Dangerous / aggressive horse - advice needed?!

[happyhorse978]

So much sympathy to you. The winter will only get harder, colder, more slippery now, so I think it's time to let him go. Give him however long you need on a high dose of bute and rest assured that you investigated what you could, and indeed identified some causation ... but there might be a lot more going on with this old injury that cannot be seen on X-ray. Life without them ... Gosh it's awful. They leave a big empty hole, but it does get easier with time. Lots of time. And knowing you don't ever have to see him in pain again and won't find him one day having hurt himself more or deteriorated at which point it all becomes an emergency that is harder to live with.

Thank you SO much , you are so kind and that was so nicely put xxx

 

[happyhorse978]

Yes, I totally understand how you are feeling. It's not easy. We, as kind horse owners, are so lucky and privelaged to be in a position to be able to stop their pain. You will feel sad for the life that you could have had together, but that is not now a possibility. You will also feel huge relief when the decision has been made. Sending virutal hugs and best wishes
x

Thank you so much I really appreciate it xx

 

[happyhorse978]

So very sorry to hear this, there are somethings we just can't fix.

Thank you, its awful isnt it xx

 

[SEL]

I'm so sorry to read this update. I always think you know from the horse in front of you when it's time, no matter what the diagnostics throw up, and it sounds like that's where you are.

It's such a shame to have to make this call with a young horse - my heart goes out to you xx

 

[ester]

I’m so sorry, but you’ll know it’s the right decision and there’s wasn’t anymore you could do

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

I'm so sorry it's such a shame as his so young but his obviously in pain it's never easy though is it, I find you feel guilty for a while but you also get a feeling of relief as you don't have the worry of them and you really have done everything possible. Xx

 

[happyhorse978]

I'm so sorry to read this update. I always think you know from the horse in front of you when it's time, no matter what the diagnostics throw up, and it sounds like that's where you are.

It's such a shame to have to make this call with a young horse - my heart goes out to you xx

thank you so much, i hate seeing him in so much pain/so unhappy , its no quality of life for him xx

 

[maya2008]

Glad to hear you found out what it was, but so sorry that it's not something you can fix. I lost my old TB to neck arthritis last August. It had progressed slowly and she'd been ok ... until suddenly she wasn't. Vet honestly told me there was nothing they could do, so I made the call and she was pts a few days later.

 

[happyhorse978]

I’m so sorry, but you’ll know it’s the right decision and there’s wasn’t anymore you could do

thank you xx

 

[happyhorse978]

Glad to hear you found out what it was, but so sorry that it's not something you can fix. I lost my old TB to neck arthritis last August. It had progressed slowly and she'd been ok ... until suddenly she wasn't. Vet honestly told me there was nothing they could do, so I made the call and she was pts a few days later.

Im so sorry to hear this do you mind me asking what symptoms she had when she got worse? Please dont feel you have to say if you dont want to xx

 

[happyhorse978]

I'm so sorry it's such a shame as his so young but his obviously in pain it's never easy though is it, I find you feel guilty for a while but you also get a feeling of relief as you don't have the worry of them and you really have done everything possible. Xx

thank you so much, i have never had to have one pts before so im totally at a loss, i dont know what to do/expect xx

 

[Gallop_Away]

I am so sorry OP. Sending you massive virtual hugs. It's sounds like you have made your decision and it's one I think everyone who has been following your story will support you in 1000%. You are a wonderful owner to your lovely boy, and there is no greater kindness we can do for our precious horses than setting them free of any pain.

 

[happyhorse978]

I am so sorry OP. Sending you massive virtual hugs. It's sounds like you have made your decision and it's one I think everyone who has been following your story will support you in 1000%. You are a wonderful owner to your lovely boy, and there is no greater kindness we can do for our precious horses than setting them free of any pain.

Thank you so so much, you are so kind xxx

 

[Annagain]

thank you so much, i have never had to have one pts before so im totally at a loss, i dont know what to do/expect xx

You might find the BHS Friends at the End service helpful. Friends at the End | The British Horse Society (bhs.org.uk) . It offers free support to horse owners before, during and after the loss of a horse.

The first thing you need to do is decide how you would like it to be done. There are lots of discussions on here about which method is best so you might find it helpful to have a read through some of them but keep in mind that it's a very personal decision and there's no right or wrong. You have to decide which one you'd be most comfortable with.

Do you have a YO or a friend who's been through it before who could support you through this? Our YO is excellent and if we choose to go down the gun route will make all the arrangements for us and hold the horse if needs be. He'll also hold them for the injection (and make the disposal arrangements if we go down that route) but as the injections is arranged with the vet we have to do that ourselves. In the same way I've held friends' horses for them for the injection. I found it far less traumatic than I imagined it would be. I was sad but not upset if you know what I mean.

Once you've decided, speak to your vet and either make the arrangements with her or ask for details of the local hunt (or whoever provides the service). Both the vet and the hunt will talk you through the next steps.

And we're all here if you have questions or just want to vent.

