Mare bagging up..

[hmm]

Regular poster under alternate username to avoid identifying anyone!

Just noticed that a mare on my yard has very large udders.. compared with the other mares in case it was a reaction to the heat or similar but the others are neatly away and not visible unless you are really trying to see. The mare in question's udders can be easily seen with minimal effort... is there ever a reason a mare may appear to bag up but not be in foal?!

Either way will have to have a serious chat with the owner tomorrow.. mare was a 'rescue' 6 months ago and owner is a really lovely lady but quite novicey and new to horses (but very diligent and eager to learn). Hoping that this is a 2+2=5 situation but suspect probably not. Poor wee mare. Hope there's a potential alternative explanation but will advise owner to chat to vet ASAP.

 

[Mongoose11]

She may well be in foal but if she was bagging up in foal, I would think there were some other clear signs too. Comparison to other mares won't cut it, my mare is the only one I have seen in this heat who has swollen beneath her teats. This mare could be hot or she could be in foal, I wouldn't go calling a vet if there wasn't a very large belly to go with it.

Why is the mare a 'poor wee' mare and why do you need to have a 'serious' chat with the owner? Sounds like this mare has landed on its feet whether owner is novicey or not you have said yourself she is diligent.

 

[hmm]

She may well be in foal but if she was bagging up in foal, I would think there were some other clear signs too. Comparison to other mares won't cut it, my mare is the only one I have seen in this heat who has swollen beneath her teats. She could be hot or she could be in foal, I would go calling a vet if there wasn't a very large belly to go with it.

She's fat as a fool as well - though potentially a red herring as they've been on good grazing all summer. To be honest my experience with foals is very limited - don't want to interfere - but out of worry for the mare will do! Her owner mentioned the other day that her girth doesn't fit at all now. Her teats are enlongated and as mentioned her udders are rather squidgy!

Hmm! Hope she isn't - as cute as a baby would be - it wouldnt be fair on the mare. Or the foal. Or the owner!