Advice and experiences - PTS

Pikachu

Pikachu

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Hi All

I haven’t posted for a while and I’m sorry that the first one after a long time isn’t going to be a happy post.

My big 17hh has leg issues, lots of them so I won’t bore you with all the facts, but over the last year it has been one thing after another and now he is permanently lame. I decided to give him the summer and then would make a decision over his future. He’s been fine while the ground is wet and soft but because of the instant warm dry spell the ground is rock hard and he can hardly move. So I think im going to have to come to the decision sooner than I thought.

I have come to terms with the fact that I need to make the decision, however, im stuck on the method of both the PTS and disposal. I think I would like it done by injection, however, he really doesn’t like needles so I do not want this to be an issue, plus being a big horse, he would need a lot and I’ve heard stories of there not being enough given etc. Also, if done by injection does that mean that they can only be cremated?

People always seem to prefer one way or the other so I was just wondering (if it doesn’t hurt/effect you too much) if you could share any advice and experiences you or a friend may have had with PTS a horse – good or bad - as this may help me with my decision.

I apologise again for the sombre post.

Thanks
Jeni
 
Hey Jeni

Firstly, sorry to hear of Murphs problems
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I do think you are being a perfect owner by ceasing his suffering ASAP.

Personally I prefer my horses shot and then they go off to the kennels. I know this would not be everyones ideal, but it is mine and one I am happy with.

Big hug x
 
Royale was PTS exactly a year ago. I opted for the injection, simply because I felt I owed it to her to be there and I doubted whether I would be able to cope with a bolt.
It was very peaceful and exactly as I had hoped it would be. My vets had also arranged the transport and the cremation. I had asked for an hour between her actually being PTS and being collected so that Georgie could spend some time with her and know she was gone.
I would'nt do anything any differently if I had to do it all again.
I know how difficult a time it must be for you and I am sending you and your fella lots of positive vibes.
x
 
Hi Jeni,

Thoughts are with you - not an easy decision to make, but by the sounds of it, it is the right one.
I personally would always have them shot, as I have seen first hand a horse struggle against the injection and it was very hard to watch.
Best of luck, whatever you decide
 
No need to apologise. Brave decision to make but the right one. I had Higgs PTS by injection, he was 17.2hh. If your boy doesn't like injections then it may be kinder to have him shot. Neither one is right or right or wrong, all down to personal choice and how your horse will deal with it. Higgs was fine with injections so that wasn't an issue for me, if he was then I may have had to choose the other alternative
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my friend elderly horse had to be pts last year, she has layed down and just could not get up
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she had the injection and as she slowly passed away, she layed in my other friends knee it was really peace full and happy but sad way to see her go. personally i prefer the injection because if you go to say good bye and they had been destroyed the other way there will be a hole in you horses head , tbh but thats my opinion. i hope every thing works out.
 
Our lovely jumping horse was badly injured in the field and had to be pts.It was done with a gun and was instant.He was given a polo his head was low and was relaxed. He knew nothing about it.He bled very little I think because his heart stopped straight away.
We did not have the injection because his hindleg was damaged and the vet didn't recommend it.
I feel for you , our horse was buried and I don't know about that side of it.It was best for our horse but maybe not for yours.Ours was in shock and the vet was worried his blood supply might not be right for the injection. Maybe your vet could advise
 
I had my horse put to sleep last year for the same reasons. It was very difficult as he was only 10 yrs old but like yours, when the ground was hard he wasn't happy.
I opted to have him shot. He was taken in the lorry to the kennels,as far as he knew he was off to another show.
Working with horses I have seen a number PTS and have found having them shot to be the best method as it is much quicker. When you have an injection they sedate them first and the injection can take a few seconds to get round the system.
Also , if you are planning to have it done and home with an injection don't be alarmed if they still' move' for a long while after- its like twitching. The last one we had done sort of sighed about 2 hrs later- the vet said its the bosy dispelling air.

I choose not to be with my horse and having seen many PTS I am glad of this as I would rather have the last image of him in my mind alive- other people are different.

If you have him PTS at home then be prepared that the removal is rather undignified- this can't be helped. In all situations the removal is done but putting a chain around the horses neck and it is winched onto a trailer- I cope with this my reminding myself this is no longer the horse you remember- their soul has gone- its just a shell.
I hopenone of this upsets you- thats not my intention. Just to preapre you. X
 
What a horrible decision to face, but you deserve lots of credit for being so realistic about it. In the 30 years I have had horses, I have had 3 PTS. The first two were PTS at home by the knackers man - he took them to a favorite patch of grass with a bucket of feed, they put their heads down to eat and it was over in an instant. He then took the bodies away. Both the horses knew nothing at all about it. I work for a vet and we used this chap alot and he is very professional and kind. The last horse was very tragic as she had a foal (the coloured in my signature). She had a broken pelvis. We had her PTS by injection. The vet was very kind and professional about it, and she was gone in an instant. The knackers man came and took her away and yes, she had to be cremated. But my previous two were both cremated anyway. It cost £250 for the knackers man to take her away. Plus the cost of the vet etc. In my case, there is very little to choose between the two methods - I would probably go for the injection when I am faced with the decision again (and I have oldies, so it is inevitable), but mine are chilled out horses and not bothered by needles. I hope all this helps - good luck.
 
