Very Common
Less 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 (Clear or Mucous) Non-Pregnant Mare
Summary
A clear thick mucous discharge is normal for mares in heat. When this discharge becomes crusted with dirt and debris, it can make the mare look "dirty."
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Code Green
Contact Your Vet to Obtain Useful Advice & Resources- If you have other questions or concerns about the horse.
your role
What To Do
Assess the horse's general health using the Whole Horse Exam (WHE), paying particular attention to rectal temperature and the color and consistency of any discharge.Keep track of your mare's heat cycles. Normal clear discharge should cease after estrus (5-7 days total). If you are breeding your mare, your vet should examine her for pregnancy at 14-16 days after breeding.
Assess the discharge. If the discharge is opaque white or yellow there is greater reason to call your vet because this could indicate a uterine infection, which can cause a variety of problems and should be detected and treated appropriately. Share your findings and concerns with your vet.
Skills you may need
Procedures that you may need to perform on your horse.
Very Common
your vet's role
Your vet will try to determine whether the vaginal discharge is within normal limits. We do this through assessment of the discharge, and examination of the reproductive tract with rectal palpation and ultrasound. They might also assess uterine health using cytology, culture and possibly biopsy.
Questions Your Vet Might Ask:
- What color is the discharge?
- Is the mare acting like she is in heat?
- When was the mare's last foal?
- Are you trying to breed the mare?
- How is the mare's attitude & appetite?
- 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.
Less Common
Rare
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)
