Heidi, I think you were absolutely right to get your vet out for the tests and to check on Peanut - it would probably be good if it became the 'norm' over here too. There is nothing better than that 'peace of mind' feeling and having someone experienced tell you that all is well, especially when it is one's first foaling experience. I was just interested to know what the vet checks were about and what the figures of the test meant.
You know what a worrywart I am and, although we dont do 'routine' tests here, many's the time that I have called a vet out before a foal seems wrong, just because I think I have spotted a problem, only to be told by the poor vet that that particular foal had been on its feet for a lot longer than they often are, so now that it had actually managed to fold its legs to lay down, of course it was going to sleep longer than I thought necessary! (as an example!) Or a mare who still looks a little uncomfortable even after her pain relief etc etc.
Our 'new' vets in Wales are just brilliant, and several times a couple of years ago they seemed to live at my place during the night as I phoned in a panic over something, usually a mare foaling, but not as quickly as I think she should be - I never wait, I leave Cathy at the business end while I'm standing there talking to the vet - ours chat to us on their in-car phones while they are on the way. Once Cathy was feeling a foot and a nose up inside the white bag, and I jumped on the phone straight away. Luckily the vet was not too far away, but the mare got up and down and wriggled around a bit, and Cathy found the other foot on top of the foals head, straightened it out, no problem. Vet just laughed and changed direction and headed home - no charge for bringing her out of her way.
The year before we came to Wales I lost the first four foals of the season, the first was a red bag with a hopelessly screwed up foal that needed removing by the vet. The next two were born dead with completely twisted cords. Then another red bag on a maiden mare where the foal lived just 20 minutes in spite of the vets efforts - arrived just as we got the foal out. I was nearly in the nuthouse I can tell you, when the fifth mare went into labour. The vet was with me before she started pushing (summoned by my frantic call for help!) but at last all went well, a perfectly normal birth and a big bouncing bay colt! All my other mares foaled easily, but I will never forget the feelings of hopelessness and sadness over the loss of those four precious little lives.
So yes, I'm known as the 'instant vet caller' LOL!!
You are such a good Momma to your minis and I do so admire your attention to the smallest of details. You are going to have hours of pleasure with Peanut and Cameron, especially as you can now relax, get some proper sleep and have your life back to normal again. They are a very lucky pair to have such a caring and doting Momma.
