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  Discussion on Is this foal rejection?
Author Message
Member:
Erika

Posted on Sunday, May 11, 2003 - 12:34 pm:

My newborn filly (two days old) is big, healthy and very vigorous. However, mare has been slightly colicky--nothing too drastic, vet said just turn her out and let her graze. She does seem better today, now for the problem: Mom is obviously sore to nurse. She squeals and tucks up when the foal goes to nurse, and most of the time tries to turn away from her. When they are turned out, the mare just keeps walking, preventing her filly from nursing.
The mare is affectionate to her, and protective of her. She nuzzles and nickers to her, and stands guard while she naps, but she just seems to avoid nursing.
Do I leave them out and just hold the mare still long enough to nurse? How often, and for how long? Or should I close them in the stall again, which the mare really hates!
One thing I have noticed, the filly bumps around a lot, and constantly switches nipples. It appears that she never really latches on to one for any length of time. Is this normal, or might it be the source of the mom's irritation? Obviously the filly is getting milk, because she is really frisky and active. It is just so pitiful to watch her chase relentlessly, and the constant back and forth to hold the mare still is getting old fast! Thanks everyone for your advice.
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Sunday, May 11, 2003 - 4:02 pm:

The foals behavior may indicate he is a hungry foal and constant attempts to nurse may be the reason for the sensitivity. The mare should be checked for signs of mastitis, or other physical reasons for soreness.

On the other hand a healthy but sensitive mare might behave this way, in which case she will get use to it in the next few days. A exam by a person experienced in the range of normal post foaling findings and behavior should be able to clear this all up pretty quickly.
DrO
Member:
Jerre

Posted on Sunday, May 11, 2003 - 4:25 pm:

Martha,

My mare -- a maiden -- squealed and tucked the first day or two, too, but she almost always let the foal nurse. The mom sounded so indignant! And the baby butted and switched nipples every 5 or 10 seconds the first few days. The mare would even cock her leg (not like raising it for the foal to get under) every so often. Everyone is very happy now, although at 5 weeks the mare will sometimes tell the baby "not now."

Can you confine them periodically during the day, and still let them have some turnout til they get used to each other?

It's my first baby, so I don't know how normal this is. I was worried baby wasn't getting enough, but she's been very active and healthy, so I guess nature knew best. And my mare acts mostly unconcerned about the baby. I don't see any overt affection, and very little agitation if baby is far away, and none if baby is being handled. I have 24/7 turnout with a large shed, and the mare did stay under cover more than she did before the baby, especially when it rained.

The mare also kept baby out of her grain at first, but now will share.

Jerre
Member:
Erika

Posted on Sunday, May 11, 2003 - 8:36 pm:

Dr. O,
I think your second scenario might have hit it in the head. She does seem to be a sensitive mare, but today I did catch her standing for the filly to nurse. so hopefully this will resolve itself. Baby certainly has lots of energy, mom seems to have plenty of milk, so I guess I'm just a worry-wort!
Member:
Erika

Posted on Thursday, May 15, 2003 - 12:10 pm:

Update:
Filly is now nursing happily on her contented mother! She's obviously growing before our very eyes. Mare also shares her grain with the filly, which I assume is fine since she is so big. I guess the extra food won't hurt? The mare is certainly nowhere near overweight and is already getting the maximum amount of grain I feel safe giving her (previous laminitis). Thanks!
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