Mary's Pregnancy & Foaling Thread- SHE FOALED 5/22~~~FILLY~~~!!! New PICS pg 56

[mthowdy]

Ah I'm a nervous wreck now!! Not that you freaked me out, but now that someone who knows what they are doing confirmed my suspicions I am a little anxious!!

I'm trying to keep calm, and Mary seems to be staying calm. But every time I check on her- and this has been the same forever, so it's nothing new- she get excited to see me. So I hope I'm not stressing her out by checking so often.

I really hope I'm just over thinking all this and she is just tricking us tonight- the rain has really kicked up in the last twenty minutes and now it is getting windy. But, I suppose that is typical of a mini mare- foal at the most inconvenient time haha.

I'll be sure to keep everyone updated, but I think a closer eye should be spent on Sandy's thread for Lexi/Fancy!!

 

[mthowdy]

Many mares foal during storms -- something to do with pressure changes. I know many get excited when storms are coming, as they expect the mares to foal.

Don't be a nervous wreck. You've been waiting for this, and it's possible it will happen tonight. Just enjoy the ride, while you watch her carefully. This is a time for excitement, and you need to have your "wits" about you in case she needs you. So, just enjoy!!

Like I said before, she could progress, or she may "hold" and do nothing further. We just don't know -- so we "watch".

We'll be watching you and Mary, AND Sandy and Lexi/Fancy. We're happy for several babies all at once!!!

Good luck!

That is interesting!

I'm trying to remain calm- and you definitely helped!

thanks!

If I were to go with my gut feeling- I'm gonna say she holds out on us tonight. She was munching on her alfalfa- and standing in the rain again!! There is only one spot, probably 3x5 feet, that the rain gets to- and she stands right in the middle of it!

I don't know if it is possible in twenty minutes, or just my imagination, but It seemed like her udder went down.

 

[mthowdy]

Always go with the "gut" -- we've had many a foal born safely because someone was following their "gut" and decided to watch their girl.

She may well hold out tonight. Check her a few more times, and then start spacing them out more if you don't see any continuing foaling signs. It's all about being attentive to changes -- so you're doing just great!!

I usually alway go with my gut, and it seems to steer me right!

I am going back out in half an hour and if she is looking the same I will go back out another half hour after- if no changes I'll probably do a couple hourly checks and then decide.

Maybe she is preparing for a daytime foal tomorrow?? Haha

I have to bring my dog into the vet at 9:30 so hopefully I can be gone for an hour and feel safe! (I won't leave if she looks like she might foal, but I really think she is trying to trick me)

 

[Eagle]

Diane I am so glad you were still up and here to help Ben, We had a power cut and I have had one heck of a problem keeping it on. (mice must have chewed the wires)

Ben stay calm and keep an eye on her as Diane has said, if she stops any signs you can reduce her visits but it really would be best if you could pull up an old comfy chair and a blanket and just sit quietly where you can see her, she will soon get used to you being there. I know it is tough but it really is worth it. My friends don't call this "foaling season" they call it "zombie season"

cos I walk round in a trance state cos I am so tired after sitting up night after night.

 

[AnnaC]

You are doing a great job Ben!! As to whether she might foal tonight or not, only she knows the answer to that LOL!! Which, as Renee said, is why we all spend weeks in a zombie state!

It is good if you keep visiting her, you wont 'disturb' her, she needs to get used to you popping in and out so that she is quite relaxed when she foals and you are right beside her to help. Many mares can suddenly change their minds and hold up their actual labour at the sudden unexpected appearance of a human, she needs to be totally familiar with your being around.

If all seems calm in the morning, I'm sure you will have the time to take your dog to the vet - nothing too serious I hope?

 

[Eagle]

The house alarm went off at 4.30am and it took nearly an hour to switch it off, lol we had a bit of chaos cos Sandro kept shouting orders to do this do that and I was half asleep ROFL

 

[LittleBittyBritches]

Sounds like you had a sleepless night... How is Mary this morning?

 

[mthowdy]

Alright everyone....no foal last night from Mary!! Looks like Sandy & Gracie got what I wanted- a flashy little colt with two blue eyes!!!

Anyways, last night I kept doing half hour checks. At one point I went in to her stall to check her out, kneeled down for a minute and fell asleep! Haha- I woke up to Mary nudging my face

I have some pictures to post- cant wait to hear what you all think! After I get back from the vet I will post them.

