Mare advice please...

[tilly49]

So my mare has always had 'character' but recently a little more than usual, so I went through all the usual - back, saddle, teeth and tack where I altered and changed the relevant things. She was then going beautifully. Own YO then brought a new mare which has seemed to upset the hormone balance (I already use Frisky Mare) and squealing and squirting made an appearance. The mess has stopped the last few days but since last week she has decided to cow kick out pretty much any time I go near her hind quarters and picking out feet takes a while. She will also squeal when doing this both of which she's never done before in the 3 years I've had her. Ridden wise hacking is ok as is walking in the school however when asked to trot we had a squealing bucking temper tantrum which ended in a lunge session where she worked well and forwards. The new horse is moving stables as it's been next to her for 10 days but I'm at a loss. People are telling me to sell her etc....I am switching her to Naf Oestress liquid as this seemed to suit her last year. Any advice??

 

[JanetGeorge]

When a mare starts acting like that, either it's a 'normal' change of oestrus (end of season) OR it might be the early stages of a granulosa theca cell tumour - in whic case it will get worse (and worse!!)

If the supplement doesn't do the trick, then you need to get her ovaries scanned. And - in the early stages of GTC tumour, you DO need a vet who is experienced with mares (otherwise you'll be told it's 'cystic ovaries', which mares don't get!) This tumour is not malignant but it produces testosterone, so needs removing.