Arthritis in older horse

[frasers84]

I have a 20 year old TB with bad arthritis in his hind legs. He has been on danilon once a day and Devils claw root for months. He is unable to lie down and often stumbles when sleeping standing due to the arthritis. I am now considering his quality of life and whether to put him through another winter but does anyone know of any other options that may be worth trying?
Thanks

 

[paddi22]

If I was in your position I think I would PTS. I used to keep older arthritic horses going, but after seeing the agony my dad and close friends go through with their arthritis I no longer look at arthritic horses the same. I think if they are getting to the stage you mention it is definitely a quality of life issue.

 

[Surbie]

I've always been told not being able to lie down/get up should be a red line. I'm really sorry but I think I would be calling time now.

 

[Equi]

I would not attempt another month let alone another winter. I’m sorry.

 

[SportySpots24]

My boys 22 and although field sound now and gets up & down no issue, will be PTS after this summer regardless of how he is as I know he'll struggle at some point once the weather turns and the ground is wet. I could box him 24/7 over winter and probably guarantee extra time with him but that'd be selfish and he'd be miserable. I couldn't wait for him to get to that stage to then watch him suffer and not be the horse I've had 12 wonderful years full of memories with. If he gets to the point where he starts struggling to get up/down he'll be PTS the same week regardless of if it's next week or 3 months from now. As horrible and heart breaking as it is for you, it's kinder to them to send them over the rainbow bridge 2 weeks early than 2 weeks too late. There sadly isn't a magical supplement that'll fix him or just keep him ticking over, you're just prolonging the inevitable. I mean this in the most heart felt way as I really do understand how difficult it is, but make the call, for your horses sake

 

[splashgirl45]

If a horse is unable to lie down and get up I’m afraid my decision would have been made earlier. His quality of life is not good so I would PTS now

 

[AmyMay]

I would not attempt another month let alone another winter. I’m sorry.

This. The weather is wonderful tomorrow and Friday. Then rain at the weekend. If he were mine he’d be gone before then.

 

[SEL]

2 years ago I put my old boy down just as summer finished. He could still get up & down but his bad leg wouldn't have another winter if coping with mud.

Miss him still but I know it was the right call.

 

[SO1]

Have you tried arthramid or steroid injections or is it too late for that to make a difference?

I am afraid if they cannot lie down to rest or enjoy a good roll in field I don't think QoL is going to be great.

 

[Birker2020]

If a horse is unable to lie down and get up I’m afraid my decision would have been made earlier. His quality of life is not good so I would PTS now

this ^^

That is definitely my cut off level. Sorry to be blunt but if I saw my horse struggling to get up/lie down and he was on pain relief/anti inflammatories then he would be pts.

Bailey was still able to jump around, walk and trot and roll/get up but her quality of life was severely diminished when she was retired and then she suddenly developed an issue which pain relief didn't appear to help, and xrays showed severe changes, so she was pts on a beautiful sunny day with the sun on her back and grass in her mouth after a few days of love/pampering/strong pain relief.

 

[HopOnTrot]

I’m sorry you are going through this. Both of ours are mature ladies and severe mobility issues is also my red flag. If they can’t lie down easily they cannot get REM sleep. This would really impact their quality of life.

I would speak to your vet and see what they say, investigation by the vet may not draw any treatment options so it’s up to you if you want to go down that route and still be left with no option that PTS or PTS now.

 

[Goldenstar]

Not being able to lie down is awful for a horse I would not delay and have him PTS .
I would speak to the vet about increasing his Danilon and giving it twice a day until you can arrange for him to go.

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

Not being able to lie down is awful for a horse I would not delay and have him PTS .
I would speak to the vet about increasing is Danilon and giving it twice a day until you can arrange for him to go.

This, exactly!

 

[Birker2020]

I'm sorry we don't have anything more supportive to suggest, but I think you know its time. I am so sorry for you, its the day that every horse owner dreads but at least you can do that one last thing for him.
Speak to your vet and see if there is anything else can be done, but if not I think you have to make the decision sooner rather than later. We are all here for you. Feel free to PM me if you want some support. Been there and although its incredibly hard, its honestly the kindest thing you can do for him. x

 

[lynz88]

I wouldn't bother with trying anything else and be making the formal decision to PTS

 

[MrsMozartleto]

We have horses here (retirement livery) with varying degress of arthritis in various parts of their bodies. They all live out, with good shelters, as being stabled exacerbates it. Some are on daily Danilon, some only when they've had a hoon and are ouching a bit, but all are able to move and interact in the herd. If any were unable to roll or get up in good order from lying down / rolling, then we'd be talking to the owners and vets about pts.

OP I hope all has gone as well as possible in your situation.