Best way to pregnancy check late term mares
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External ultrasound by a competent reader would be 100% accurate and 100% safe.
A blood test for estrone sulfate would also be very accurate (can't give you a %). It just requires a blood sample so should be very safe as well.
A blood test for estrone sulfate would also be very accurate (can't give you a %). It just requires a blood sample so should be very safe as well.
Robin_C
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Michelle, how accurate do you think external ultrasound at 40 days with a fairly novice reader would be? I had 5 mares ultrasounded, all at day 40-50. 3 of 5 were pronounced in foal and I was shown on the screen the "signs" that determined that. While I could not clearly see that same shape on the 2 mares pronounced "open", it was not easy to see it on the 3 mares deemed in foal.
The two mares who were determined to be open have NEVER re-cycled since that June 1-10th breeding period and have access to a stallion every day through a stall door (whom they previously were very showy to).
One "open" mare is a maiden 4 year old so looks like she always does (big bodied, 34" mare). The other "open" mare (older, several previous foals ) is typically very bellyish even in the non-pregnant state, but I'm getting a hint of a lop-sided belly in her at this point. Two of the 3 mares called in as pregnant are starting to show.
Would re-ultrasounding them externally at this 6 month interval be definitive, even with a novice reader??? Or would internal structures still obscure the fetus. Trying to figure out whether to spend the money for another external ultrasound!!! My local vet does not do internal ultrasounds or internal palpations.
Robin C
The two mares who were determined to be open have NEVER re-cycled since that June 1-10th breeding period and have access to a stallion every day through a stall door (whom they previously were very showy to).
One "open" mare is a maiden 4 year old so looks like she always does (big bodied, 34" mare). The other "open" mare (older, several previous foals ) is typically very bellyish even in the non-pregnant state, but I'm getting a hint of a lop-sided belly in her at this point. Two of the 3 mares called in as pregnant are starting to show.
Would re-ultrasounding them externally at this 6 month interval be definitive, even with a novice reader??? Or would internal structures still obscure the fetus. Trying to figure out whether to spend the money for another external ultrasound!!! My local vet does not do internal ultrasounds or internal palpations.
Robin C
Robin,
We typically use internal ultrasound at 40-50 days since it is easier to tell if there is a pregnancy.
I have no doubt that an experienced reader could tell externally at that point but I would think a novice would have a tougher time (I can't say for sure how inexperienced your vet is). If they were open about their inexperience they may recheck for a lesser price. If they are confident in the diagnosis they'll make you pay again. The further along they are the easier external ultrasound will be. We usually switch from internal to external at 7 months (although internal can certainly ne done at that point too. As the baby enlarges it drops to the bottom of the abdomen and should be up against the body wall when the probe is placed in front or to the side and front of the udder.
You could ask your vet when they would feel most confident rechecking.
I would say that the ones pronounced open may be in foal but the position of the fetus made it look like they weren't. The mares that were pronounced pregnant likely were because the right signs were seen. It is also inportant to keep in mind that a mare can lose the foal after the U/S. She would not come back in to heat at that stage.
We typically use internal ultrasound at 40-50 days since it is easier to tell if there is a pregnancy.
I have no doubt that an experienced reader could tell externally at that point but I would think a novice would have a tougher time (I can't say for sure how inexperienced your vet is). If they were open about their inexperience they may recheck for a lesser price. If they are confident in the diagnosis they'll make you pay again. The further along they are the easier external ultrasound will be. We usually switch from internal to external at 7 months (although internal can certainly ne done at that point too. As the baby enlarges it drops to the bottom of the abdomen and should be up against the body wall when the probe is placed in front or to the side and front of the udder.
You could ask your vet when they would feel most confident rechecking.
I would say that the ones pronounced open may be in foal but the position of the fetus made it look like they weren't. The mares that were pronounced pregnant likely were because the right signs were seen. It is also inportant to keep in mind that a mare can lose the foal after the U/S. She would not come back in to heat at that stage.
horsehug
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I'm with AJ.
I have always been able to feel movement with my hand flat under the belly from 6 to 7 months along gestation. I am talking a very clear movement like a kick or buck that you are 100% sure is coming from something moving inside the mare, and not mistake for anything else. As opposed to ultrasounds and other things, it has always been my most sure and realiable way.
Susan O.
I have always been able to feel movement with my hand flat under the belly from 6 to 7 months along gestation. I am talking a very clear movement like a kick or buck that you are 100% sure is coming from something moving inside the mare, and not mistake for anything else. As opposed to ultrasounds and other things, it has always been my most sure and realiable way.
Susan O.
Enchantress
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I had some foalproof tests that I used. They're good for mares over 120 days. They're supposed to be like 97-98% accurate too. 5 for 120$ so not overly pricey either. You do have to draw blood, but other than that they're pretty easy to use.
