Waxing at day 292...

[oppsie2]

Should I be as freaked out as I am? Mare seems happy/content. She has clear (as in NO color at all) liquid. Wax is yellowish/crusty (like she gets when she has a tick bite). Her bag is tight, she has a mild case of edema along her mid-line, but legs are fine. Belly is huge and low. Of course since she is maiden, I have no history - not that it makes a huge difference as we all know each pregnancy can be so different.

I noticed it just today as she was getting her feet trimmed. I don’t think she had this for more than a day. Her 340 “due” day is June 17th. Her maiden full sister went 2 weeks early with her first (this year), her dam was all over the place (early, late, etc).

Am contemplating a vet call… am I over reacting?

[clint]

I would call the vet. The last mare I knew who waxed that early, owned by a friend, foaled twins. It wasn’t a happy outcome.

[Somermist]

Call your vet and have her checked out.

[Damrock_Farm]

Could indicate placentitis. Definitely a vet call is in order and asap. No, you are not overreacting.

[horsechick]

yes, call the vet asap. It’s ALWAYS better to be safe than sorry.

[TBs4ME]

Absolutely call your vet. I hate to say it, but my mare did the same thing and foaled 19 days early, a red bag delivery and we lost the foal. I had the vet out and we had started treating her for placentitis. After foaling we discovered there was no infection of the placenta, but it was indeed, completely seperated.

I pray you have a better outcome.

[oppsie2]

Question on your placentitis… did your mare have any discharge or show any outward signs of infection? My mare is perfectly clean, no discharge from her vulva. I know that isn’t 100% proof positive of placentitis.

My vet didn’t seem horribly concerned when I spoke to her Monday, but I think I will ask her partner to come out and visit us today.

Thanks and I will let you know of my GREAT outcome! (thinking positivily)

[Laurierace]

Get an ultrasound of the placenta even if your vet tries to talk you out of it. It’s a small expense that will hopefully help you sleep better these next 30 days or so.

[Somermist]

Update?

Did your vet come out to check your mare yet? How’s It going?

[Antero_Equestrian]

I had this happen once. It was twins, they came at day 290, and they did not survive. Definitely call the vet.

[oppsie2]

Vet JUST left - I came to report back! She did palpate her, felt the foal move then said lets do U/S just to reasure you that all is well with the placenta. She said it looks attached, good blood flow, found the foal (still only looks like one in there!) and got out of her.

She said no discharge, no fever, she is just large, has earlier udder developement than some mares (which there is no rule bok for them to follow) and that I should keep an eye on her vulva for discharge (which doesn’t always happen in placentitis), take her temp the same time every day (if that makes me comfortable), keep an eye on her teats that the fluid/“waxing” is still clear and thin. If anything changes then call immediately.

I am not a normal worry wort, my vets trusts my judgement when I call and say I am concerned about something. This mare is my home-bred and it is her first pregnancy. I knew her dam’s pattern(s) - which were she was all over the place But I do feel better that she was checked. Not to say things can’t change… but thanks to all for holding my hand. It has been 9 years since my last foal. Whew.

Can’t wait to update with HEALTHY Dam & foal pictures in 5-6 weeks!!!

[Somermist]

So happy all looks well. It is very normal to be anxious. Best of luck to you for a healthy foal.

[Home_Again_Farm]

Did your vet do a trans abdominal US? Was the thickness of the placenta measured?

[TBs4ME]

My mare had a very slight discharge, which is why we did start treating her. Although, again, upon inspection of the placenta after birth there were no signs of infection. My mare is older (18) and this was her 4th (and now last) baby. He said it was most likely due to her age.

Sending positive thoughts!!!

[oppsie2]

Day 303 and all is well! Vets here on Monday to inject my gelding’s ankle. They did another once over on her and pronounced her lookin good! Seems she is an early bagger. No milk dripping, milk still clear if you squeeze her teats, still waxy but no other signs. Eating, happy and still growing! Keep your fingers crossed.

[ElegantExpressionsFa]

So happy to hear all is still well!! Fingers crossed she keeps it that way for you!! Thanks for the update and BEST of luck!! These mares sure know how to give us heart failure!!!

[Somermist]

Great news! Glad your mare seems to be moving along and looking healthy. Can’t wait to see your post for a happy,healthy mare and foal.