“Would I have a better chance of getting these mares in foal by pasture breeding or by Artificial Insemination”…
A year ago I purchased two 23 year old mares. Both have had foals every time they were bred. I left them open in 07. They have previously been AI’d. Both mares have been caslicked and checked for any uterine infections. One mare’s anus is sunken forward, the other is still normal. My question is: Would I have a better chance of getting these mares in foal by pasture breeding or by AI? I will keep them flushed and clean to avoid inflammation (before and after breeding). I plan on having them both checked out by my vet thoroughly. I would prefer to pasture breed them so I can keep a close eye on them and ensure they are kept flushed. Thank you for your help.
Dr. Kimberly Gryl’s Answer:
Mary:
Both pasture breeding and AI have their advantages and disadvantages. To some degree, the decision on which one to do will depend upon the opinion of your veterinarian. It is easier to monitor the mares in AI, as they are getting checked every day and timing is better. However, pasture breeding is easier and less invasive, and the horses’ take care of it all themselves. You will probably have better luck with pasture breeding, as the mares know when they are ready even better than we humans do. The less interference, the better for the mare (in general). While I never say never, you should expect to have difficulty in getting them in foal after being 24 years old and open for last year. If you have an easy time of it, even better!
“Is it normal for a horse to lose some uterine blood 2-3
“…and this time she is two weeks overdue “…
I have an 8 year old QH mare (two previous foals pretty much on time no problems) and this time she is two weeks overdue – doing everything right – udder bagged up (no wax) – vagina very sloppy and fat and elongated – big belly – my vet said I should get him to check her but I don’t want to interfere if I don’t need to – how long should I wait before getting the vet to check her – don’t want internal in case it causes problem…etc. – earlier delivery – everything seems fine just overdue? Thanks from Australia.
Dr. Jack Sales’ Answer:
Hi Julie,
I agree that if everything looks normal you should have a little patience and give a little more time before any exam might be necessary. Sometimes going over can be seen in the mare that might be carrying twins. They can also foal early. Foaling later than expected could help allow the fetus to develop a little more. As soon as you notice anything abnormal be sure and call your Vet, otherwise, I wouldn’t think you need to have her checked unless she goes over 4 weeks late. I hope this helps and good luck.
“…Could she be in foal?”…
I adopted a mare in March. I was cleaning her udders and milk was coming out. I called the last owner and she said she was not kept with any studs. However she was out a short time with a Cryptorchid. Could she be in foal?
AAH Staff Answer:
J. Mullins,
Yes, it is possible. Cryptorchids retain the testis, they are not missing them and may function as normal.
AAH Staff
“I have a two-year-old quarter horse colt and he is showing no signs of being a stud soon is it wise to get him gelded?”…
Dr. Jack Sales’ Answer:
Hi Holly,
If there is no reason to keep him as a breeding stallion, I would suggest that you geld him whenever it is convenient. Even though he may not be showing the stallion tendencies yet, he will be a problem soon and if he were around mares, he would get one pregnant.
“Hi, I have a Tennessee Walker mare that’s insulin resistant”…
She’s a hard keeper if her sugar levels get off the scale. She stiffens up, would it be ok to breed her and have a foal? Will there be more trouble? Thanks
Dr. Kimberly Gryl’s Answer:
Frank:
I recommend that you work closely with your veterinarian to regulate your mare before attempting any breeding. She needs to be at an optimum weight before entering breeding season. If she cannot regulate herself, she cannot be expected to carry a fetus, and deliver a healthy foal. Hormone fluctuations during pregnancy may throw her more into endocrine turmoil. She may be more at risk for laminitis (foundering), even without being pregnant, and pregnancy may push her over the edge.
“I have a 4 year old mare who had trouble giving birth…”
I have a 4 year old mare who had trouble giving birth. The foal died before having it, she then retained the placenta. Our vet had left the horse line of vets. So we called another. He came out and helped clean the placenta out. He gave her antibiotics. Said now we have to worry about founder. My question is how long before I know wether it is safe or not over this matter? And how do we prevent this from occuring?
