Am I Doing The Right Thing?

We're going through a similar situation at moment with our boy. He's 10 and had hock problems about 4 years ago, he had steriod injection and then he had tildren at year later, however recently although not lame his behaviour is becoming more irratic and he just doesn't want to work.

We can't afford to keep him as a lawn mower and to be honest I dont think that would suit him, he's defo not the hacking type. Its a very hard difficult decision to make but for me personally I know that if we have him PTS I know he's no longer in pain and he's not being passed on from pillar to post.

Our boy will cross Rainbow Bridge at the end of this month. I'll be deverstated but I think for him its the right thing to do.

Thinking of you at this difficult time!
 
Mine had a neurectomy with 3+mo box rest in 2010 & then unsuccessful colic surgery last year. This brought home to me that surgery has to be really carefully considered for a horse. The process can be traumatic & unsuccessful ( not to mention expensive.) Although quiet, I think mine was completely traumatised by the experience, and may be one of the reasons he did not survive. I think the decision to forgo surgery can be the right one for the sake of your horse's mental well-being. As an earlier poster said, horses only know the immediate pain & distress, they don't think "someone is trying to make me better". If the vets are not recommending it, then by PTS, your horse will not have to suffer unecessarily and you can spend some final moments with him grooming him, letting him graze, feeding him treats; whether to be there for the final injections is up to how strong you feel about it. I would find it difficult. My heart goes out to you, it is so difficult sometimes. Good luck in whatever you decide.
 
loverly said:
Have I made the right decision?

Should I be there when they do the deed so to speak?
Click to expand...

You've made your decision and to be honest, no one can judge if it's right or wrong unless they're standing in your shoes in your exact set of circumstances...

You've made the decision you feel is right for you and your horse right now... That what really matters...

As for the latter question - I think that's more to do with individual personalities... Being blunt, if you're going to bawl and there's a chance that might make him distressed; I think I'd say my goodbyes and let someone else who knows him be with him... If you can be stoical for the procedure so he stays calm and comfortable, then yes, be there...

It's never an easy decision to make and whichever way you jump you're going to hurt...
 
My ex was originally told there was no point in operating on his mare, and to get another horse. The replacement put him in hospital, so he went back and said operate. The mare had severe kissing spine, and the vet didn't think she would make much of a recovery as she was 13. She recovered brilliantly and had many years left in her. As for the rest I couldn't comment, but if the horse is insured, the kissing spine alone wouldn't put me off, and to be honest even if it isn't!
 
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