Udder development query - maiden mare, early stages?

[zipzap]

My maiden 8 yr old mare (believed 3 mths in foal) seems to be developing a bit of an udder. Nothing massive but a definite increase in size. No difference to teats just udder.

She is doing 'very well' - Have had to restrict grazing as after all this rain, her turnout particularly lush & I don't want her carrying too much weight. She does have a tendency to go up like a barrage balloon!

Am a novice private breeder with limited experience but don't remember my previous mare getting boobies this early when in foal & my friend's (similar stage of pregnancy) mare has no sign of them !!!!???

Any advice / comments gratefully received.

 

[BallyshanHorses]

i would get her checked out but you may also be too good to her regarding her feeding and she is probably a good doer.my ricardo z mare is in foal and she is a maiden.she has a neck like a stallion and a roll of fat running up to her udder(not too bad) but when i cut her grazing back and give her poorer quality grass she looses her backend so im stuck between a rock and a hard place.we have 5 other broodmares and they dont have this problem.its just the type that she is.by the way she is nearly 6 months pregnant and has had her fat deposit since she was three.she is now 5.

 

[AndyPandy]

Premature udder development and/or lactation COULD be an indicator of impending abortion. It could be placentitis or missed twins. However, it would be unusual for udder enlargement to occur at all at this early stage (it's normally something that occurs late in pregnancy). It would be a very good idea to get her scanned and palpated asap.

 

[zipzap]

Hmmm, Had a bad feeling someone may say like that AP, will keep you posted!