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  Discussion on HyDrOps?
Author Message
Member:
dxangel

Posted on Tuesday, Jan 5, 2010 - 5:26 pm:

Hi Dr O,

I know im probably worrying over nothing. but this is the first and only foal i will ever breed so i am somewhat neurotic.

(approx) 130 day 18 year old mare scan at 30 days and 103 days normal ( not present for 2nd scan ) parous mare with 5 offspring - one i think youve already met ;)

Management: Lightly hacked of schooled 2-3 times a week, weather permitting. On straw bedding which i suspect she is eating, so we are switching to a wood-based bed at the end of the month. 6 slices of hay of an evening - ad-lib in the day. small feed of mare and youngstock mix twice daily. Her diet is mainly forage based.

Heres the problem..

i think shes too big.

I know hyDrOps is normally present in late gestational mares, but i have also read it can begin in the fourth or fifth month.

Attached are pictures from today and also a picture in comparison of before she was pregnant.

If you could take the time to have a quick look and let me know your opinion, that would be very helpful as im not sure i will have any fingernails in the morning!

Many thanks once again.



Member:
mrose

Posted on Tuesday, Jan 5, 2010 - 6:30 pm:

I'll be curious as to what Dr.O has to say about your mare. She's very pretty. And, no offense, but if when first bred she looked like in the picture with you on her, she started out rather "plump" with a very full looking belly, and from the pictures alone, the difference isn't that great imo. Is she getting any exercise while pregnant? If not, I would think she should be unless your vet tell you otherwise. It will help with excess weight and improve her muscle tone so that birthing is easier for her; also it helps the fetus to move around more and increases blood supply to it. You don't want her getting stressed or "worn out" but light exercise, either on a hot walker, hand walking or lounging would probably do her good.

Also, have you had her ultrasounded and is there any chance of twins?
Member:
dxangel

Posted on Tuesday, Jan 5, 2010 - 7:01 pm:

sorry i thought i had written in my post that yes she is being lightly exercised around 2-3 times a week, hacking out or schooling :-)

As mentioned yes she has had 2 scans - at 30 days and 103 days.
Member:
mrose

Posted on Tuesday, Jan 5, 2010 - 9:24 pm:

You did write that; sorry I missed it. Since you were concerned about her size I was wondering about twins, but if you had US I assume the vet would have mentioned it and "pinched"one. I'm used to short backed Arabians and they usually look pretty rotund early on. So much so that I start feeling sorry for them and mostly hand walk, pony, or hot walk them.
Member:
dres

Posted on Tuesday, Jan 5, 2010 - 9:25 pm:

very pretty mare.. she does not look overly big to me either.. she has a big barrel to start with ..has she had foals before.. ??

On the first day God created horses, on the second day he painted them with spots..
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Wednesday, Jan 6, 2010 - 7:29 am:

Looks pretty normal to me dxangel. It is not a diagnosis but I do not see any reason to be worried. It is normal with age and repeated gestations for them to become a bit more "relaxed" across the abdomen.
DrO
Member:
dxangel

Posted on Wednesday, Jan 6, 2010 - 11:32 am:

thanks Dr O, and everyone for commenting. As this is my first time, it is sometimes hard to know what to expect. As usual, you guys have been great for reassuring me. thank you once again.
Member:
mrose

Posted on Wednesday, Jan 6, 2010 - 3:49 pm:

this is a great place for reassuring! I've used if for that many times. Hang in there. If there's one thing I've learned about brood mares, their favorite pastime is driving you crazy.
Member:
mjq1

Posted on Wednesday, Jan 6, 2010 - 6:34 pm:

She looks normal to me, in fact, she will be twice that big by the time she delivers...they get huge! It's normal, just enjoy the process.
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