Hello, i'm really sorry about your horse. Here's a link to another thread that may help you.

http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/forums/sh...&PHPSESSID=

I had Murphy put to sleep via injection and he went perfectly. I then had him individually cremated and his ashes were returned to me.

At the end of the day, as long as it is quick and humane for the horse, that's all that matters. It's the owners who often choose injection over a gun as it is deemed a 'nicer' way to go and is easier for the owner to watch.

I heard of one horse who was shot, but it was by a vet student. The student missed and fired in the wrong place, sending the horse into major fits and hurling itself around the yard. It took them ages to gain contol and shoot him properly. I've also heard of horses being pts via injection, but they haven't been given enough. The ones i know of though, have all been unconscious, just not dead, so they weren't suffering in any way.

Whatever you decide, go with someone who has had lots of experience with putting horses to sleep - there's less likely to be any problems then.

With injection, they can only be cremated (or buried, but there's some legal issues with that). They cant go for meat.

I hope it all goes as well as these things can go.

My sympathies.

Lou. x
 
My darling Amy May was put down just four weeks ago now.

She was shot by the huntsman and then off to the kennels.

I wasn't there - but apparently it was very cleanly done, and she went instantly. This is the second horse I have had disposed of in this way.

Hugs to you at this difficult and painful time. ((((( ))))
 
So sorry to hear this, but sounds like you are making the right decision. I had our old mare shot, and then she was buried in the field, which I know a lot of people can't do and its not really legal. I chose to have her shot as she didn't like injections and it would have been a battle. Shooting is very quick. If I could not have burial I would choose the kennels I think, but suspect this would not be an option if she had been injected. I would like to say that much as I admire people who stay with their horses I didn't feel I could do it, so had someone the mare and I trusted to hold her. In actual fact our vet took her off them to perform the deed. I feel strongly that if someone feels they cannot be there for the final act then they should not feel guilty. Sending you loads of hugs at such a difficult time
 
So sorry that you have had to make this painful decision. I had my beloved horse put to sleep 3 years ago (still makes me cry to think about it). I chose the injection and then had him cremated. I couldn't be there when it was done - too painful - but my friend who had done lots with him was there, as was my husband. My lad went very peacefully, no struggling. I had him cremated by Peaceful Pets in Kings Lynn, who were absolutely brilliant, I would highly recommend them. All in all it went as I would have hoped and I know I did the right thing. I'm sad I was too much of a coward to be with him, but he was surrounded by people who loved him.
 
Aw sorry to hear this Pik.
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It is never easy to say to someone else what they should do as the method is a personal one to most people. I always opt for the gun as I prefer immediate death. Some people prefer the injection. There's no right or wrong - it's just different feelings each of us have.

Give your boy a big cuddle - and have one for yourself too. You are a good owner.

Tia x
 
It's a terribly hard decision and one I had to make pretty much instantly nearly two years ago. I opted for injection and subsequent cremation. It was extremely quick and not at all traumatic and, personally, I would go for injection any time. I held a pony to be shot some years ago (not mine - how good a friend was 1?) and although I have no problems with it as far as the pony was concerned (it was quicker than instantaneous, if you know what I mean), I was very traumatised and went into delayed shock a couple of hours later.
 
Firstly, such a sad but brave descion. My choice would be the biggest bucket of feed and then shot by the kennels, off to the hounds and live on in the hounds.

XXXX

Stinkerstonker went that way, I still get emotional when I see the South Notts hounds.
 
I had my 17.2hh murphy put to sleep on last boxing day. He was 21 and his troublesome tendon had finally given out. I opted for the injection and he was heavily sedated and went very peacefully. I then had him cremated and his ashes returned to me and they now are buried under a special rose bush which is called irish eyes . My thoughts are with you at this sad time.
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I really feel for you - its never a nice or easy decision - which ever you decide it will be the right option of you and your boy.

Have you spoken with your vet/local knacker man or hunt kennels? This may help you decide. We usually use Holts and they have always been very humane and professional - I'd use them again. (I also really rate the man at Pottors in Taunton - again an amazingly dignified stress-free death).

Unfortunately - removing the body and so on is never dignified as they are just too big to easily move. You just have to remember that they are gone - you've done your bit and done it well - the rest is meat and not your horse.

I hope I havent offended/upset - not my intention!

Good luck and a polo for your horse from mine
 
I have had mine shot by the hunt and they then go to the kennels - for me once the horse is dead, then the body is just an empty container but that is my view.

Cairo will be pts by injection on his owner's wishes. He is very sensitive to anesthetic and used to needles.

Breeze was pts in the field - she had a very badly broken leg. Anna was put onto the hunt's box - she thought she was going to a show, both were given buckets of their favorite foods.