Oh, and it actually is kind of serious. My dachshund has IVDD, acute neurological deficit, and it is getting worse. He is unable to walk or control his hind legs- he has a hard time controlling his bowel movements and bladder. I don't have the $7000 for the surgery he needs- so we are trying to figure something else out. I've been pretty heartbroken these last two days- its been hard to get out of bed and see him jut laying there, unable to move.

Hopefully I can keep him happy and pain free. We are looking into wheelchairs, but he will still need some type of surgery to help him. Ugh

 

[AnnaC]

Oh Ben, I'm so sorry about your little Daxy, I really hope that something can be done to help him. Will be saying prayers for him and for you. Please let us know what your vet says and keep us up to date with his progress.

Sending you ((((HUGS))))

 

[mthowdy]

Mr Wags is adorable!

Unfortunately Murphy isn't doing very good. The accupuncture doesn't seem to be helping any more. He can't control his bowels, he is knuckling over- and the worst part is I feel like the worst person ever because I can't afford the surgery that could save him.

I don't know if I have any other options than to give him up to someone who can take care of him (highly unlikely finding someone who wants a dog who needs 7 thousand in surgery) or put him down. He is only 6 and he is my little man and this is the worst day I've had in a long time. I don't know what to do, I just want him to be back to his normal self.

We are going back in on Saturday- and unless I win the lottery or something, I'm not sure what will happen. I guess my only hope is to be able to keep him happy and pain free- but what kind of quality of life would he have if he can't control his bowels, or walk? Not a very good one.

Sorry for the rambling- i am just upset and don't know what to do. I failed my poor Murphy

Just something for all dachshund (or any other animal) owners- be very careful with how you pick your dog up, don't let them jump, don't let them run up and down stairs, start acupuncture now to keep their back healthy, and get some kind of pet insurance before something like this happens so if it does happen you aren't stuck with by having a way to help. Not many people just have 7000 dollars laying around, especially not me. I never expected this to happen- and I guess it is my fault for not being prepared.

I really hope Mary doesn't want to foal today- I don't want to ge out of my bed, or move at all for that matter.

 

[mthowdy]

Well I decided to turn Mary out into the smaller field that doesn't have fescue in it. I'll let her roam for a couple hours then put her back in the foalin pen.

She really wanted to move around, and since I feel like garbage due to the whole Murphy thing, I figured it wouldn't hurt to let her have some free time.

I think we will have to wait a couple more days to see a baby!

 

[palsminihorses]

Mr Wags is adorable!

Unfortunately Murphy isn't doing very good. The accupuncture doesn't seem to be helping any more. He can't control his bowels, he is knuckling over- and the worst part is I feel like the worst person ever because I can't afford the surgery that could save him.

I don't know if I have any other options than to give him up to someone who can take care of him (highly unlikely finding someone who wants a dog who needs 7 thousand in surgery) or put him down. He is only 6 and he is my little man and this is the worst day I've had in a long time. I don't know what to do, I just want him to be back to his normal self.

We are going back in on Saturday- and unless I win the lottery or something, I'm not sure what will happen. I guess my only hope is to be able to keep him happy and pain free- but what kind of quality of life would he have if he can't control his bowels, or walk? Not a very good one.

Sorry for the rambling- i am just upset and don't know what to do. I failed my poor Murphy

Just something for all dachshund (or any other animal) owners- be very careful with how you pick your dog up, don't let them jump, don't let them run up and down stairs, start acupuncture now to keep their back healthy, and get some kind of pet insurance before something like this happens so if it does happen you aren't stuck with by having a way to help. Not many people just have 7000 dollars laying around, especially not me. I never expected this to happen- and I guess it is my fault for not being prepared.

I really hope Mary doesn't want to foal today- I don't want to ge out of my bed, or move at all for that matter.

I'm so sorry to hear about your little Murphy. So sad. My brother and sis-n-law are going through the same problem with their part-dachshund. If she doesn't come out of it this time, 'the decision' will have to be made.

HUGS to you at this difficult time!

 

[Eagle]

Ben I am so sorry for you and Murphy

 

[mthowdy]

Thanks ladies, it really helps.

I'm not going to get my hopes up- but I do have some good news. About two hours after Murphys latest acupuncture/check up, I brought him outside to try and go potty- he tried to walk and was actually able to use one of his back legs!! No knuckling over on that foot, but still on the other.

The pain relief must be really helping with movement.

I've scheduled an appointment with a local neurologist- the soonest I could get in was Monday, I wish it was sooner but nothing else I can do.

