Cost of euthanasia. (Sorry!)

[rabatsa]

They do not have to be held as tight for a gun as getting a needle into a vein. This makes it a better option for many worried horses, especially if they are eating a carrot from the hand with the rope and the other is used for the gun.

 

[Errin Paddywack]

I think the gun wouldn’t be a option, he is a funny wee chap and I doubt he would stand well enough for the job to be done properly.

The first mare I had shot by our knackerman was extremely upset as her eyesight had gone completely only the day before and she was panicky. She wasn't good at keeping still in normal times. The knacker took her off me and my husband watched and said he was brilliant, just moving with her and reassuring her until he got the right position to shoot her. He has now done 5 for us and all went extremely well.

 

[Lintel]

Thanks all once again, the domosedan is a unfortunately a no go as it has has near enough zero effect before. Although more costly I know if he gets IM sedation standing beside his buddy he will be ok with that and I can walk him to his stable for his IV sedation. Thanks for the replies about the gun and too, it’s probably more that I wouldn’t be 100% certain and worry that god forbid he would move when shot- I’ve fortunately never had to be in this position and would want to have total faith in the person doing it, everyone round me I’ve known has used the vet so couldn’t even go off recommendations unfortunately.

Another question sorry!

I have two other ponies, youngster and his older buddy he has been with a long time, would you let them see/watch or smell the body once the time comes?

 

[milliepops]

I think it depends on the personalities of the remaining horses. My mare got upset whenever the horse i had pts went out of sight anyway, for her we took him away to administer the drugs and he was collected immediately (collection guy arrived before the vet did). I didn't think it would help her to see, frankly... it wouldn't make him come back and she gets so distressed about being left that i didn't think she'd process it anyway.

 

[criso]

My current horse was very attached to my previous one who I had pts. If I took Frankie for a walk, Tigger would be on high alert and neighing unti Frankie came back. I was worried that if we took Frankie away and he didn't come back, he would be waiting and looking for him for a long time after.

So Tigger was in his stable and could see the sick paddock where we did it but fairly distant so he could see where Frankie was but not close.

I then took him out after, in theory to sniff the body if he wanted. He didn't seem that interested and was a bit spooky but that was as much the truck parked up ready. I didn't think it had worked and didn't force the issue but took him out after walking him round, no pressure to go near. However he never looked or neighed for Frankie again so it seemed like the fact he had 'gone' had been absorbed.

Eta the whole procedure was so smooth and quick there was not much to see and we often have pheasant shoots nearby so the sound of a shot was not unusual for him

 

[Birker2020]

I would definetely let them see the body, my friends mare died and the gelding who was her feeding buddy never got the chance and he pined for her terribly, running up the fence line for days afterwards.

Let them process it in their own way.