Dr. Jack Sales’ Answer:
Hi Charlie, when a mare retains her placenta (afterbirth) anytime past three hours it is possible that the mare could develop an infection in the uterus that could lead to founder as a secondary effect. The use of antibiotics was to prevent the uterine infection, or to treat the uterine infection if it had already begun. If the infection is prevented or treated successfully to prevent uterine infection, then founder will not usually occur. If founder is going to occur as a sequel it usually is seen within the first 24 to 72 hours after the placenta has been removed and the antibiotic treatments have been stopped.
“My filly is pregnant too young…”
Our stable owner left his 18 mo. yearling with the herd and now my filly is pregnant too young. She was 2years old March 09, 2004 and will probably foal this July. How could this affect her growth/structure and what are any common risks in a mare this young? What should I do?
Dr. Jack Sales’ Answer:
Hi Ladonna,
This is too young to carry a foal and yes, there are certain things that can be done to minimize the possible problems that could be associated with getting a yearling filly pregnant. First of all, it will be important to make sure that the filly is getting an adequate diet. At this age, she is in need of a high protein (14%) diet with an adequate amount of Calcium and Phosphorous in the correct ratio 2:1. Since the developing fetus is also in need of good quality protein and plenty of Ca and P, it is very important that the filly be receiving this adequate diet. Vitamin and other mineral needs should also be addressed. Alfalfa as the hay would be a good choice since it is high in protein, Ca and other important vitamins and minerals. A commercially prepared sweet feed of high quality, that supplies at least a 14% protein content should make up the rest of the diet. This proper diet will help prevent the filly from being stunted herself as well as help produce a healthy foal. This diet should be continued during the nursing period, with a good quality creep feed to be provided to the foal as quickly as the foal will begin eating on its own. (usually as early as 4 – 6 weeks. You should also have your veterinarian work with you as the mare gets close to foaling. It would be best to have the foaling attended by someone knowledgeable in the normal foaling of a mare. Being as young as she is, complications are more likely to arise during the foaling process.
“Her teets are full and she is leaking a little milk…”
I just bought a 23 year old arab named La Bay from a horse rescue and I have had her for about a week now. She is my first horse and I’m learning everything that I can. Her teets are full and she is leaking a little milk when I walk her. The rescue shelter had no knowledge that she was pregnant and I can’t reach the former owners. She is a former show horse and was formerly used as a broodmare. Her father is Bay Shaw. I just want to know if I should expect a baby soon or should I be worried that she is sick and have her seen by a vet right away. Thank you
Dr. Jack Sales’ Answer:
Hi Becky,
Your mare that is leaking milk may or may not be pregnant. Sometimes older mares can get a hormonal imbalance that could cause them to actually produce and leak milk, even though they are not in foal. I would suggest that you have a Vet out to examine her so you know exactly what to expect. If it is a hormonal problem, the Vet could suggest a possible remedy to the milk leakage.
“I have a few questions about my pregnant mare…”
Where can I place a stethoscope so that I can hear the baby’s heart beat?
My mares chest are is very flabby. Is this something I should be concerned with or does it have something to do with her being pregnant? It doesn’t seem to be causing her any discomfort is just looks odd.
I have heard so many different numbers about this but what is the normal gestation period for a horse?
Dr. Jack Sales’ Answer:
Hi Amy.
First of all, the mare normally carries a foal for 11 months plus 7 to 11 days. The flabby chest could possibly be an enlargement caused by an abscess, what is sometimes pigeon fever. If it keeps getting bigger, you should have a Vet look at it. It is unlikely that it is associated with the pregnancy. Lastly, unfortunately it is not possible to listen to the foals heartbeat with a regular stethoscope from outside the mare’s abdomen.
“My horse just gave birth to a stillborn colt…”
My horse just gave birth to a stillborn colt. Clean her real good. This was yesterday, today she is down, shaking and trying to push? What could be wrong, my vet is not in office.
Dr. Jack Sales’ Answer:
Hi Billy,
I’m sorry this answer will probably get to you after the fact, because it sounds as if you have an emergency procedure going on with your Mare. She is either foaling a twin or she did not totally get rid of the afterbirth and she is down and shaking because she is going into shock and has an overwhelming infection in her uterus. I hope it was the twin and not the second possibility. There are other possibilities, but the two I mentioned are the most likely.
