Advice please

[Peppersmom]

I have a 14 year old gelding I found out today he’s lame. I haven’t ridden since fall do to an injury. Not sure if I will ride again, I also have 4 other horses that are lame . My question is do I keep them all and keep feeding and spending lots of money or make the hard decisions? I found out he was lame because he’s too young to be a pasture pet and I wanted him to go to someone that could ride him. Buyer backed out which I understand but what to do now???? Suggestions please! Be nice I’m upset enough

 

[Meowy Catkin]

Could you explain to us what is wrong with each horse? Taking each horse separately, what is the diagnosis and what is the prognosis?

I don't think it is ever wrong to euthanise a horse that is in pain with no prospect of recovery.

 

[AmyMay]

What has your vet said about the horses lameness?

 

[Peppersmom]

Pepper has fluid in his front left fetloc and doesn’t put full weight on it and is “off” when walking and trotting. Johnny has severe fetlock injuries and when laying down struggles sometimes to get up. Takota has very bad sway back . Mimi has Cushing . Takota, Johnny and Mimi are about 26-30. Pepper is 14. My mini Bolt is blind in one eye and won’t let anyone near him.

 

[Peppersmom]

Could you explain to us what is wrong with each horse? Taking each horse separately, what is the diagnosis and what is the prognosis?

I don't think it is ever wrong to euthanise a horse that is in pain with no prospect of recovery.

I replied below sorry still figuring this out.

 

[Peppersmom]

Pepper has fluid in his front left fetloc and doesn’t put full weight on it and is “off” when walking and trotting. Johnny has severe fetlock injuries and when laying down struggles sometimes to get up. Takota has very bad sway back . Mimi has Cushing . Takota, Johnny and Mimi are about 26-30. Pepper is 14. My mini Bolt is blind in one eye and won’t let anyone near him.

 

[Meowy Catkin]

Ok, for me a horse that struggles to get up is suffering. So from your description I would definitely consider whether it would be best to have Johnny PTS if bute/danilon doesn't make him comfortable enough to cope with normal things like getting up after lying down (unless this is an issue that he will recover from? What did the vet say?).

With Pepper, if painkillers don't help make him comfortable enough to be happy as a retired horse, then I would consider PTS.

Takota I think I'd need a vet to see. Some bad sway backs don't appear to cause much pain to the horse, other times it can be painful so I'd want a professional opinion. I'd also like to know if Mimi's cushings is kept under control with medication or not?

Is Bolt sound and healthy apart from the missing eye and extreme handling issue?

They all have issues so I think you are right to look seriously at the situation.

 

[AmyMay]

Well I’d certainly be making a tough decision on poor old Jonny and I’d want a veterinary work up on Pepper. With the other two oldies, there’d be no shame in letting them go at such a ripe old age.

I’m assuming you’re not in the UK.

 

[be positive]

Pepper has fluid in his front left fetloc and doesn’t put full weight on it and is “off” when walking and trotting. Johnny has severe fetlock injuries and when laying down struggles sometimes to get up. Takota has very bad sway back . Mimi has Cushing . Takota, Johnny and Mimi are about 26-30. Pepper is 14. My mini Bolt is blind in one eye and won’t let anyone near him.

And I thought I had a collection of aged crocks
It sounds as if it may be time to take stock, they will not know what is coming if you do decide to have all or some pts peacefully at home but I think you need to decide what is realistic for you as well as for them, Johnny sounds as if he is struggling and may one day not be able to get up, I would probably let him go and assess the others as to how they are doing, Pepper may just require a bit of treatment to sort out as he was as far as you knew sound until he was vetted so it could be very minor and easy to treat.

It is never easy to make a decision like this but unfortunately we all have to at some point if we keep animals as they rarely just die quietly without intervention, I have just had my 30 year old pts and will be letting another with cushings go in a couple of weeks time, it is not easy but is right for them and for me.

 

[Peppersmom]

Ok, for me a horse that struggles to get up is suffering. So from your description I would definitely consider whether it would be best to have Johnny PTS if bute/danilon doesn't make him comfortable enough to cope with normal things like getting up after lying down (unless this is an issue that he will recover from? What did the vet say?).

With Pepper, if painkillers don't help make him comfortable enough to be happy as a retired horse, then I would consider PTS.

Takota I think I'd need a vet to see. Some bad sway backs don't appear to cause much pain to the horse, other times it can be painful so I'd want a professional opinion. I'd also like to know if Mimi's cushings is kept under control with medication or not?

Is Bolt sound and healthy apart from the missing eye and extreme handling issue?

They all have issues so I think you are right to look seriously at the situation.

