Cushings and calling it a day.

[TheLoneWanderer]

My 30yo has Cushing's and although he looks well he is utterly miserable. He doesn't enjoy turnout and will jump in or run through fencing. On Pergolide he pretty must lost his appetite completely and tbh it's so expensive, especially as he needs 2 tablets a day. He has been my horse of a lifetime and I think I'm ready to call it a day. This winter has been awful and he has really horrible allergies in the summer which make him miserable too. In my shoes, would you do the same? I'm a firm believer in a week to soon than a day too late.

 

[Polos Mum]

Making the final decision for our loyal friends is really tough even when it's 100% the right thing to do.

I believe better a month too soon than a day too late - quality of life is far more important than quantity.

I didn't take my own advice with an old Labrador for which I will never forgive myself. He suffered and I could have prevented it.

If you have asked the question, you probably know the answer.

Nobody who understands animals and has seen suffering will question you - ignore anyone who does.

 

[Dave's Mam]

I think you have answered your own question.

 

[AmyMay]

30 is a great age for any horse xx

 

[Cortez]

I think you have answered your own question.

This ^^^ Quality over quantity any day.

 

[marmalade76]

Yes, I have had a Cushing's sufferer PTS, my horse of a lifetime that I loved dearly and still miss like hell.

 

[Ratface]

I'm so sorry that you're facing this.
If I was in your situation, which it is likely that I shall be during this year, I would discuss the matter with your equine veterinary team and arrange a date and time for your vet to come and examine your horse. S/he will then be able to give you a clinical opinion on the best outcome for him and how that can be achieved.
I respectfully recommend making this date as soon as you feel able.
With my previous horse, my feelings of anticipatory grief prior to, and immediately after that visit, were only bearable because I knew an easeful and painless end was the last kindness I could give him.

 

[SEL]

I'm watching a very miserable horse of a similar age at the moment wishing his owner would make that decision. It's never too early xx

 

[ycbm]

My 30yo has Cushing's and although he looks well he is utterly miserable. He doesn't enjoy turnout and will jump in or run through fencing. On Pergolide he pretty must lost his appetite completely and tbh it's so expensive, especially as he needs 2 tablets a day. He has been my horse of a lifetime and I think I'm ready to call it a day. This winter has been awful and he has really horrible allergies in the summer which make him miserable too. In my shoes, would you do the same? I'm a firm believer in a week to soon than a day too late.

He would be peacefully gone by now if he was mine.
.

 

[poiuytrewq]

Yes, I’d do the same. I think the summer allergies and not being happy out alone would be enough regardless of other issues.
sorry your in this position.

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

The medication often stops working for some horses, my friends horses was only on it for 2 years and only 20 and on 2 tablets he ended up getting laminitis again and it really wasn't getting better so she had him pts.

I think 30 is a grand old age and if his really not enjoying life I think pts is the only option.

 

[Cutgrass]

Sorry it's come to this. I would pts without hesitation in your shoes. He will be happier slipping away peacefully. Not that that will make it any easier. 30 is a great age though so he must have had a lovely life with you.

 

[Crazy_cat_lady]

Happy for you to pm me... reasons why I don't want to say more on here!

 

[TheLoneWanderer]

My heart is breaking, I've never lost one before and I've had him 17 years. All through my 20's and most of my 30's (I'm 37yo). He has been with me through the loss of both my grandparents, my 2 favourite aunties, my best friends mum. My dad being diagnosed with dementia and the birth of my 2 nieces and nephew. He also saw me through an abusive relationship, has been weaning buddy uncle to 2 foals. Has taught lots of little people to ride and helped lots of people who have lost their nerve get it back. He knows everything about every single person I've ever met and has kept me from losing the plot many times.

 

[Dave's Mam]

Ah, huge hugs OP. Sounds like he's had a great life though.

 

[Snow Falcon]

I made that decision for my old boy last September, he was 28 and we'd been together 27yrs. He came to my wedding, nannied my boys etc, a proper family pony so I owed him a dignified end.

 

[nagblagger]

[QUOTE"TheLoneWanderer, ]My heart is breaking, I've never lost one before and I've had him 17 years. All through my 20's and most of my 30's (I'm 37yo). He has been with me through the loss of both my grandparents, my 2 favourite aunties, my best friends mum. My dad being diagnosed with dementia and the birth of my 2 nieces and nephew. He also saw me through an abusive relationship, has been weaning buddy uncle to 2 foals. Has taught lots of little people to ride and helped lots of people who have lost their nerve get it back. He knows everything about every single person I've ever met and has kept me from losing the plot many times.[/QUOTE]

He has been there for all, it is your time to be there for him now, when he needs you the most. To set him free from his painful depressed life - for him to run free over the rainbow bridge and join my 'horse of a lifetime' who i had to let go years ago. ( I had had him 26 years and went through the ups and downs of life together)
Virtual hug

 

[Shilasdair]

My heart is breaking, I've never lost one before and I've had him 17 years. All through my 20's and most of my 30's (I'm 37yo). He has been with me through the loss of both my grandparents, my 2 favourite aunties, my best friends mum. My dad being diagnosed with dementia and the birth of my 2 nieces and nephew. He also saw me through an abusive relationship, has been weaning buddy uncle to 2 foals. Has taught lots of little people to ride and helped lots of people who have lost their nerve get it back. He knows everything about every single person I've ever met and has kept me from losing the plot many times.

