Weaning question

[PasoVicki]

I separated Capri (almost five months) from Danesa yesterday. We don't have enough property to keep them from hearing each other (Capri has an unexpectedly loud whinny), but they seem to be doing fine. Capri is with my 17 year old Paso gelding, and Danesa is by herself at the moment. Capri called to her quite often yesterday -- and she responded occasionally. This morning, there has been almost no calling back and forth.

My question concerns Danesa. She had a nasty case of mastitis last year (before she was shipped to me), so I'm concerned about her getting it again. Although, last year her colt was weaned at three months in the August heat -- and, as I said, Capri is almost five months, and it's nice and cool outside now. It's been about 26 hours since they were separated. (We have only given her grass hay since the separation.) Right now, her udder (the one functional side) seems fairly full, but not hard or hot. Is this normal? If so, how soon should I expect to see it start to go down? Other than the udder feeling hot, what would be the signs of mastitis?

Thanks.

[appyday]

Full (sometimes very hard) and NOT hot is normal..

I weaned JR today he is doing fine so far..

But the mares grain out for a few days and you can even limit some water for just 24 hours..but give hay..that will help dry her up..

[DSDECKERT]

Like appyday says, cut her grain and limit her water for a few days....grass and hay is fine.

If you notice heat or swelling, get her on bute and antibiotics asap, my mare gets this yearly even without having a baby.

[PasoVicki]

It's been five days, and she seems to be okay. I'm not sure how long it takes for her udder to return to pre-foal condition, but it's gone down quite a lot. No sign of heat or discomfort. I've had her on grass hay only since Sunday, but I can't limit her water without shutting her in the stall because we have automatic waterers.

[appyday]

5 days for Condesa too..First 24 hrs she was dripping milk..next day tight..now looser ....They will be fine..

[motorgypsy]

If I had a mare with only half a funcitonal udder I'd get her a shot to dry her up just to be on the safe side. You can probably get it from your vet and give it yourself if you know her correct weight. We got one for our goat doe because we got tired of the daily milking after a year and it worked very well.