Swelling in front of udder?

Darkwater

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My mare has been irritated around her udder/belly button area for a few days now. It seemed like an itch that she just didn't seem to be able to get to so I've been having a good feel around and haven't found any obvious reason for it. She has seemed more initiated by in the past 48 hours with a bit of tail swishing and stamping one of her back legs and when I was grooming her today she kicked out when I brushed under her belly, which is something she never normally does. I had another feel and she she seems to have a bit of swelling in front of her udder area. It is only slight but definitely feels bigger and squishier that the other side and felt warm to touch but it was hard to tell if the swollen side was any warmer than the other side. She wasn't too bothered when I touched the swelling but wasn't happy when I felt just in front of it, towards her belly button. Something is definitely not quite right but she has no discharge from her teats and her udder itself looks perfectly normal. She is 21, definitely not pregnant and has never foaled. She seems well in herself, not off her food and doesn't have a temperature but I will take it again in the morning and check for any developments before having a chat with the vet, but in the mean time I was wondering if anyone has any ideas?
 
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Midges, they have been out in force the past few days and they are definitely biting, and that is an area that gets easily irritated.
 
Midges, they have been out in force the past few days and they are definitely biting, and that is an area that gets easily irritated.

Yes that did cross my mind, it is very mild and damp here so perfect for midges. The area of swelling isn't normally where she normally gets fly bites, and she is so hairy (unclipped native) I would be surprised if they've got in there and bitten her but it is definitely a possibility. I will keep a close eye on it and keep my fingers crossed it is something as simple as midge bites!
 
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