So he has had the most lovely life- and been loved.
If he is miserable, and there is nothing that can be done to improve things for him, then the decision is made for you.
You have been lucky to have each other - and a good end is the last kind thing we can do for them.

 

[skint1]

My heart goes out to you and your old man, you clearly love him so much and it really is so hard, had to do it recently with my own old fella (only 22 though) who had Cushings. In his case he began to exhibit really out of character behaviour, quite dangerous and unpredictable, no discernable reason. Hugs to you and your boy at this difficult time x

 

[ycbm]

My heart is breaking, I've never lost one before and I've had him 17 years. All through my 20's and most of my 30's (I'm 37yo). He has been with me through the loss of both my grandparents, my 2 favourite aunties, my best friends mum. My dad being diagnosed with dementia and the birth of my 2 nieces and nephew. He also saw me through an abusive relationship, has been weaning buddy uncle to 2 foals. Has taught lots of little people to ride and helped lots of people who have lost their nerve get it back. He knows everything about every single person I've ever met and has kept me from losing the plot many times.

He has done all that for you. It is his turn now for you do do him the ultimate kindness and put him out of the state where you describe him as looking "utterly miserable".

It's hard, it hurts, and I'm so sorry but you know you have to do this for him.
.

 

[Oneday]

I had to make the same decision a couple years ago with my mare, owned her for 26 years, bought her as a yearling. Sounds very similar situation as you are in, she had been on 2 tablets a day for 4 years . She was still looking fabulous and you wouldn't have guessed how old she was. She always hated the Prascend, but it did it's job but her behaviour was changing, worried with other horses in with her, when she had always been very social and couldn't stand being out without her fly rug and mask in the Summer. At Christmas took the decision to take her off the Prascend and see what happened. Amazingly her coat immediately started to fall out in handfuls and she was much happier in herself. Was fully aware she could get Laminitis, but her quality of life was so much better. She had the whole Summer with no problems from her Cushings, but when it got to the Autumn, which I have always found the worst time for Cushings, she became slightly footy, so immediately called the Vet and had her PTS. This was my plan when I stopped the Prascend, first sign of Laminitis, or no improvement in quality of life, call it a day. Vet agreed it was the right time. As it was she got one last Summer, which was a bonus. All we can do is the best we can for them and as you said make sure we don't leave it too late too call it a day.

 

[Winters100]

I am sorry that you and your lovely horse find yourselves in this position, but realistically 30 is a grand old age, and he is not happy. You have done right by him in treating him and allowing him years of retirement, and I am afraid that now you will need to do right by him again, by showing him the greatest respect of all, and letting him meet a peaceful end. I wish you all the best in making the awful decision, and I hope that with time you will be able to see that it was just his time.

 

[babymare]

What an amazing age and he is obviously loved by you. Whilst a hard decision what you have written says you are answering your own question. He is a lucky lad to have you giving him a great retirement but now it’s time for the ultimate kindness and let him go peacefully. It’s hard so damn hard but it’s right. Big hugs and remember so many of us are here to support you xx

 

[Trouper]

When there is no way back from an illness I find the decision easy to make - hellishly painful but the price we pay. I don't think you will find anyone against pts on here given the circumstances you have explained and we all understand your anguish.

 

[Birker2020]

My 30yo has Cushing's and although he looks well he is utterly miserable. He doesn't enjoy turnout and will jump in or run through fencing. On Pergolide he pretty must lost his appetite completely and tbh it's so expensive, especially as he needs 2 tablets a day. He has been my horse of a lifetime and I think I'm ready to call it a day. This winter has been awful and he has really horrible allergies in the summer which make him miserable too. In my shoes, would you do the same? I'm a firm believer in a week to soon than a day too late.

Yes, given what you have said, if his quality of life is poor, which you say it is then yes I would. So sorry x

 

[TheLoneWanderer]

Thankyou all. I'm starting to get things in order for him. I don't know wether my mare should see him after or not? I'm also trying to find out the cost of cremation in Hertfordshire if anyone knows Thankyou.

 

[Cortez]

Thankyou all. I'm starting to get things in order for him. I don't know wether my mare should see him after or not? I'm also trying to find out the cost of cremation in Hertfordshire if anyone knows Thankyou.

You poor thing, I know how hard it is.

Horses are not as sentimental as we are and are rarely extremely affected by death, they seem to understand that their herd mates are no longer there when they see them deceased. I have had to put down foals in front of their mothers, and whilst they will sometimes nudge and paw at the bodies, in very little time they simply move away and graze with the herd. Letting your mare see him will probably help her to understand that he has gone.

 

[Tarragon]

He has been there for all, it is your time to be there for him now, when he needs you the most.

It is the hardest thing to do, but also the right thing to do.
((((()))))

 

[Shilasdair]

Thankyou all. I'm starting to get things in order for him. I don't know wether my mare should see him after or not? I'm also trying to find out the cost of cremation in Hertfordshire if anyone knows Thankyou.

I can't help regarding cremation costs - but would agree with Cortez that your mare should see him afterwards. If you leave him with her, she will understand that he is gone, and accept it. Otherwise she may keep looking for him/calling for him.

 

[Crazy_cat_lady]

When I was going over the same lately my vet said "better several months too early than a second too late"

It sounds like he is very much loved and has had a fantastic life with you

If you do decide to pts, as its planned, you can do various bits and pieces in the lead up, I got some lovely photos with mine and on the morning he had all his favourite treats and I took some tail and mane

Is there someone who can be with you on the day to support you and look after you?

Keep posting on here, there's some incredibly supportive people on here x