Mari

[juslyn]

When did you first start to notice milk production on Mari? Xana has just begun some activity and I'm trying to decide when to give her the shot to help out the foal as well.

Suzy

[Michelle Clarke]

Suzy, what kind of shot?

[lwood92]

Morgan is sooo happy to have that baby out. She is such a great mother.

Suzy, Mari started bagging up about Feb. 11. But, we haven't seen any milk dripping and she goes back and forth between floppy and bagged up.

[fantasykiger]

I believe Suzy is referring to the equine combo' vaccine/shot which is reccommended by some to be given within' 30 days prior to birth.

[nrly]

how come the shot, I mean horses did with out them for how long. Are they really necessary ? I have not heard of it, and I am not going to give Flash one.

[fantasykiger]

Some vets recommend that you pregnant mare recieve the rhino' shot at 5,7 and 9 months to prevent early aborting of the fetus due to the rhino virus. They also recommend the equine combo' vaccine EWT-Flu to be given to the mother within 30 days of birth with the thinking that it will increase the antibodies that are passed on to the foal.
I know that there are other views on vaccines so it is up to the individual owner and their situation. I myself have always vaccinated my broodmares as above.

[Michelle Clarke]

Wow, scares me! Doctors do not give pregnant women shots, they mostly go the oposite and tell you to stay away from putting any forgien stuff in or on your body. My mare Chilli, who I bred and raised from a foal had never had a shot in her life besides a tetnus. When I sold her, the gal that bought her proceeded to give her everything under the moon at the vets recomendation. Last year she foaled a colt by the same stud as my Gringo (who will be 17 hands). The colt is tiny (only 13 hands at a year old), has had all kinds of leg issues and is FAT no matter how little she feeds him. Chilli has had 6 other foals with me and all have been 15'2 or more, even her first foal. Could be many reasons for it, but I can't imagine having the mares body go through fighting all those pathogens while a fetus is developing inside her. JMHO!

[fantasykiger]

Well giving shots never made my foals small, but after sharing stories with friends that live in New Zealand and Australia where they do not vaccine there horses and her pregnant mares lost there foals due to the flu epidemic that hit them and the loss of use of their horses of for 6 months. I decided a vaccine can not be all bad. If vaccines caused any major grief to any of my horses or their foals you can be sure I would not be using them.

[juslyn]

Giving the pnuemabort shot I decided was too risky with Xana since I didn't know when she was due. But I do want to give her the combo. I've never had problems yet giving them to my other mare. Xana is at a boarding stable where there are many horses and some come and go. I think it will be much more beneficial to give it to her. I'm just not sure when to do so since I don't know her due date.

As for Michelle's comment about us humans getting shots while pregnant...most of our shots have already been given prior to adulthood and no longer require boosters. Whereas vets usually recommend boosting horses once or twice a year.

I've put a call into my vet about how long the shot's effect in the milk will be good for once given.

Thanks,
Suzy

[lwood92]

Suzy, didn't Xana come from the last BLM auction? She was given shots then before she was adopted, so she may not need anything else yet. Just a thought.

[kimk]

Wow! Congrats on that little guy! From the looks of him in the photos I would vote yes on the champagne.

[nrly]

what a cute little man you got there. looking forward to more pictures

[juslyn]

Yes, Xana is a newly adopted Kiger. I give shots twice a year, so this shot is a little early for her, but hopefully perfect for her foal who I'm more concerned about getting immunities in. I gave her the shot last night and she didn't even flinch. She's such a good girl! One of my vets said it should still have the desired effect in the milk up to 6 weeks out. I've started taking her into the arena for exercise and have to really work to keep her working. It is very hard to get her to canter! but boy can she trot! A fit mare has an easier delivery. My Arab mare was walked about a half mile almost every day and given free lounge time to strut her stuff, often putting a show on for those passing by. She was down, slipped the foal out, and was back up in 10 minutes. I think she was trying for some kind of record.

I can't wait to see these wild bred foals!

[fantasykiger]

Oh me too juslyn..I am very excited to see what kinda wild surprises the newly adopted mares have hidden away. ;D

[nrly]

exciting times for you, kepp us posted and am waiting for the news of the birth with pictures to follow. How long do you chase her. I have been working Flashy for 10 mins of a steady run, the 10 mins of walking then 10 mins of good grooming. I have done this for about a month now and we still have about 40 days left.