Very Common
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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
Pregnancy, Mare Seems Abnormally Large
Summary
Inexperienced breeders are commonly concerned about the seemingly excessive size of their pregnant mare.
They are often worried that there is something wrong or that their mare is carrying twins. Mares are individuals, and some may seem (and are) huge as they enter the final months of their pregnancies. Most of their gain in weight occurs during the last three months of the pregnancy.
They are often worried that there is something wrong or that their mare is carrying twins. Mares are individuals, and some may seem (and are) huge as they enter the final months of their pregnancies. Most of their gain in weight occurs during the last three months of the pregnancy.
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Code Orange
Call Your Vet at Their First Available Office Hours- You have any concerns about the late-term pregnant mare.
your role
What To Do
Consider the mare's last breeding date. Average gestation length for mares is 335 days, but there is great variation depending on many factors. 325-365+ days would be considered a normal range. Note: Generally, late-term mares that seem too large are not likely to have twins. The total weight of two twins is usually smaller than one singlet. In addition, most mares with twins abort before term.Assess your mare's general health using the Whole Horse Exam (WHE), paying particular attention to the degree of udder enlargement, the presence of absence of milk dripping from the teats. Check the vulvar area for "softening" or discharge.
If the results of the WHE are normal, and there is no vaginal discharge or premature lactation she is probably fine. Keep in mind that many mares in their last trimester of pregnancy have slightly elevated resting heart rates (48 BPM).
If your vet has not previously examined your mare during gestation to determine whether the pregnancy is high-risk, you should contact them to discuss your findings and concerns.
Skills you may need
Procedures that you may need to perform on your horse.
your vet's role
Your vet assesses the late-term mare using rectal palpation and ultrasound, as well as ultrasound through the mare's abdomen. There are also several hormonal tests that can help verify fetal well-being, although they are not commonly used.
Questions Your Vet Might Ask:
- What was the mare's breeding dates?
- Do you notice that the mare is producing milk?
- Can you squeeze any secretion out of the teats?
- What does the secretion from the teats look like?
- Is there any vaginal discharge?
- 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.
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