Was he trying to palpate her when she was making a fuss? That's not ~all that uncommon~ for a mare to protest that unless it's happened so much it's just part of the routine. I know she's had foals before, but if they've been pretty hands-off, she may view it as a very rude invasion.
So what about the Edema.... Edema just means a fluid accumulation doesn't it? cause?
He was pressing on the swelling which left an indentation after pushing in, he thought she was so crabby because she was pregnant and due very soon.
He kept saying how "large" she was.
Apart from the swlling he thought she was in very good shape and didnt feel the need to do anything at the moment , because of her being close. He said that he thought the swelling would go away after she had foaled. He knows he is on standby!