 

[happyhorse978]

You might find the BHS Friends at the End service helpful. Friends at the End | The British Horse Society (bhs.org.uk) . It offers free support to horse owners before, during and after the loss of a horse.

The first thing you need to do is decide how you would like it to be done. There are lots of discussions on here about which method is best so you might find it helpful to have a read through some of them but keep in mind that it's a very personal decision and there's no right or wrong. You have to decide which one you'd be most comfortable with.

Do you have a YO or a friend who's been through it before who could support you through this? Our YO is excellent and if we choose to go down the gun route will make all the arrangements for us and hold the horse if needs be. He'll also hold them for the injection (and make the disposal arrangements if we go down that route) but as the injections is arranged with the vet we have to do that ourselves. In the same way I've held friends' horses for them for the injection. I found it far less traumatic than I imagined it would be. I was sad but not upset if you know what I mean.

Once you've decided, speak to your vet and either make the arrangements with her or ask for details of the local hunt (or whoever provides the service). Both the vet and the hunt will talk you through the next steps.

And we're all here if you have questions or just want to vent.

Thank you so much, that is really helpful. I will definitely go down the injection route, its just my personal preference. Will the vet explain the options for cremation etc? I find it all so confusing!
thank you so much x x

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

thank you so much, i have never had to have one pts before so im totally at a loss, i dont know what to do/expect xx

Bless you do you have a friend or staff member at the yard that can be with you?

When I worked on a yard we would often be there for liveries horses if the owner didn't want to be there so it's not uncommon.

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

Thank you so much, that is really helpful. I will definitely go down the injection route, its just my personal preference. Will the vet explain the options for cremation etc? I find it all so confusing!
thank you so much x x

Vets will have numbers of places.

 

[Laurac13]

I have been following your journey and wanted to say you have done everything you can for your horse, he is lucky to have you as his owner listening to him. I am very sorry it’s not positive news, thinking of you making that decision is so hard x

 

[Annagain]

Thank you so much, that is really helpful. I will definitely go down the injection route, its just my personal preference. Will the vet explain the options for cremation etc? I find it all so confusing!
thank you so much x x

Yes - a lot of vets will make arrangements on your behalf if you ask them to but it can often be more expensive than doing it yourself (hence our YO making those arrangements for us). The basic options are usually individual cremation with ashes returned, individual cremation with no ashes returned or group cremation but that might differ from service to service. Again, there's no right or wrong it's all what you're most comfortable with. I had my old boy's ashes back and then realised I had no idea what to do with them so I decided I wouldn't have them back again. I know others for whom it was really important to have them back though.

Where in the country are you? Maybe someone on here will have a recommendation for a pet cremation service. There is one in our area that has an excellent reputation for being extra caring and kind and they're not always the ones vets use.

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

I'm so sorry, losing a young horse is even worse ime, than losing an older one. The only consolation is that you can put an end to the pain.
In the interim, for pain relief, I have had good results with magnetic leg wraps for arthritis with one horse, although tbf, they did nothing for a couple of others. But they might be worth trying to make him more comfortable in the short term

 

[maya2008]

Im so sorry to hear this do you mind me asking what symptoms she had when she got worse? Please dont feel you have to say if you dont want to xx

It was horrific, is the best thing I can say. As it progressed initially, she gradually got more touchy, but was still happy to see me and was enjoying life. She was able to keep her position in the herd with the others, was in good condition body-wise and had a relaxed face and pricked ears. She was on Boswellia and Turmeric to help a little, and was ok. Then suddenly she wasn't. Really, really wasn't. I came down to the stables one morning to find her with scrapes all up the side of her face and on her side - she'd fallen over. Vet was due in a few days anyway for the shetland, and she was up, moving around ok and eating so I waited, hoping maybe it was a one-off or she'd wrenched something arguing with one of the others. Over the next few days she fell three more times. She began to stick like a limpet to her buddy in the field, and spent increasing amounts of time in the shelter sleeping. It had obviously begun to hurt to eat, as she just didn't bother - she stood and slept, or walked around the field right next to her friend. Bute did nothing - absolutely nothing. In the few days it took between her beginning to fall and the knackerman coming to pts, she became a shadow of herself. She was absolutely ready to go when he came, but even that morning she was still pleased to see me, ears pricked and doing her best to be mummy's little girl.

It took a long time for all of us, humans and ponies, to get over her loss - she was the matriarch of the herd and my very best friend. It was absolutely, without a doubt the right thing to do though. We used the knackerman because it's instant and I didn't want a crying vet who would upset her (which is what happened the last time we used the vets) and make her worry. I also didn't think she'd appreciate being touched to put in the line for the medications or for the sedation - she'd understandably become very touchy around her neck area. PTS by gun avoided all that. The guy was kind, professional and did a very good job. We arranged it through the end of life service website and I'd 100% use them again. Much cheaper than the vets too, if that's a factor for you. My husband held her, as I've held horses for friends before. Sometimes it's better to say goodbye with kisses and polos and let that be your last memory.

