Advice needed

[Ruftys mum]

I have an elderly horse aged 31who is medicated for Cushings and arthritis. Last December he was very unwell, lethargic and not eating. The vet could not find what was wrong with him He lost a lot of weight. He has not put much back on even with 3 feeds a day, as lib hay and good grazing.
I am now worried about. the winter although at the moment he seems happy and eating well.
Shall I see how he gets on, or make the decision at the end of the summer? A lesser problem is finance as a large part of my pension is spent on him
2 bute a day plus Prascend mounts up. He is on full livery

 

[cauda equina]

I would just take it day by day, depending on how he seems
I am so sorry, it's heartbreaking when our old friends start showing their age

 

[TinseLeneHorse]

Thirty one is a good age for a horse. My honest opinion is that you should give him a dignified end before the winter comes, especially as you say he didn't do very well last year. We have had a few on the yard who did very well until they turned 30 then went downhill. Do it while he's feeling good and looking well and the sun is shining on him. It's a better way to remember them. So sorry, if only they could live forever

 

[Carrottom]

I would say goodbye to him before the winter. It's very sad, but kinder to both of you to arrange everything rather than have an emergency.

 

[blitznbobs]

I would see how he goes over the next few weeks but in all honesty I think he is probably telling you something and I would be inclined to think sooner rather than later.

 

[NocturneNoel]

It’s never an easy choice, but I would also think twice before putting him through another winter. A belly full of grass and sunshine on his back at a ripe old age is the best way any horse can go

 

[HopOnTrot]

Agree with everyone else, let him go whilst the sun is out and the grass is growing.

 

[94lunagem]

I agree with what has been said, it’s a tough decision and you are obviously giving him the best of everything you can, but it can also be the greatest kindness (for both of you).

I’m a firm believer in better a week too soon than a day too late.

 

[Ruftys mum]

Thanks everyone
You confirmed what I was thinking

 

[SEL]

Thanks everyone
You confirmed what I was thinking

It's always a heart breaking decision but so much kinder to say goodbye before they really struggle xx

 

[MidChristmasCrisis]

Heart rending decision to make but I’m with everyone above.

 

[splashgirl45]

My mare had cushings which we couldn’t control with 4 prascend a day so I was aware that laminitis could strike , the day she was pottery I called the vet to discuss and confirm my thoughts that it was time and I arranged to PTS after the weekend so she had bute for a couple of days and was spoilt , she was 25 and it wouldn’t have been fair to keep her in the stable . She moved better once she had bute and I then felt I had waited too long to make the decision so I would say sooner rather than later is best especially when they are old..

 

[Britestar]

I have a 32 yr old, who although she has good teeth, did not do well last winter. She was on a huge amount of hay replacer and soaked feeds.

Only now does she start to look ok weight wise, and she's still getting the same amount of hard feed, as well as grass. I have already decided that she will not do another winter.

She's currently very happy with her friends, and canters in each evening for her feed, but by the end of September she will be gone.

You are making the right decision.

 

[oldie48]

Another who would make the decision before winter. My much loved TB had a strangulated colic at 28 and was PTS, I so wish I'd been able to spare him that end. Quality of life before quantity is always best IMO. Sending a hug.

 

[**puddleduck**]

I am in the exact same situation as in I’ve got a 32 year old TB x cob who has Cushings and arthritis. She’s also on 2 bute a day, half a prascend and a recent addition of paracetamol too. We too have debating if and when to let her go as she found last winter tough but right now we seem to have a feed, medication and daily routine sorted that suits her and she’s thriving again so I am not prepared to make the call right now. I’m going to see what winter holds and hope that she doesn’t start to deteriorate when the weather turns. I’ve just posted for rug recommendations as despite having PPID she struggles with shivering when wet but in winter I can just rug her up well so hoping this won’t be a problem. I would rather make a decision if I see her start to struggle rather than make it now when she’s looking amazing but I’m constantly vigilant and checking how she’s doing as do not want to leave it too late.

Sorry for the ramble, I know it’s probably not helpful but just wanted to share x

 

[splashgirl45]

I am in the exact same situation as in I’ve got a 32 year old TB x cob who has Cushings and arthritis. She’s also on 2 bute a day, half a prascend and a recent addition of paracetamol too. We too have debating if and when to let her go as she found last winter tough but right now we seem to have a feed, medication and daily routine sorted that suits her and she’s thriving again so I am not prepared to make the call right now. I’m going to see what winter holds and hope that she doesn’t start to deteriorate when the weather turns. I’ve just posted for rug recommendations as despite having PPID she struggles with shivering when wet but in winter I can just rug her up well so hoping this won’t be a problem. I would rather make a decision if I see her start to struggle rather than make it now when she’s looking amazing but I’m constantly vigilant and checking how she’s doing as do not want to leave it too late.

Sorry for the ramble, I know it’s probably not helpful but just wanted to share x

I would now do it differently, I knew my mares cushings was advanced and I PTS when she became pottery as I knew that it was a sign that laminitis was likely. I really wish I had done it before she had to suffer with pain. It made that final decision easier for me but when they are old it’s unlikely that they will be pain free anyway so earlier is better for them IMO

 

[Highmileagecob]

My lad is rising 30, and the grinding surfaces on his remaining teeth are not performing as they should. All his winter fodder is now soaked mashes and sugar beet mixed with damp grass chop, his haylage is chopped (Silvermoor Veteran haylage) and the haynet of soft haylage is just to give him something to do. He can eat normal haylage quite convincingly, but he isn't chewing sufficiently for it to be broken down in the digestive process. I am now watching closely for the time when the feeding regime no longer works for him. Hugs to you.

 

[lauragreen85]

Better a day to early than a day too late.

 

[Fransurrey]

Two bute a day is a lot and a lot of horses that age have pedunculated lipomas which would explain his gastric discomfort last year. I would also pts before winter. I empathise, as I have to do the same for my mare and she's a relatively young 22, which is nothing for an Exmoor.

 

[Goldenstar]

It’s awful but this is the worst part , deciding , then waiting ,after the doing of it you get over it one day at a time .
Quickly you remember not the end but best of it .
On the basis of what you have posted I would be aiming for a planned PTS in the autumn .
Your horse is lucky to have his long term family at this stage in life.

 

[Ruftys mum]

Thanks again everybody. He is on soaked feed and haylage. I am now wondering if he is not digesting the haylage. He has lost a few teeth
When the vet did her annual check in March she said she would be worried if he was going into winter . Very little improvement since then.
I think sadly decision is made

 

[dorsetladette]

As you say I think the decision has been made for you.

I'd set a timeline of before the clocks change as 'autumn' is to open to interpretation for my decision making abilities.

Give him the best few weeks having all the things he likes the most and then say goodbye before the weather changes.

Your pony is lucky to have such a caring owner.