Would you be worried?

M

magic104

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www.jc-countryside.co.uk
I am going to arrange a blood test, because though Mo is still feeding Giz she has been receiving a hard feed since start of Oct & haylage. Her work load is still very light, she had her teeth done last month, & this has happened since she was wormed a 2wks this Thursday. I am not happy because in the 4yrs I have owned her I have never been able to see let alone feel her ribs like this. I cant explaine it but she does just not seem herself, a bit sluggish.

So if she was yours would you be worried?
Taken last night
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Just in case you think it maybe all of them this is her foal & the yearling (not hers)
Taken this morning
Giz5Nov07.jpg

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Prince5Nov07.jpg

5Nov07Prince.jpg


She is still receiving stud mix, along with BSFS, alfa A, & now sugarbeet
 
I would get it checked out - at then end of the day you know your horse and if this isn't normal and her behaviour isn't normal be safe rather than sorry.
 
If you remember that she is being asked to do two jobs; feeding her foal (who will be taking a lot more from her now than when it was smaller) and working, along with the stress/semi-stress of being separated from her foal at certain times, then IMO, she doesn't look too bad at all, especially as she has had teeth and worms done.
How big is she, (weight/height) how big and old is the foal; is the foal getting any supplementary feed or not, and what are you feeding her (weight /scoops) as I know what you are feeding; it will all come into the equation?
Is this her first foal (sorry, can't remember
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) how did she cope before if it isn't? As you've had her 4 years and this is unusual for her, you are right to get it checked out but it might just be that she is not getting enough of the right feed for the two jobs she is doing and you need to up the levels a bit.
 
Teazle has gone exactly like this (although shes fine in herself)!!! I was actually going to post about it. Teazle has NEVER ever been thin, and now you can see her ribs
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I've upped her feed and shes now on some lush grass, although not too lush.

Trouble is Rainbow is massive now and she feeds.........a LOT!
 
I think your doing the right thing to get a vets opinion if its out of character for your mare. However my mare really altered shape when her foal got to around 7 months her ribs showed more than usual but somehow looked quite sprung and her backend looked very poor due to lack of muscle tone. I chose to wean my foal which helped improved her dramatically, the foal was very independant by this stage i might add. Would this be an option for you?
 
Hannah was really poor when she came back from stud, and I am actually struggling to get her weight back on for the first time in history!!! She is now on Alfa Oil and TopSpec Balancer to try and get it up a bit more as she is still incredibly hibby and her ribs are just starting to be a little less visible.

I think when they are coming to the end of summer and still feeding their foals they tend to lose quite a bit of condition. I never thought I would see Hannah as thin as she was when I picked her up, but she was fed while she was there and rugged up most nights.

Han was also incredibly cheesed off towards the end of her time with troy and the others. She became incresaingly grumpy, not wanting any fuss from people (which is not like her) and very quiet. As soon as I weaned them she really perked up and became her old self within a matter of days.

But, if it will put your mind at ease then I would give the vets a call.
 
I suppose because none of my mares have gone like this, it is not something I would expect. Just for the record, she has never stressed about leaving Giz and neither has he been concerned when she is taken out. I therefore cant say this is related to that. Her feed has taken into account his growth & my vet was very happy with her condition when he was up to give Giz his 2nd injection, which happens to be the same day they were all wormed. I dont think it is related to the worming, as she had had this wormer before. Her gums are a healthy colour, but she is IMO too quiet. She has had access to a mineral lick both in the paddock & stable. I just think for my peace of mind I should call the vet.
 
Jazz was in an awful state when she came back from stud, she was on four huge feeds in the end, but never put the weight back on before she died
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She has a good shine on her coat and she is obviously doing the foal well. Did you say you are riding her? it may simply be that her feed needs increasing to cope with two jobs, the colder weather and less goodness in the grazing (which from the pictures looks poor). I'd think about weaning him soon he looks very well.
 
That part of the paddock is by the gate/water trough so gets churned up in the winter & never recovers. They have been receiving haylage & feeds. I just dont see how she can go down hill like this in 10 days. Her feed rations more then take into account the work she is doing & has been doing for some time now. And as I said she has access to min licks so any shortages should be covered. She has been so well all through the pregnancy, foaling, right up until the last few days. No other mare has gone like this & they were not treated any differently, ie they came back into work before the foal was weaned. The weather here has been extreamly mild up until yesterday evening. I think I will just have to wait for the tests.
 
Magic how old is your mare and foal?? She certainly has great shine to her coat! Mares are not all the same and some give their foals much more than others and this can take it out on them. We have 10 mares and all get the same conditions, feed and minerals but some of them can lose more condition compared to others. One mare we have to put in foal every other year because she gives everything to her foal and loses weight and looks no differently to your mare.

However, only you know your own mare and you are doing the right thing taking bloods. I have everything crossed and sending {{{{{{POSITIVE VIBES}}}}}} that it is something of nothing and that she will start to put on weight.

If the foal is of an age have you thought about weaning to see if that makes a difference to the mare?

{{hugs}} xx
 
Hi, get the results from the blood this afternoon, & they are going to do a worm count as well. I am concerned though as she is looking no better & even the vet was shocked & he saw her 2wks ago when Giz had his 2nd jab. She is in at night now & Giz is staying out with the yearling. Giz was born 6 June & Mo is about 11/12yrs which I was told was about right by my vet & dentist though a vet that saw her when she was in Surrey thought she was much older. My sisters mare is reg & is rising 19, Mo's teeth do not look like hers, but who knows. As I said her work load has consisted of hacks which are now confined to weekends & schooling which last no longer then an hour. She is not being cantered everywhere or doing too much jumping & her feed was increased to take this into account & Giz getting bigger. She will be apart from him at night now, so hopefully this will help. I just pray I have got her feed programme wrong & there is nothing going on inside her.
 
Hun i have EVERYTHING crossed for you today. Try and keep your chin up and dont come to any advanced conclusions until you get some results back.

Keep us posted. Will be thinking of you.
{{{{{{POSITIVE VIBES COMING YOUR WAY}}}}}

C xxx
 
Well the tests show nothing untoward, the worm count is excellant, so it is down to the feeing. I have been told what she has been getting should be ok especially as she is normally a good doer. I am so relieved, but still cant believe how quick the weight dropped off! Anyway someone has told me to try beefnuts, it seems they are high in protein/oil & a great way of putting on weight. A new one on me, but they swear by them. AnasTINSELtasiaLLT1 thank you so much for your support & memo seems you were right the foal is taking a lot more out of her then I first thought. At least I can sleep easy, just need to get the weight back on her, poor love.
 
Magic you have been there for me on several occasions, it is the least I could have done for you.

I am SOOOO GLAD for you and the news..............you can sleep easier tonight.......just so so pleased that its all come back as negative.

xx
 
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