ppl. I will have vet out run some blood and see if treating prophalatically with antibiotics is a option if it could be a mastitis problem. Today she shows more swelling on one side expecially from the rear. Feels warm and firm to touch.
I finished off her foaling stall today so its good and sturdy for her and hopefully baby. Ill try take some picks of her udder to show just how big she is.
ill keep in touch via the board. I know what is like to have to worry about moving horses. Im just starting in the midst of a separation. Luckily my husband is allowing me lease of the barn and property as long as i need or want. Im hoping to find a cute little farm here to live out my dreams of horse ownership as it has been a constant in my life for 26 years!
I feel a bit at ease with the advice given by all you more experienced ppl. I will have vet out run some blood and see if treating prophalatically with antibiotics is a option if it could be a mastitis problem. Today she shows more swelling on one side expecially from the rear. Feels warm and firm to touch.
I finished off her foaling stall today so its good and sturdy for her and hopefully baby. Ill try take some picks of her udder to show just how big she is.
ill keep in touch via the board. I know what is like to have to worry about moving horses. Im just starting in the midst of a separation. Luckily my husband is allowing me lease of the barn and property as long as i need or want. Im hoping to find a cute little farm here to live out my dreams of horse ownership as it has been a constant in my life for 26 years!
oops forgot to mention.. now im living at my parents and commuting 2 times a day to feed and care for the horses. I bought a wireless video monitor a few months ago so i could keep an eye on the mare from the house. Now im living 10 km away and its doesnt transmit that far. LOL. But hubby has agreed to let me move in 2 weeks when shes getting due. OMG would nt it be funny if i moved in now for 7 weeks.
Anyway im watching closely for the signs to move back when im needed so i know she will have a attendant if needed.
Anyway im watching closely for the signs to move back when im needed so i know she will have a attendant if needed.