A WWYD question re horse's future

[Wagtail]

I think I agree with Maesfen. If he was pasture sound on no meds and needed bute for work, then I'd be happy to continue but if you are having to medicate him just to keep him pasture sound, then I think I'd be making The Decision before the temperatures drop and the cold and damp starts getting to his joints.

Hugs to you and J.... is this Basil you are talking about? I see from another post that Maggie has sidebone too... you're really not having a lot of luck with your horses are you? Lots of love from me and Dom xxx

I think the opposite. I would not medicate a horse two bute a day just so I could ride it. I think that is far worse than medicating to keep it field sound. If a horse needs bute to be ridden then chances are he needs bute to be fully pasture sound. People take pain medication every day, and I know you wouldn't dream of suggesting they would be better off dead and make it out like you were doing the kindest thing. Why then, if you can keep a horse comfortable in the pasture on bute is this so bad. I fail to see the logic.

 

[happyclappy]

You may possibly have read about my 4 year old mare, and I am in the same sort of sitution. My mare is very happy, and running around enjoying life, currently on a low dose of Danilon, it has been reduced, and she is still happy and appears not to be in real pain. She has to be pts probably soon, but the vet has said she can be kept going whilst she is happy and enjoying life without noticeable pain. As soon as she shows signs of pain or being unhappy, she will be pts. Only the owners - you and me - know our horses well enough to decide when is the right time. Only you can make that choice. See how your horse goes an he will let you know.

As my vet explained, some horses like winter with the softer ground, whilst others don't like the mud


I wish you well with deciding when to make this hard decision.

 

[skint1]

Thanks again to everyone for responding, it's a difficult choice indeed and it helps to read a variety of thoughts on the subject. We are watching him closely, we don't want him to suffer.He doesn't run about as much as he did, but he still does like the occasional good old hoon or a good stretch, roll and sunbathe, and I have seen horses struggle a lot more to get up than he does to get up and down. He is a good weight and has a healthy appetite. But of course, we can't forget he is on a lot of medication.

Coblover- It is Basil, he's a dear boy and I feel so bad for him. We've just had a crap horsey year really. Maggie is now back in light work but I had to change to a different vet and farrier (though I don't blame him) to get any kind of result on her after a summer of abscesses and various other challenges. At one point I thought I might lose them both.

happy clappy- I am so sorry for you and your horse, at age 4 it seems so unfair.

 

[hihosilver]

I really feel for you OP. I had to make this decision a year ago for my beloved 5 year old mare. I could have kept her field sound on bute. (neck injury) vet didn't think she was in pain but she was very awkward on her feet. I made the decision as I didn't want to prolong the inevitable. With the winter coming up your horse may quickly go down hill-who knows? Only you can call this. I had people as well who disagreed with me but at the end of the day my lovely mare is now at rest and I am so glad I stuck to my guns.