pregnant mare holding tail to the side?

[greenmeads stud]

just a quick one to see if i am worrying about nothing! one of my mares (maiden)in foal (due may) has been holding her tail to the side a little for the last few days. no discharge, no lameness, no obvious signs of discomfort. has anyone else had one that does this? she is a 14h section D and in foal to another section D although he is a little bigger at 15.1. will of course call the vet if it continues and could be a sign of anything scary but wondering if its just tweaking a nerve etc and needs a massage or if its a precursor to anything worrying. would appreciate anyone elses experiences as none of our others have done it.

[ajc]

My mums gelding did this a while back, but he was obviously not pregnant;) turns out he was doing this due to a sore back and he found it comfier holding his tail to the left! So we got the back therapist out to sort it and he only does it now when he poos but atleast we know he's not in any more pain! I would get a back therapist out to give her a check over just incase she has tweaked anything xx

[greenmeads stud]

Thanks ajc .... That is my gut reaction too. We also had a gelding that did it when his back was out. Will book someone to come out I think. Although obviously will watch for any changes.

[gillwales]

I would avoid getting anyone to manipulate a pregnant mare's back.
I would imagine it is down to the way the foal is laying inside her. She is not being worked and providing she has the opportunity to move freely around she should be fine

[polroger]

I would agree with gillwales, don't have anyone working on her back/pelvis, it can cause mares to slip their foals, any physio worth their salt would not want to work on a pregnant mare.
See how she is once foaled, and then have any work done.

[greenmeads stud]

ooh yes was hoping that it would be more if a reassurance than anything else :-) i wouldnt let her be "manipulated" or clicked back in so to speak. good news that its not ringing major alarm bells with anyone though

[gillwales]

no alarm, I would leave well alone unless she starts to show pain, looses weight or gets stressed

[greenmeads stud]

Thanks gillwales (to the rescue again) x

[gillwales]

[frank123]

I'm sure some mares find it harder than others to cope with the strain of carrying a foal as many women do, I can sympathise I found pregnancy very uncomfortable from what felt like quite early stages, I used to sleep up right to relieve the strain holding her tail to the side will be relieving pressure inside. I'm sure she will appreciate a check over after birth.

[greenmeads stud]

thanks Frank pleased to report the tail has returned to its former spot :-) i think all 3 of the girls deserve a spa weekend once the foalies have arrived safely ..... i may have to join them !

[gillwales]

frank.... can I be your manager? or have you had a sex change??