Mares teats

Question
Just acquired a beautiful 7 year old thoroughbred mare which we just had saddle broken and started training and she is doing great.  She was impregnated over 18 months ago and had already weaned her foal before we got her.  Her milk sac seems to have gone done but her teats are still protruding and hanging a bit.  She is still a little sensitive but not to bad.  How long does it take for them to go away and should I be checking them incase they become enlarged or infected or something.  This is the first mare I have owned.  Look forward to hearing from you.  Love my thoroughbreds

Answer
Dear Colleen

First congratulation on your new mare.  She sounds lovely. Some mares will have larger teats than others.  You could try a daily warm compress and see if that helps to reduce the size.  It will have the added advantage that if she is a bit touchy, that may help her get over the touchiness. Fold a clean cloth and and ring warm (but not too hot) water through it.  Just hold the warm compress against her teats for a few minutes once or twice a day.   It should feel good to her.  It will also help her to get used to be handled in that sensitive area.  A warm compress won't hurt and it might help.  Often they will go with time and exercise.  

Good Luck,

Lynne Curtis Gudes
"Common sense isn't."