just discovered mare has milk!

Question
Hi,
I just brought home a 15-18 year old mare and have had her for a week. I just noticed today that she has milk. The previous owner has had her for two years and said she did not have a foal during that time. She was in with a 2 year old stallion and am wondering if this could be a sign of early pregnancy. She does not have a protruding belly and actually looks like she could gain some weight. I am wondering if a mare will get her milk in the beginning of her pregnancy because I don't think she could be in the later stage of pregnancy because of her tummy size. Thank you so much for your help!!   ~Rebekah

Answer
Hi Rebekah,

I have never seen a mare have milk at the beginning of a pregnancy.  

You did not state whether or not her udder is full or if you are just able to express fluid from the udder.

Older mares who have had quite a few foals in their lifetimes, will sometimes have constant fluid that can be expressed from their udder.

There are also several health conditions that can cause a mare to have milk without being pregnant and sometimes it is related to an imbalance in hormones.

If she has been running with a 2 year old stallion, I would definitely have her preg checked though.  There is always the chance that she could be pregnant, but I wouldn't say she should have milk at the beginning of a pregnancy.

Good luck with your new mare.