Why are my mares teats filled with fluid?

Question

I own a 12yo TB mare who's teats have been filled with a clear liquid for quite sometime. It doesn't bother her when I squeeze them so I didn't bother calling the vet. But when I asked the manager of my boarding stable she has never heard of this before. As far as I know she has never had a foal. Its only one teat that is filled. When I squeeze it, its just a clear fluid. I clean her teats on a regular basis especially in the warmer months. There are no stallions at my farm and she is kept with 3 older geldings and mares. Any ideas on what this may be or should I call my vet?

Answer 1

I'd call your vet, at least for some "over the phone" advice.  That's not normal.  You say "quite some time" but what exactly does that mean?  A week, a month, six months?  You'll need to tell the vet when you first noticed it so they have some idea of what's going on.  It may just be a hormonal inbalance or insect bite.  Do you clean the area between the teats?  It gets pretty cruddy in there and needs regualar cleaning.  Use warm water and soap, rinse well. You could also try rinsing them with cool (not cold) water and see if the swelling goes down. I'd get some professional advice.  I have a 20 yr old mare whose utters looked a little larger than normal when she first came.  After six months of a senior diet and regualr excercise they now look normal.  But she had definitely had foals.  Call a vet for advice and take it from there.