I have stayed with my two to the end, but stood just in front with my back away at the final moment so I was with them, but never saw them go down. I just ran at the sound of the shot as I wanted my last memory of them to be them scoffing the treats I gave them.

There is no right or wrong way, but if he is upset by needles, I personally would go for the gun method and the hunt - they are very kind and patient and most of all, very experienced at doing this. There was no charge as they took the body in return.

I am sorry that this has happened sooner rather than later but you are doing the best thing for him.
 
[ QUOTE ]
Hey Jeni

Firstly, sorry to hear of Murphs problems
frown.gif
I do think you are being a perfect owner by ceasing his suffering ASAP.

Personally I prefer my horses shot and then they go off to the kennels. I know this would not be everyones ideal, but it is mine and one I am happy with.

Big hug x

[/ QUOTE ]

Echo this. It is what I did with my boy. Have seen a horse pts with injection and decided that wasn'tt he way I wanted.

Hugs
 
Again horrible decision and I feel for you

I've seen both done and I would always opt for the huntsman and gun or humane killer.

Injection was horrible and I don't like any animal having its last moments with the vet injecting them.

I wouldn't have the vet to shoot either, as the huntsman is much more practised.
 
We had our wee man pts in September. He loathed needles & vets so was shot.

The last thing he saw was the buggest bucket of feed he'd ever been allowed to stick his head in. No strange smelling vet or scary needles just my Dad holding him.

Personally my opinion is that injections are for the owner & being shot is for the horse, i.e owners might like to think of their horse dropping off to sleep but I think it must be terrifying for the horse to loose control of it's body.

So sorry to hear of your situation xx
 
I made the awful decision to have my big boy pts in feb. He had arthritis in both knees and had deteriorated very quickly. He was only 8, and my first horse.
I had him injected, i was with him, he was munching carrots and it was very peaceful. The vets arranged his collection for me.
I'm sure we all know when the right time is.

Hugs for you xxx
 
I had to have my 10 year old cob PTS two years ago, she went by injection and it was very peaceful and gentle. She was collected by a local crematorium who were professional and treated her with touching dignity. Which ever way you choose your horse will know nothing, you're the one who will be hurting at the loss of your dear friend, at least you are able to do this last kindness for him!
 
Very sorry for you *hugs* having been with several horses that have been PTS I prefer the gun, it is much quicker, had a few put down by injection (the last 3) and each time the vet has cocked up the injection,the last one was the worst the horse moved etc so needle came out mare was staggering round basically having a heart attack while stupid vet faffed around trying to get needle back in
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, next time i have to come to that descion the senior vet will come out with the gun ( apparently the younger vets don't use a gun cos they haven't got a licence) all our horses have been buried in the fields
 
Hi
I've had to face the decision 3 times with my old horses over the years, who i kept in retirement, one of them i lost to chronic laminitis and his age of 26 didnt help, another to a twisted gut, later found to be cancerous tumours wrapping themselves round her intestines, and a third due to old age and just no longer enjoying life. Each one of them was shot, each held by my husband for their last moments, i did not want that to be my lasting memory of them, but at least they had someone they knew with them.

A very hard and brave decision for you to make, but i think you'll feel relief when it is all over, i constantly worried about my old mare, as she too was permanently lame etc etc...

There is no right or wrong way for it to happen but considering your horse doesnt like injections, i'd go with the other option.

hugs to you at this sad time.
 
How awful for you, but Im sure you're making the right decision.

When I have to make the decision, I will definately opt for the injection. Only time I would ever even consider them being shot would be in an ultimate emergency like in an accident or whatever. I wouldnt be able to cope with it TBH and I just feel that its a brutal noisy way to go - even though it is quicker. Id rather mine went quietly. I dont know if I could be there or not. Id like to think I will be there - for them.

Id never ever put my horses body to a hunt - because I dont agree with hunting. I would never send them to a knackers yard either, no way. I believe I'll bury mine in my field. This is what a friend did and it seemed like the nicest way. Although I think it may be illegal to bury a horse who's been PTS by injection anywhere near a water source so obviously that'd need to be looked into. I would probably like the cremation idea but I cant think of anywhere in my area that offers such a thing.

Its good that you've tried to keep him going but have made the decision earlier rather than too late.
 
All the horses I have lost myself, or have been with on behalf of friends have had the injection. I have never had a bad experience of the injection and they have all gone very quietly and peacefully and burried at home. It is individual choice. Personally I wouldnt want to have them shot as the sound of the gun would be my last remaining memory. An old friend had her horse shot many years ago which didnt go right and there was alot of blood.

What ever you decide will be the right decision for you. Im truely sorry for this awful decision you have to make. In the perfect world they would all go in their sleep, but unfortunately this doesnt happen very often.

Hugs to you xx
 
It is never an easy thing to have to do. I see that you are in Bedfordshire, Mr Courtney is in Toddington and I have always found them to be caring, sympathetic and very efficent PM me if you want any mpre info.
 
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