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
Pregnancy, Mare is Overdue, Over 340 Days Pregnant
Summary
Mares commonly have gestation lengths longer than the average of 335-340 days, and this is a common concern to horse owners. Usually, there is no cause for worry. Gestation can be as long as 375 days and the record gestation length is over 400 days.
Of course, in the last weeks of pregnancy, a mare should show signs of advancing pregnancy. Her udder should be filling and her abdomen should be pendulous as she nears her due date.
Of course, in the last weeks of pregnancy, a mare should show signs of advancing pregnancy. Her udder should be filling and her abdomen should be pendulous as she nears her due date.
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Code Yellow
Contact Your Vet at Your Convenience for an Appointment- If you are concerned about the pregnancy or the mare and want an evaluation.
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Code Green
Contact Your Vet to Obtain Useful Advice & Resources- You have any concerns about the late-term pregnant mare.
your role
What To Do
When in doubt, assess the mare's general health using the Whole Horse Exam on Late-Term Mare (WHE), and contact your vet to discuss your findings and concerns. Watch and feel the mare's flanks for movement of the fetus.Keep an eye on the color of secretion from the teats by squeezing a drop or two into your palm every few days. As a mare nears foaling, the secretion will turn from clear, honey looking liquid to looking like real milk. (If your mare is exhibiting none of these signs, keep in mind that she may no longer be pregnant.)
Be sure to record the breeding dates, reproductive history of the mare and stallion including a record of prior foals and the years they were born. Supply all that information to your vet.
What Not To Do
Just because the mare was pregnant in the early stages of pregnancy, do not simply assume that she still is pregnant.
Skills you may need
Procedures that you may need to perform on your horse.
your vet's role
Your vet may advise you to take a "wait and see" approach or suggest that they examine your mare. They may perform a rectal examination and abdominal ultrasound to examine the fetus and placenta.
Questions Your Vet Might Ask:
- What is the appearance of the mare's udder and the area around her tail head?
- What was the mare's breeding dates?
- How is the mare's attitude & appetite?
- What is the appearance of the mare's udder and the area around her tail head?
- 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.
Less Common
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)
further reading & resources
Helpful Terms and Topics
Written, reviewed or shared by experts in equine health