| Author |
Message |
    
Corine
Posted From: 80.100.15.107
| | Posted on Monday, February 07, 2005 - 12:50 pm: | 
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Today I noticed my mare that is 311 days along had thick veins under her belly. Are these milk veins? Is this normal? Here is the picture:
http://pic5.picturetrail.com/VOL66/846824/5639015/84433876.jpg |
suzanne
Posted From: 64.12.116.13
| | Posted on Monday, February 07, 2005 - 02:30 pm: |
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Corine, this could be a milk vein or it could be just a regular vein standing out if it is warm such as today in VA it is 60 and my mares have the same thing going on. If the bag is very full I would consider this a milk vein. |
Corine
Posted From: 80.100.15.107
| | Posted on Monday, February 07, 2005 - 03:49 pm: |
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Thanks Suzanne, it was about 32 here today, but the sun was out, then again its been that way for a few days, sunny but chilly.
She has a bag but nog huge yet, here is the picture of her bag: http://pic5.picturetrail.com/VOL66/846824/5639015/83741882.jpg |
sally
Posted From: 205.188.116.13
| | Posted on Saturday, February 12, 2005 - 08:43 am: |
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My mare is 313 days along today. She looks similiar to the pictures of your mare. She is eating well and not showing signs of labor. This is our first birth with a horse. Above her flanks, it is slowly beginning to sink in. Her vaginal part is still same size, showing no sign that head has lodged or that it is coming soon. Any other suggestions would be of a great help to me if you can tell me what to look for. Thanks! |
Corine
Posted From: 80.100.15.107
| | Posted on Saturday, February 12, 2005 - 10:15 am: |
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Sally, I just bought the book called The Complete Book Of Foaling by Karen Hayes, its very informative and tells you what to look for!
I bought it on www.amazon.com and had it in 3 days (and I'm in Europe!). |
Sandy
Posted From: 4.228.252.235
| | Posted on Saturday, February 12, 2005 - 01:27 pm: |
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Sally:
The book that Corine mentioned is very informative, although it does have some very scary information in it too, but I think that is just to make folks well aware of the problems that can arise during foaling.
I would not consider sinking in above the flanks a sign of foaling time getting nearer. The only place they should be sinking in is on either side of the tail head. I have actually noticed that the nearer to foaling time the mare's flanks will actually start to look fuller because the foal is moving further back.
You can watch for her belly to start dropping, getting a more pointed look along the bottom line. Watch for the softening and sinking in around the tail head. Her udder will get very full looking and the nippes will look full. If you can safely extract any milk from her, that would be your best method of predicting impending foaling. There is an article on this site of what to look for in the changes of the milk to predict foaling.
As for your statement: "showing no sign that head has lodged".....the foal's head will not be in the birth canal until the mare is in active labor. A lot of times you will not notice a significant change in the appearance of the vulva. It may show a little puffiness or swelling, but there is not going to be enough of a change for an inexperienced person to be able to recognize to use as a guide for impending foaling.
Good luck to you and your mare on a healthy and uncomplicated birth  |
sally
Posted From: 205.188.116.13
| | Posted on Saturday, February 12, 2005 - 01:59 pm: |
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Just to let you all know, I got your messages and thanks for your help. |
Corine
Posted From: 80.100.15.107
| | Posted on Saturday, February 12, 2005 - 03:14 pm: |
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I agree Sandy, the book is kinda scary.. hard to read with a mare at 316 days, but do want to know what to do if something goes wrong. |
Painted Acres Farm
Posted From: 209.226.225.169
| | Posted on Saturday, February 12, 2005 - 04:13 pm: |
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Blessed are the Broodmares is one I read , its very scarry but I would rather it be up front with no surprises no matter what the content is
Better to be on guard !
JMHO
Virginia |
sally
Posted From: 205.188.116.13
| | Posted on Sunday, February 13, 2005 - 07:25 am: |
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I have read all kinds of things on the internet about "scary" things, I panic'd a little. Then I discussed this all with my vet too. He said things like that are mentioned because it can happen, but 95% of all births go just fine like with woman. My mare has gotten this far, and I just have to believe in her. Even if the baby died from the cord torsion or whatever that is, I have to believe that we did do all we could and it wasn't meant to be. My mare has been in for all her shots, worm medication, etc. I have her on electrolytes to help assure no colic'ng. I always offer her plenty of hay and clean her stall daily. I do love my mare and I hope all does go well; that we will get to experience having a healthy baby. |
Painted Acres Farm
Posted From: 207.35.162.236
| | Posted on Sunday, February 13, 2005 - 11:33 am: |
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( Sally ) Well fingers crossed all will go well , I am sure it will ,we cant wait to hear all the details !
Virginia |
twhgait
Posted From: 69.23.217.156
| | Posted on Sunday, February 13, 2005 - 11:59 am: |
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Sally, I'm the same way! Don't feel like you're being strange by worrying so much! I do the same thing and I'm driving all my friends and family insane. My mare is very, very important to me and sometimes I wish I wouldn't have done this cause I hate the thought that I put her at risk for anything. I also read Blessed are the Broodmares and I really appreciated all the information in it and knowing what can (but probably won't) happen! You said it exactly right..You're doing everything you should be and it's just up to the mare and foal to cross the finish line! 95% is very good odds, so I'm sure we'll both be fine!! |
Sandy
Posted From: 4.228.249.187
| | Posted on Sunday, February 13, 2005 - 12:23 pm: |
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I feel the same as everyone else...I do get worried at foaling time, but once that little bundle of joy is on the ground and stands and nurses, I remember why it is that I breed horses! It is totally worth all of the worry and sleepless nights |
sally
Posted From: 152.163.100.13
| | Posted on Sunday, February 13, 2005 - 02:59 pm: |
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If my mare, who's name is Babe, happens to foal, good news or bad, I will certainly tell you what I can. She is a cream buckskin and was bred to a sorrel. She is protective over myself and I know when baby is born, as long as alive and well, she will be worse with it. She is at a stables and I even went as far as tying tarps around her run for privacy. She will fight for whats hers and I don't want the young'n to get caught between any crossfire. |
Sally
Posted From: 64.12.116.13
| | Posted on Friday, March 11, 2005 - 07:26 am: |
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Hi everybody,
Babe had her boy early March 10th.
He is reddish in body and has tan to creamy legs. Vet has been out and Mama and baby are doing great. He has thick long legs, and to Sandy you are right, it is all well worth the sleepless nights. |
horselady
Posted From: 70.49.87.86
| | Posted on Friday, March 11, 2005 - 07:43 am: |
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Congrats on your new baby Sally. Post some pictures of him when you can |
Sandy
Posted From: 4.228.249.1
| | Posted on Friday, March 11, 2005 - 10:56 am: |
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Hi Sally,
So happy to hear all went well and that it was worth it |
