Mare In Foal (Stumped)

Question
I have a 11 year old mare.  She was a broodmare for sometime.  Bought her to add to our herd in May 2007 (owner declares she is not pregnant).  She was real stubborn and green when she came to us.  Since she has been here she has grown a barrel stomach.  I've noticed also she is very loose and her back end seems to be sunk in a bit.  Her teats are enlarged (size of a quarter) but no milk sack.  She has very large veins now running from her udder down her sides of her belly.  Many tiny veins showing up underneath.  She has become so gentle and wanting so much attention she has become what I call a "needy" horse.  So, here I am--- been around a mare in foal before twice.  Vet (retired out in these parts) says he cannot feel a thing twice (he is a bit elderly?)  So now the changes even more as I have explained.....It's been a while for me, tell me what you think of these changes?  Is it time to get a younger vet?  I thought milk veins only show when a mare is in foal?

Thank you

Answer
hi Judy,
well it is possible she is pregnant. a younger vet and an ultrasound would let you know for sure. it could also be though that she is juts getting a hay belly. with being a broodmare and carrying so many babies it could be why her back is swayed. sometimes a mares teats will swell up when their in season, especially if they have been bred multiple times. i would say get a younger vet and have an ultrasound just to make sure. if not then she just has a hay belly and she just settled in to her new home. let me know things turn out.
amanda groff