RiverHavenHorses
New Member
Hi Folks,
New member here seeking some advice! My mini, Pearl, came to us from a rescue in December. She had a body condition score of about 2.5. She’s on 24/7 turn-out on our .25 mile track system eating first cut orchard grass ad-lib in many slow feed bags and a supplement meal of timothy cubes, soaked no-sugar beet, flax oil, vitamin e, probiotic, balanced and top dressed salt. In the six months we’ve had her, she’s put on a bit of weight - she’s closer to a 4 body condition now, but still lacking top line and muscling. She does not have fat pads anywhere or cresty neck. She started developing a ginormous belly about two months ago. It’s so big we had the vet out for an ultrasound and bloodwork for pregnancy. Nothing turned up on the ultrasound and the blood work is negative, however she is lactating, and her udders are a bit swollen. If she’s not pregnant, what the heck could be going on? Early Cushings (she’s 13, and had a foal at the side when she was pulled from the auction)? Worms? When I asked my vet what might be going on, he said “let’s just give her time and wait and see.” I’m not sure what that even means. Anyone have thoughts or experience to share? I’m thinking of having our other vet out for a second opinion…


New member here seeking some advice! My mini, Pearl, came to us from a rescue in December. She had a body condition score of about 2.5. She’s on 24/7 turn-out on our .25 mile track system eating first cut orchard grass ad-lib in many slow feed bags and a supplement meal of timothy cubes, soaked no-sugar beet, flax oil, vitamin e, probiotic, balanced and top dressed salt. In the six months we’ve had her, she’s put on a bit of weight - she’s closer to a 4 body condition now, but still lacking top line and muscling. She does not have fat pads anywhere or cresty neck. She started developing a ginormous belly about two months ago. It’s so big we had the vet out for an ultrasound and bloodwork for pregnancy. Nothing turned up on the ultrasound and the blood work is negative, however she is lactating, and her udders are a bit swollen. If she’s not pregnant, what the heck could be going on? Early Cushings (she’s 13, and had a foal at the side when she was pulled from the auction)? Worms? When I asked my vet what might be going on, he said “let’s just give her time and wait and see.” I’m not sure what that even means. Anyone have thoughts or experience to share? I’m thinking of having our other vet out for a second opinion…

