any I doing the right thing

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nagseastsussex

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Hi my old boy is now 25 yrs old has chronic arthritis in both hocks, degeneration of the coffin joint in his near side fore and is blind in one eye, he has one bute a day and up until recently was happy to hack once or twice a week and have a canter or two. The other day he came in and looked tired so we turned him back out, he laid down and had a roll and then took an age to get back up again. He eventually sat up like a dog and then pulled himself to his feet, his back feet being dragged into place. He also seems to be standing in the corner of his field under the tree more than normal. When we pick his back feet out he lifts his legs excessive high and they then seem to get stuck in that position for a short while and then he can put them down again. He is also on 6lbs of conditioning cubes divided into two feeds a day and good grazing but does not seem to be holding any weight. I am thinking that its almost time or am I being harsh. Obviously, I have spoken to my vet who says he's an old man and its to be expected and to increase his bute to two day, which I have done but its hasnt made any difference.
 
It's a difficult decision to make and only you will know if his quality of life is what it should be.
We're having to make a similar decision with a lame pony that has went rapidly down hill and it has came down to his quality of life isn't what it should be, there is nothing more we can do for him so a decision has been made on this.
 
He sounds like he is struggling a bit and you are going to have to make a very hard decision soon. you will know what is best for your old boy.
A day too early rather than too late.
Good luck ,I hope he does perk up .
 
Hi, Could you not just retire him from work and see how he goes ? It could be that, although he has issues if he wasn't being worked then he would happily be a field ornament ! It depends on what you want, personally I would retire him completely, have the vet check his bloods, it could be something simple preventing him putting on weight, then see how he goes, ultimately only you know your horse and your personal cicumstances, if you are not able to have a field ornament who could live for another 10 years (I have a 35yo who shows no signs or going anywhere soon!) or feel that his quality of life is compromised then maybe it is time to make the ultimate decision..
 
What a catalogue of problems for the poor old boy almost like something out of a novel. If you don't do something soon you might find he won't be able to get up at all which will be worst for both of you. Be honest for him, I know it's not easy but do the right thing; he's the important one in all this.
 
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