Expert: Lisa Kalp - 11/14/2011

Question
I just got my mare almost 3 weeks ago and I noticed when I got her that her teats were quite large. I thought this was just her breed, she is a gypsy vanner. I am friends with a breeder of them here and she said she didn't think it was normal. she came over and found that there was clear fluid coming from her teats. My mare is only 3 years old (never had a foal that I know of) and I'm wondering if she could be pregnant. The previous owners say that they don't think it is possible however, she was kept at their trainers and their trainer is a breeder. She was pastured with the mares and foals. The vet assistant said it could be if she is on a lot of green grass but she isn't. We are waiting on the vet to call back. Do you think this is normal for a young mare?

Answer
Hi Rochelle,
         There are some mares who will excrete a clear fluid from their teats after having been on lush green grass. This can also be a sign of a mare coming into or leaving her heat cycle. Unless, she shows any other signs or the fluid changes color or odor, then I would not worry.

Lisa