Ok Johnny is on Bute somedays he is ok and others he isn't. Its hard to watch her try to get up and not be able too, then I call the vet and she is up by the time they get here and was told to give her Bute. Bolt is good just a little turd to try and catch he is 30 also. Takota has been seen doesn't seem to be in pain. Mimi is on daily meds for her Cushing's. The vet was here today and didn't mention pain killers for Pepper I am waiting for a call back to find out if he is rideable or not she didn't say.

 

[Peppersmom]

And I thought I had a collection of aged crocks
It sounds as if it may be time to take stock, they will not know what is coming if you do decide to have all or some pts peacefully at home but I think you need to decide what is realistic for you as well as for them, Johnny sounds as if he is struggling and may one day not be able to get up, I would probably let him go and assess the others as to how they are doing, Pepper may just require a bit of treatment to sort out as he was as far as you knew sound until he was vetted so it could be very minor and easy to treat.

It is never easy to make a decision like this but unfortunately we all have to at some point if we keep animals as they rarely just die quietly without intervention, I have just had my 30 year old pts and will be letting another with cushings go in a couple of weeks time, it is not easy but is right for them and for me.

Thank you for your advice I appreciate it and I will be discussing with Vet and my husband

 

[Peppersmom]

Well I’d certainly be making a tough decision on poor old Jonny and I’d want a veterinary work up on Pepper. With the other two oldies, there’d be no shame in letting them go at such a ripe old age.

I’m assuming you’re not in the UK.

The vet was her today that's how I found out he was lame. They don't really know what from she said maybe rest will help, well he has been resting since Fall cuz I cant ride.

 

[be positive]

I will just add do not rely on your vet to advise you to pts, they very rarely bring up the subject unless it is a borderline welfare issue or an emergency where there is no other realistic option, they will continue to treat, offer various meds and although most are willing to pts and will support it the decision does have to be made by you, I think too many vets continue to treat and sometimes forget that we can make a choice for animals that we cannot for humans so only discuss it once the owner has pretty much decided, a good vet will not try to change your mind but a few will then offer more treatment which is not always the right way forward for the horse or the owner.

 

[Peppersmom]

The vet was her today that's how I found out he was lame. They don't really know what from she said maybe rest will help, well he has been resting since Fall cuz I cant ride.

no not from UK

 

[Meowy Catkin]

Thank you for your advice I appreciate it and I will be discussing with Vet and my husband

I think this is definitely the right thing to do.

 

[AmyMay]

As BP says, don’t necessarily rely on your vet to tell you when to call it a day.

As owners it can be pretty clear to us when to call time. And whilst we may look for reassurance from others (and primarily our vets), at the end of the day we know our animals. We look them in the eye every day. A day too early is never a day too early x

 

[Meowy Catkin]

I have also found that vets are reluctant to suggest PTS (I'm in the UK) but once I have suggested it they then will talk openly about what is best for the horse.

 

[Peppersmom]

Thank you everyone!!

 

[Gloi]

I'm sorry you are in this position and it is difficult. We have had two 30 year olds PTS recently and it was the best thing to do for them although it is difficult as an owner. You need to discuss it with your husband and the vet, but if Johnny is finding it difficult to get up it is his time as you don't want to have to get the vet as an emergency when he can't get up at all.

 

[Peppersmom]

Hey everyone Johnny will be getting PTS ? thank you for all of your advice.

 

[Peppersmom]

Here is my Johnny, she is a sweetheart. Vet will be out tomorrow morning to end her suffering. thank you everyone for your advice.

 

[Peppersmom]

I'm sorry you are in this position and it is difficult. We have had two 30 year olds PTS recently and it was the best thing to do for them although it is difficult as an owner. You need to discuss it with your husband and the vet, but if Johnny is finding it difficult to get up it is his time as you don't want to have to get the vet as an emergency when he can't get up at all.

Johnny is being PTS tomorrow morning

 

[SaddlePsych'D]

Sorry you are in this situation, so difficult when the time for these decisions comes around. Do take care tomorrow.

 

[Peppersmom]

Sorry you are in this situation, so difficult when the time for these decisions comes around. Do take care tomorrow.

thank you so much

 

[Gloi]

Sorry you have to go through this. Will think of you tomorrow <3

 

[alibali]

Having had a beloved oldie put to sleep I know tomorrow will be hard for you. I look back now and know I did the kindest act and I'm sure you will feel the same in time. Wishing you both peace for tomorrow.

 

[Pinkvboots]

Sorry your going through this but it does sound like there really is nothing else you can do for her x

 

[Meowy Catkin]

I'll also be thinking of you and Johnny tomorrow. It's always hard but from what you have described it is the kindest decision.

 

[Peppersmom]

Thank you everyone I appreciate your thoughts and prayers