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Discussion on Founder? or Pregnant?
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New Member:
absmom
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Posted on Sunday, May 3, 2009 - 1:48 am:
We have a 20yr old mare that we think may be pregnant. I had my stud colt in with her out on the pasture. I separated them when he turned 18 months because I read online that is when they become fertile. He is just now turning 2 on May 6, and is also a late DrOpper (he held one up until about 6 weeks ago.) Anyway, the mare, is starting to show(?), which tells me she must be at least 6 months along (if pregnant). Today, I watched her belly and she experienced 3 "punches", two of which she grunted with. Her flanks are full, but I don't see any swelling in the teats. I am going to get out there with a stethoscope tomorrow to listen for a heartbeat, but I guess my main question is, if she was bred 6 or 7 months ago, he would have only been 16 or 17 months old and still too young, right? Am I hoping for something that can't be? This would be a nice foal, but I wonder with him being so young, will the foal be smaller than normal? Thanks for all your help.
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Sunday, May 3, 2009 - 7:43 am:
Hello Sarah,
I see this young stallion has caused several problems. Stallion fertility onset is not an all or nothing thing. It comes on gradually and can start as early as his teens. He would not be very fertile at 16 months but that is not to say it could not happen. Concerning a stethascope the anatomy of the mare is such that you cannot hear the foals heart beat there is just too much bowel between you and the foal. I don't think his age will have much to do with the size of the foal.
DrO
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Member:
frances
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Posted on Sunday, May 3, 2009 - 11:03 am:
So ... are congratulations in order Sara? 
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Member:
lilo
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Posted on Sunday, May 3, 2009 - 11:13 am:
Hi Sara,
I have a friend who had a mare become pregnant by her younger brother (the mare's younger brother!).
The stallion was not yet two and she was keeping him for a friend. She had asked that the friend build a special paddock so the stallion could be kept separate, but this had not happened yet when the mare became pregnant. The stallion was removed to a boarding facility where he is in training now.
The resulting foal, a colt, but now gelded, is almost two years old and promises to be a nice horse.
So - if this happened, I hope you get a nice baby out of this,
Lilo
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Member:
mrose
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Posted on Sunday, May 3, 2009 - 11:37 am:
I would take your mare in for an Ultra Sound if possible. It will tell you for sure if the mare is pg and also tell you how far along she is - or at least give you a really good idea. If she is pg as you may know, she should be getting certain shots, feed, and care that you wouldn't be giving her otherwise. I think this is especially important given the mare's age.
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New Member:
absmom
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Posted on Sunday, May 3, 2009 - 2:02 pm:
Thanks all, yes Dr. O, he is a very nice young stallion, but it is definitely time for him to lose his abilities. For some reason, I thought I remembered listening to the heartbeat on a mare I had several years ago, so thank you, I won't rely on that. Calling the vet is our next step. I'll update and let you know the results.
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