After talking to them over the phone, and reading some of his patients stories on their website, I'm feeling optimistic. Although surgery is most likely not an option due to lack of funds, this neurologist believes in trying everything else under the sun- so I'm sure there will be something that will at least help. I'd be happy if he could just control his bowels again- I know it will be sad/hard for him to not be able to walk, but I will get him a wheelchair and make the best life for him possible.

I'm feeling a lot better, but still a little depressed.

Mary is really enjoying her turn out time- she has been running around and rolling, getting covered in mud of course.

Luckily we are supposed to have a sunny weekend, so hopefully she can dry off and I can get her clean before it is time to deliver this baby!

This wet weather is really making my mood worse- it is stressing me out thinking about her foaling in the rain/mud, and having the foal be soaked all the time. They have plenty of dry places to stand, but Mary seems to prefer standing in the rain!

Any suggestions on a foal blanket?? I've been looking for one, but didn't know if there is something specific I should get- especially size wise!

 

[Eagle]

I bought my foal rugs from Rivendell Miniatures.

http://www.rivendellminiaturehorses.com/Foalblankets2.htm

I really hope you find something to help little Murphy.

 

[MountainWoman]

Ozark Mountain Mini Tack had some also Ebay might have some as well. Hope you find something.

 

[AnnaC]

I'm so sorry that the prognosis was not better for little Murphy, but great to hear about the fact that the acupuncture seemed to have an effect!

I'm praying that the neurologist will be able to help in some way. Will be thinking of you and Murphy on Monday. Meanwhile, although it must be very difficult, please try not to feel bad about the whole sad affair, it is not your fault that this has happened. But apart from this, animals do pick up on your feelings and I expect little Murphy could really do with you feeling 'up beat' right now to help him get through this, and of course Mary needs you to be the same, inspite of the fact that I know you must be feeling beyond awful right now. I'm so very sorry for you.

On another note, yes you are quite correct, puppies should not be allowed to climb steps/stairs until they are mature, and to pick up a dog correctly always place one hand under their chest between their front legs and the other hand under or between their back legs. You see so many people walking around with small dogs tucked under their arm with the back end 'trailing' downwards. Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!

I expect Mary enjoyed her time out today - the safe grass will be good for her and she needs plenty of moving around and a chance to have a good roll - mud or no mud LOL!! Your little foal may well be born with plenty of coat to keep him or her warm, but it never hurts to have a rug ready just in case as babies cant control their temperature until they are several weeks old. But, just as you dont want the foal to get cold, it is also important that they dont over heat, so you will have to keep an eye out for the weather temperature to warm up suddenly.

How is Mary looking today - any changes, even small ones?

 

[Eagle]

Wonderfully put Diane.

 

[mthowdy]

Thank you guys for the kind words, it really does help.

I know this is going to be tough, but I also know that Murphy still has some living to do- and I'm going to get him up to the highest quality of life possible, and as soon as that isn't manageable we will make some decisions. But until that time comes, which it hasn't yet, I'm going to remain positive and as upbeat as I can- for Murphy, Mary & myself.

Ok Mary has been really enjoying running around (well not actually running, haha- she can't move very fast but she tries) and has been grazing like a pregnant horse should

Her bag went waaaaaay down in the couple hours she has been turned out- but when I was out there spending time observing her, she was rolling quite a bit and kicking/stomping her back leg. I think her vulva is darkening too- but could that be from the rolling?

She has also been lifting and swishing her tail quite a bit since yesterday.

I'm going to leave her turned out for another couple hours, then put her back in her foaling pen. I think when I give feed her dinner I will put her in the 'stable' for the night- unless she doesn't seem to like that.

I will be sleeping in the car tonight, again- checking in every half hour. I think we might be closer than I thought.

Here is a picture of her belly- it really changed in the last couple days (I think). Please excuse her wet and muddy self- she couldn't resist rolling in all the muddy spots!

And her hooha- I still think it could use some more elongating, but i think it has progressed since the last pictures.

When I go out later I will get udder pics, more side shots, one from behind, and a picture of the color to see what you guys think.

She wasn't very cooperative when I was trying to take pictures- she wante to be in my lap, and then she kept turning her butt to me so I would scratch it. Haha

 

[AnnaC]

I would say she getting really close. As she is quite a 'short' mare in length she may not get the classic V sign with her tummy, but she does have a nice 'straight' line down from her back leg to the underside of her tummy - if you can understand me? In my 'short coupled' mares I count this as their V. Also her vulva has elongated so all looking good! Will be interested to know the colour inside her vulva, even if you cant get a picture. I wouldn't worry about her bag going down - sticky milk is positive though.

Night's in the car are now essential!!