Becky
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If I need to know (such as a sold mare), I'll have my vet palpate them. Otherwise, I can tell pretty accurately, just by appearance, whether a mare is in foal or not.
coopermini
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Kathy,
We are about in the same boat. We are quite sure 4 are bred and not a clue on the mare that ran with stallion all summer. Apparently our equine vet doesn't do any repo. work and the one they recommend is (2nd hand info) $80.00 per mare to check plus farm call. And rumured to not like minis.
We will try checking for movement. Last year we did this on 2 mares and numerous days we could not find anything definate until 10 1/2 months. Where does everyone feel???? Flat on the bottom of belly slightly to one side in front of the udder or higher up on the side just above the bottom?
Mark
We are about in the same boat. We are quite sure 4 are bred and not a clue on the mare that ran with stallion all summer. Apparently our equine vet doesn't do any repo. work and the one they recommend is (2nd hand info) $80.00 per mare to check plus farm call. And rumured to not like minis.
We will try checking for movement. Last year we did this on 2 mares and numerous days we could not find anything definate until 10 1/2 months. Where does everyone feel???? Flat on the bottom of belly slightly to one side in front of the udder or higher up on the side just above the bottom?
Mark
horsehug
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It actually works best for me flat on the bottom of the belly. But I know others feel it sometimes different places.
If your mare will let you get down by her with both your hands side by side underneath her belly you are covering a larger area and that often works also for me. Good luck
Susan O.
If your mare will let you get down by her with both your hands side by side underneath her belly you are covering a larger area and that often works also for me. Good luck
Susan O.
coopermini
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Thanks Susan! Never thought to use 2 hands, DUH! Will try this weekend. A friend did tell us they have better luck checking while mares are eating.
Thanks Mark
Thanks Mark
Hey Mark, I did call down to the breeding specialist in Saco and Im hauling 3 over on Sunday to have em checked. It is only $45 each and she said if she couldnt tell she wouldnt charge, Fair deal !!If you are interested in her # or anything call or email me and Ill get right back to you. Hey how you likeing this snow!! I promise I will be over for a visit soon. its going to be a long winter!!
yankee_minis
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Hi Kathy! Who is the breeding specialist? And who works on Sunday?? LOL
What are they doing for a check? Our vet here in Monmouth, Annabessacook Vet Clinic, will do a palpation. They have two small women and feel comfortable checking minis. They charge $30 for the palpation plus the farm call. Ultrasound is more.
If one is due in March you should be able to feel definitive movement. Push up on the belly just in front of the udder. It should be very, very clear to you. If it's not totally obvious, then I would say not pregnant.
We've been suckered into watching open mares for 24 hours a day. Looking back I realize we fooled ourselves into thinking the bubbles and tummy twitches were a baby.
What are they doing for a check? Our vet here in Monmouth, Annabessacook Vet Clinic, will do a palpation. They have two small women and feel comfortable checking minis. They charge $30 for the palpation plus the farm call. Ultrasound is more.
If one is due in March you should be able to feel definitive movement. Push up on the belly just in front of the udder. It should be very, very clear to you. If it's not totally obvious, then I would say not pregnant.
We've been suckered into watching open mares for 24 hours a day. Looking back I realize we fooled ourselves into thinking the bubbles and tummy twitches were a baby.
MeadowRidge Farm
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Up our way its hard to find a vet that will palpate a mini, and I have found that not all internal ultrasounds are 100% accurate either. I have also used the blood test, which those did turn out to be correct. The best way and safest way is to feel for movement, which usually for me is in frint of the udder, and just a very LIGHT pressing will result in a kick or some movement, I usually do this while they are eating it seems the mares are much more relaxed. Corinne
The Dynamic Duo
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out at the farm i go to the lady in charge of breeding dons a rubber glove and some type of jelly and feels inside for the baby. like quicksand, she could not get deep enough in her and sadie was too tight but gracie is definately pregnant
edited to fix spelling
edited to fix spelling
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joylee123
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Hi there,
This late in the season I always just feel the mare. Usually before feeding time (morning or evening) the foal seems more active and it's movements are a little more pronounced. I only use blood tests and ultra sound ect..,during breeding season if for some reason you have a secretive mare or are running out of time. But in the middle of the winter, just wrap your arms around the little darling and place your hands in front of the bag/ to the sides of the bag/ and you'll have no doubt when you feel the foal move, it's a wonderful feeling!!
I've always felt this to be a sound practice to use over the course of the pregnancy as you have a guide line as to what is normal and can be alerted
to potential problems. But of course this is just my opinion. :0)
This late in the season I always just feel the mare. Usually before feeding time (morning or evening) the foal seems more active and it's movements are a little more pronounced. I only use blood tests and ultra sound ect..,during breeding season if for some reason you have a secretive mare or are running out of time. But in the middle of the winter, just wrap your arms around the little darling and place your hands in front of the bag/ to the sides of the bag/ and you'll have no doubt when you feel the foal move, it's a wonderful feeling!!
I've always felt this to be a sound practice to use over the course of the pregnancy as you have a guide line as to what is normal and can be alerted
to potential problems. But of course this is just my opinion. :0)
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