 

[Gallop_Away]

Thank you so much, that is really helpful. I will definitely go down the injection route, its just my personal preference. Will the vet explain the options for cremation etc? I find it all so confusing!
thank you so much x x

Your vets will have contacts with a number of cremation places, or alternatively you can use one of your own choosing if you have one in mind. Whereabouts are you OP as I'm sure people on here could recommend some places.

There are things to consider with cremation such as whether you want to opt for individual cremation or group cremation, and if you opt for individual whether you would then like the ashes returned or not. It's completely a personal decision.

Massive hugs again OP. It's the hardest but bravest decision we can make for our horses.

 

[happyhorse978]

Bless you do you have a friend or staff member at the yard that can be with you?

When I worked on a yard we would often be there for liveries horses if the owner didn't want to be there so it's not uncommon.

I will be there with him myself and possibly my partner with me. I definitely want to be there with him xx

 

[happyhorse978]

I have been following your journey and wanted to say you have done everything you can for your horse, he is lucky to have you as his owner listening to him. I am very sorry it’s not positive news, thinking of you making that decision is so hard x

thankyou so much x i really appreciate it xx

 

[happyhorse978]

Yes - a lot of vets will make arrangements on your behalf if you ask them to but it can often be more expensive than doing it yourself (hence our YO making those arrangements for us). The basic options are usually individual cremation with ashes returned, individual cremation with no ashes returned or group cremation but that might differ from service to service. Again, there's no right or wrong it's all what you're most comfortable with. I had my old boy's ashes back and then realised I had no idea what to do with them so I decided I wouldn't have them back again. I know others for whom it was really important to have them back though.

Where in the country are you? Maybe someone on here will have a recommendation for a pet cremation service. There is one in our area that has an excellent reputation for being extra caring and kind and they're not always the ones vets use.

Thank you so much, Im Shropshire based xx

 

[happyhorse978]

I'm so sorry, losing a young horse is even worse ime, than losing an older one. The only consolation is that you can put an end to the pain.
In the interim, for pain relief, I have had good results with magnetic leg wraps for arthritis with one horse, although tbf, they did nothing for a couple of others. But they might be worth trying to make him more comfortable in the short term

thank you so much xx

 

[happyhorse978]

It was horrific, is the best thing I can say. As it progressed initially, she gradually got more touchy, but was still happy to see me and was enjoying life. She was able to keep her position in the herd with the others, was in good condition body-wise and had a relaxed face and pricked ears. She was on Boswellia and Turmeric to help a little, and was ok. Then suddenly she wasn't. Really, really wasn't. I came down to the stables one morning to find her with scrapes all up the side of her face and on her side - she'd fallen over. Vet was due in a few days anyway for the shetland, and she was up, moving around ok and eating so I waited, hoping maybe it was a one-off or she'd wrenched something arguing with one of the others. Over the next few days she fell three more times. She began to stick like a limpet to her buddy in the field, and spent increasing amounts of time in the shelter sleeping. It had obviously begun to hurt to eat, as she just didn't bother - she stood and slept, or walked around the field right next to her friend. Bute did nothing - absolutely nothing. In the few days it took between her beginning to fall and the knackerman coming to pts, she became a shadow of herself. She was absolutely ready to go when he came, but even that morning she was still pleased to see me, ears pricked and doing her best to be mummy's little girl.

It took a long time for all of us, humans and ponies, to get over her loss - she was the matriarch of the herd and my very best friend. It was absolutely, without a doubt the right thing to do though. We used the knackerman because it's instant and I didn't want a crying vet who would upset her (which is what happened the last time we used the vets) and make her worry. I also didn't think she'd appreciate being touched to put in the line for the medications or for the sedation - she'd understandably become very touchy around her neck area. PTS by gun avoided all that. The guy was kind, professional and did a very good job. We arranged it through the end of life service website and I'd 100% use them again. Much cheaper than the vets too, if that's a factor for you. My husband held her, as I've held horses for friends before. Sometimes it's better to say goodbye with kisses and polos and let that be your last memory.

oh bless her I am so sorry x

 

[happyhorse978]

Your vets will have contacts with a number of cremation places, or alternatively you can use one of your own choosing if you have one in mind. Whereabouts are you OP as I'm sure people on here could recommend some places.

There are things to consider with cremation such as whether you want to opt for individual cremation or group cremation, and if you opt for individual whether you would then like the ashes returned or not. It's completely a personal decision.

Massive hugs again OP. It's the hardest but bravest decision we can make for our horses.

Thank you so so much xx

 

[Peglo]

So so sorry to hear this. You truly are an amazing owner. What a commitment to him you’ve had. Can’t imagine how hard it is to pts a young horse but it does sound like it will be doing what’s best for him. Please take care of yourself.

 

[happyhorse978]

So so sorry to hear this. You truly are an amazing owner. What a commitment to him you’ve had. Can’t imagine how hard it is to pts a young horse but it does sound like it will be doing what’s best for him. Please take care of yourself.

Thank you so so much you are very kind xx