QuestionLast year my 5yr old mare lost her first foal (stuck vet had to pull it out). He couldn't find anything wrong and said it just happens sometimes. He said to bred her again and she may have a healthy foal next time. I did, Mare started losing weight about 4 months ago. She ate well, we increased her diet, we added supplements, feed with higher protein and fat, but she still lost weight. She has lost her muscle and fat. She had the foal two days ago, still born. Normal size and weight. I'm heat broken. Did the foal take all the nourishment? If so is there a name for this? Or cure? I need to find information to help my mare so I don't lose her to. thank you.
AnswerHi Cindi-
I am so sorry about your mare and foal. It seems as though minis have a higher incidence of dystocia or difficult births than large horses. I have known several mares who have lost one or even two babies and have gone on to have a healthy baby. I am not as concerned about her losing the babies as I am the cause of her weight loss. It sounds as if she may have an underlying health issue. I assume that you had all her vaccinations and have been worming her? You may want to have your vet do a fecal count to see if there is a parasite you missed with your worming rotation. It is a good sign that her appetite was good. Perhaps she has a thyroid or other metabolic issue (blood tests). Probiotics may help as well. Before breeding her again I would have the vet determine what her underlying problem may be. I wish I had an easy answer but there could be so many causes. If everything comes back clean, you can try again. Hope this helps. Best, Toni
