Q. My mare was bred more than 390 days ago and still has not delivered the baby. She’s showing signs she’s in foal, including having a large belly. However, her teats and udders are not full. I suspect fescue grass poisoning/toxicity is delaying the foaling. Is this possible? Should I give her domperidone?

—Ahmed via e-mail

A. First, I would recommend an exam by your veterinarian to make sure the mare is in foal or that the possibility of a later breeding date is out of the question. (Average gestation in horses is 320 to 362 days.)

Fescue toxicosis can cause an array of problems in mares, one being prolonged gestation, as is possible in this case. This is a problem because the fetus continues to grow in-utero and can result in dystocia (difficult birth). Foals born after prolonged gestation can appear immature despite their extended time in the uterus

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