phantom pregnancies

Question
I have bought a mare from my friend four weeks ago, and she can honestly say that the mare has not been covered, and yet two days ago when we brought her in from the field she is all bagged up and producing what looks like a semi clear fluid from her teats. When we spoke to the vet he wasnt happy to give her an internal investigation but said usually it means they are in foal and phantom pregnancy is rare in horses. What would you suggest I do???

Answer
Get ready for a baby.  The vet should have been able to tell you if he heard a second heartbeat.  If a mare is dripping she is normally getting close to birth, so I would think the mare is showing well and it is not just a hay belly.  In month or so she will go into heat if she is not pregnant so if she does not go into heat, I think the owners lied or their is a very sneaky Stud that got over the fence, did his business and then left without ever being noticed....???  not likely.

Rick