Very Common
You also might be observing
Observation
What you see. The starting point for addressing any equine health related issue is your observation.
YOU ARE OBSERVING
Vaginal or Vulvar Discharge, Pregnant Mare
Summary
There should be no vaginal discharge in a pregnant mare until the first stage of labor, at which time a reddish discharge is expected.
True vaginal discharge that originates in the uterus is either a sign of impending foaling or a problem with the pregnancy (infection) and impending abortion.
Occasionally, conditions affecting the vulva or vagina result in a discharge that is not originating from the uterus and does not indicate a threat to the pregnancy. For example, urine containing whitish green crystals that accumulate on the vulvar lips can be confused with vaginal discharge.
True vaginal discharge that originates in the uterus is either a sign of impending foaling or a problem with the pregnancy (infection) and impending abortion.
Occasionally, conditions affecting the vulva or vagina result in a discharge that is not originating from the uterus and does not indicate a threat to the pregnancy. For example, urine containing whitish green crystals that accumulate on the vulvar lips can be confused with vaginal discharge.
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Code Red
Call Your Vet Immediately, Even Outside Business Hours
your role
What To Do
Assess your mare's general health using the Whole Horse Exam (WHE), paying particular attention to her general attitude and appetite, heart rate and rectal temperature.Evaluate the color and quantity of the vaginal discharge, and try to confirm that what you are seeing is not urine.
Assess the size of your mare's udder, and determine whether there is milk by stripping (milking) a little of whatever secretion is present in the teats into your hand. Note the color of that secretion. Note the mare's breeding dates. Share your findings and concerns with your vet.
Skills you may need
Procedures that you may need to perform on your horse.
your vet's role
Depending on the situation and stage of pregnancy, your vet may want to see your mare immediately, or simply advise you to monitor the mare and watch certain parameters.
When problems with pregnancy are caught early and properly diagnosed, there is a chance that a pregnancy can be spared.
On examination, your vet will evaluate the health of the fetus and placenta using rectal palpation and ultrasound. Your vet uses a vaginal exam to assess the source of the discharge, because it may originate somewhere other than the uterus.
When problems with pregnancy are caught early and properly diagnosed, there is a chance that a pregnancy can be spared.
On examination, your vet will evaluate the health of the fetus and placenta using rectal palpation and ultrasound. Your vet uses a vaginal exam to assess the source of the discharge, because it may originate somewhere other than the uterus.
Questions Your Vet Might Ask:
- What were the mare's breeding dates?
- Is the mare showing any other signs of labor?
- Does the udder appear enlarged?
- Does the udder have milk in it?
- What was her last recorded breeding date?
- What is the color and quantity of the discharge?
- Has there been any problem with the pregnancy prior?
- What are the results of the Whole Horse Exam (WHE)?
Diagnostics Your Vet May Perform
Figuring out the cause of the problem. These are tests or procedures used by your vet to determine what’s wrong.
Diagnoses Your Vet May Consider
The cause of the problem. These are conditions or ailments that are the cause of the observations you make.
Very Common
Less Common
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Urine Pooling (in Mare)
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Twin Fetuses Aborted
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Within Normal Limits, Normal for this Horse
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Vaginal Varicose Veins
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Wound or Laceration near Anus, Vulva or Tail Base
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Abscess Near Anus, Vulva or Tail Base
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Urinary Tract Conditions, Generally
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Equine Viral Arteritis, EVA
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Umbilical Abnormalities as a Cause of Abortion
Treatments Your Vet May Recommend
A way to resolve the condition or diagnosis. Resolving the underlying cause or treating the signs of disease (symptomatic treatment)
Very Common
further reading & resources
Helpful Terms and Topics
Written, reviewed or shared by experts in equine health