I posted this in a different thread, but not sure it will be noticed. So, my mare and stallion hid their "rendevous" and we had no idea he was interested. Three weeks ago I noticed a bag forming, no idea how long it has been there. Her nipples are big and popped out. Don't see any seepage. (she is a maiden mare). Her rectum always looks like she is going to have a bowel movement. Her tailhead sticks straight out. She bites at her sides. Next to her tailhead her butt is sunk in. But her rump in back still feels tight. Her vulva is elongated and I see a little seepage. What should I watch for now and does she sound close or 2,4,6 weeks away? Should I call the vet? I have never done this before. My stallion is a pinto mustang tri colored, I'm so excited. But nervous. Help???!!! Michelle
Even experienced old-timers don't always wax or run milk. I had one last year (that wasn't MEANT to be in foal) - and I didn't spot her at all. There was virtually no udder until AFTER she'd foaled.
Others look like they're about to foal any minute - for weeks! I have two due in a month and they started making udders several weeks ago - but nipples are still quite small.
I would GUESS she's no more than 2 weeks away from what you say but really - all you can do is watch and wait. The book will say this - and that - but most of them haven't read the book.
Thank you for your response. I new it was going to be a waiting game. My husband laughs at me because I have been sleeping down at the pasture, thinking maybe I can catch something. Her hind quaters move out when the foal moves and I can see a flutter in her butt next to her tailhead when it moves also, is this normal?? Any idea where I can see a pic of a full udder and teats? Do I sound CRAZY???? I am just so excited, like so many others--anxious!
I HAVE AN AGED MARE, THAT DID NOT CHECK IN-FOAL LAST YEAR BUT COME SPRING SHE WAS GETTING FAT & HAD A BAG SO THE VET COFERMED SHE WAS IDEED IN-FOAL,SHE WAS BRED LATE & I DID NOT SAVE DATES AS I SAID THE VET TOLD ME SHE DID NOT TAKE. ANYWAY, SHE'S BEEN WAXED FOR NINE DAYS, IS THIS NORMAL?? MUCH THANKS
Eagle View Arabians Posted From: 205.188.116.21
Posted on Thursday, August 12, 2004 - 09:27 pm:
I have found the best indicator is to check the milk. It will start out clear, then sometimes have a yellow/amber look then eventually start turning white. Once you have what looks like whole milk the mare usually foals in 12-24 hours. This process can take days or literally a few hours, I usually check in the am and pm.
Jos Posted From: 165.121.167.140
Posted on Friday, August 13, 2004 - 12:45 pm:
Waxing is totally unreliable as a general indicator for timing of foaling (it may be reliable with a repetitive pattern with an individual mare, but that same pattern may not apply to another mare).
As noted by Eagle View Arabians, the most reliable indicator is the milk, and there is an article on the predicting foaling that explains one method on this site (follow that link).
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