Sudden unexplained death of young healthy mare (possibly pregnant)

Sounds like an aneurism that burst.. with the paling gums and dropping temperature. Maybe not an aortal aneurism (that is very fast) but something similar.. such as an abscess in an organ,, such as the liver.. that eroded an arterial wall.

Only way to know is necropsy.

Thank you to everyone for the heartfelt responses.

As far as an autopsy (I've done my fair share of necropsies over the years)...I'd certainly have one done if I wasn't already overloaded caring for our 40 acre farm by myself while my hubby is fighting in Afghanistan and my son is away from home...but the weather is horrible, and I have only today to figure out how I'm going to bury her short of renting a backhoe (really have kicked myself for not getting that attachment when we bought our tractor...sighhh!).

Tomorrow I prepare for my own turn under the knife...having a full knee reconstruction done Wednesday...not the best of timing. State law dictates that animal remains must be properly interred or disposed of within 72 hrs or less...depending on the weather...so I must lay her to rest ASAP...besides, I don't want to have her all cut up...at this point she looks peaceful...I'd prefer to remember her that way.

I agree with the idea that it was some sort of vascular incident...whether genetic or from her pregnancy or an aneurysm or stroke...I doubt it was poison...they were all on about 25 acres of organic pasture...the same stuff we cut for hay and feed to all the other animals...and no one else has been affected in a similar fashion. And Tig was a very smart mustang with an iron constitution...the kind that could survive off tree bark in a blizzard, and still gain weight!

She was one of a kind...true to her Keiger breeding. A blessing to our family that will be sorely missed. Thank you everyone...

Thank you to everyone for the heartfelt responses.

As far as an autopsy (I've done my fair share of necropsies over the years)...I'd certainly have one done if I wasn't already overloaded caring for our 40 acre farm by myself while my hubby is fighting in Afghanistan and my son is away from home...but the weather is horrible, and I have only today to figure out how I'm going to bury her short of renting a backhoe (really have kicked myself for not getting that attachment when we bought our tractor...sighhh!).

Tomorrow I prepare for my own turn under the knife...having a full knee reconstruction done Wednesday...not the best of timing. State law dictates that animal remains must be properly interred or disposed of within 72 hrs or less...depending on the weather...so I must lay her to rest ASAP...besides, I don't want to have her all cut up...at this point she looks peaceful...I'd prefer to remember her that way.

I agree with the idea that it was some sort of vascular incident...whether genetic or from her pregnancy or an aneurysm or stroke...I doubt it was poison...they were all on about 25 acres of organic pasture...the same stuff we cut for hay and feed to all the other animals...and no one else has been affected in a similar fashion. And Tig was a very smart mustang with an iron constitution...the kind that could survive off tree bark in a blizzard, and still gain weight!

She was one of a kind...true to her Keiger breeding. A blessing to our family that will be sorely missed. Thank you everyone...

I am so very sorry for your loss.
Make a couple of calls to area barns/farmers (or the vet for suggestions on barns/farmers) and chances are very good you will have the necessary hole dug w/out having to rent equipment. When we were involved in a horse loss this spring we had a guy from down the road who was more than happy to come and do the digging with his equipment for us.
I hope that your memories are able to bring you comfort in the days ahead.

Was there lightning? Maybe she was struck?

My condolences.
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So sorry for your loss. Big hugs!

I'm so sorry for your loss.
Do you think the hypothermia lead to her passing? Horses can get cast on a hill. If she were there long enough that would explain the lack of circulation to her limbs & the sudden return of circulation & being cold could have set off a cardiac event.
Whatever happened it sounds like you took control & did all that anyone could do, probably more.

What a terrible experience for you. I am so sorry for your loss. At the very least, she died with you offering her all the comforts she had known to come from her human's hands.

So sorry for such a tragic loss. You did more than most of us would be able to do. She died w/her dear owner by her side, caring for her to the last moment. I, too, think if you get the word out, someone will help w/digging the hole. Good luck w/your upcoming surgery. RIP TigerLily

I'm thinking aortic aneurysm. I lost a horse to that and it was very sudden/traumatic. So sorry for your loss.
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