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
Swelling of Udder or Teats
Summary
Horse owners and caretakers sometimes report mysterious and unexpected swelling of the udder. Obviously, the first question is the mare's reproductive or lactation status.
The mare could be pregnant. Healthy pregnant mares begin to develop an udder at about 6 weeks prior to their due date. Udder swelling prior to this time could indicate a problem with the pregnancy and impending abortion. It would need to be investigated.
Excessive swelling of an udder in a lactating mare, indicating that the foal is not nursing, there is udder infection or the udder has sustained trauma.
For mares that are not pregnant and are not lactating, swelling of this area could be caused by inappropriate lactation. Some mares lactate despite not being pregnant and not nursing a foal. Generally, this type of lactation ("witches milk") is not a great concern. Swelling from this is usually soft and fluid feeling and often limited to the teat itself. When milked, secretion is present.
However, other causes of swelling of the udder in a non-pregnant, non-lactating mare include mastitis, trauma to the udder, tumors, or swelling spreading from a problem involving a nearby area (like the belly or groin).
The mare could be pregnant. Healthy pregnant mares begin to develop an udder at about 6 weeks prior to their due date. Udder swelling prior to this time could indicate a problem with the pregnancy and impending abortion. It would need to be investigated.
Excessive swelling of an udder in a lactating mare, indicating that the foal is not nursing, there is udder infection or the udder has sustained trauma.
For mares that are not pregnant and are not lactating, swelling of this area could be caused by inappropriate lactation. Some mares lactate despite not being pregnant and not nursing a foal. Generally, this type of lactation ("witches milk") is not a great concern. Swelling from this is usually soft and fluid feeling and often limited to the teat itself. When milked, secretion is present.
However, other causes of swelling of the udder in a non-pregnant, non-lactating mare include mastitis, trauma to the udder, tumors, or swelling spreading from a problem involving a nearby area (like the belly or groin).
-
Code Orange
Call Your Vet at Their First Available Office Hours- If you are concerned about the pregnancy or the mare and want an evaluation.
-
Code Yellow
Contact Your Vet at Your Convenience for an Appointment- If the swelling is mild or moderate, and not increasing rapidly.
your role
What To Do
Assess the mare's general health using the Whole Horse Exam (WHE). Try to strip some milk from the udder. Is there a secretion? Is the mare well otherwise? Contact your vet with your findings and concerns.
Skills you may need
Procedures that you may need to perform on your horse.
your vet's role
Your vet considers the mare's reproductive and general health status and determines a diagnosis for the swelling. This may analysis of any secretions in the udder as well as careful assessment of the area.
Questions Your Vet Might Ask:
- Do you notice that the mare is producing milk?
- To your knowledge, is the mare pregnant?
- What are the results of the Whole Horse Exam (WHE)?
- Can you squeeze any secretion out of the teats?
- What does the secretion from the teats look like?
- What were the mare's breeding dates?
- Do you notice swelling of the underbelly or groin?
- What does the swelling feel like?
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.
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