Rachel Alexandra has baby #2

[Merlinsky]

Originally Posted by Danzig

and the wobbler colt lived 2 years, so it wasn't an immediate issue, nor one that can be tied to lotta kim.

Some forms of Wobbler's can be hereditary. There are a few factors than can lead to it and genetic predisposition could play a part even if it wasn't the primary issue. Males tend to get it more than females as well for some reason. We don't know that he didn't get something from his dam that made its appearance as he got older. The growing process could've started things up that were waiting to happen.

I don't know that I want to jump straight to the 'don't breed her again' bandwagon, but if you didn't she definitely wouldn't die of foaling complications...that is, in fact, guaranteed so that's why there are fans thinking of it. I don't blame them, but that's not the only possibility. There are other options besides taking your chances too. I don't know how C-sections would work given how she's already been operated on and had her insides messed with. Maybe there's a reason she'd not make a good candidate, but it's worth thinking about since I assume her reproductive area wasn't the problem. She's thus far having foals that aren't just healthy but fairly large. Breeding/monitoring her and later making a judgment call about C-section or natural foaling with medical supervision isn't unreasonable. If she has to effectively give birth in a hospital, that might be the best thing besides pensioning her.

[GenuineRisk]

Originally Posted by Merlinsky

don't know that I want to jump straight to the 'don't breed her again' bandwagon, but if you didn't she definitely wouldn't die of foaling complications...that is, in fact, guaranteed so that's why there are fans thinking of it. I don't blame them, but that's not the only possibility. There are other options besides taking your chances too. I don't know how C-sections would work given how she's already been operated on and had her insides messed with. Maybe there's a reason she'd not make a good candidate, but it's worth thinking about since I assume her reproductive area wasn't the problem. She's thus far having foals that aren't just healthy but fairly large. Breeding/monitoring her and later making a judgment call about C-section or natural foaling with medical supervision isn't unreasonable. If she has to effectively give birth in a hospital, that might be the best thing besides pensioning her.

Interesting article about C-sections on horses:

http://www.chronofhorse.com/article/...tion-your-mare

Well, should she pull through, she'll certainly get this year off.

Not to connect humans to horses, but I'm tired of reading over and over that no one can be sure that the foal's size had anything to do with it because "some" mares have delivered larger foals with no problem. Yeah, and a friend of mine delivered a ten-pound baby with no pain killers of any sort. That doesn't mean most women can do it.

Barbara Banke certainly seems very emotionally attached to RA; I find it hard to believe she'll do anything she doesn't think in the mare's best interest.

[Merlinsky]

For those wondering about the nurse mare situation: http://www.stonestreetfarms.com/info/?page_id=144

I bet poor Barbara's had animal rights nuts convinced that she had some foal butchered so Rachel's could have milk. They must've been keeping the phones hot over it. Rest assured, nurse mare's baby is doin' swell and is a rather beautiful Palomino.

[Danzig]

Originally Posted by Merlinsky

For those wondering about the nurse mare situation: http://www.stonestreetfarms.com/info/?page_id=144

I bet poor Barbara's had animal rights nuts convinced that she had some foal butchered so Rachel's could have milk. They must've been keeping the phones hot over it. Rest assured, nurse mare's baby is doin' swell and is a rather beautiful Palomino.

actually, i saw several posts on drf about nurse mares and their poor foals....'left to die' was how they put it.
i know when i want facts on something, i tend to listen to the shrill voices of the hysterical.

[GenuineRisk]

Cautiously positive news:

http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-raci...ndras-progress

[casp0555]

Originally Posted by GenuineRisk

Cautiously positive news:

http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-raci...ndras-progress

Thx for the update GR!