Do you just know when it’s time ?

[sjdress]

My older horse (23yrs) has been fully retired now for 6 months. For 2 years previous to that she was partially retired just doing lights hacks/schooling. However we couldn't keep her sound (mainly due to coffin joint arthritis) so we retired her.
She’s was doing ok up until January and then lost a heap of weight. She’s very slowly putting it back on but I’m struggling despite her eating a lot! I’ve never had this problem with her before, she has always been a good doer. Bloods clear.
She is now very stiff behind and her back end has gone a very odd shape. I would say she’s not unhappy or struggling with basic daily living but she’s not got the same spark she usually has. When do you know the time is right to let them go. I’ve been thinking about this recently that in the next few years I might need to make this decision for her, preferably before things get too uncomfortable for her, but how do you know when it’s the right time?

 

[Michen]

Daily pain relief and if she doesn’t perk up then yes, it’s time.

 

[AmyMay]

If she lost a lot of weight in January, despite being well fed and on a good pain relief regime, and was still struggling- then now is the time.

 

[meleeka]

I presume bloods included cushings? I think it’s up to each owner, but I’d say have your red line ready in your head. For some that’s daily bute, for others it’s when the dose has to go up or they aren’t keen to move around like they used to. Every horse is different, as is everyone’s ideas about when the time should be. I’ll be thinking about it this Autumn, assuming mine is still here then. I’m not sure I’m willing to put her through another winter if it’s going to be like the one we’ve just had, but i’ll see how she is at the end of the summer.

 

[ycbm]

For me, it’s time as soon as you question yourself about whether it's time.

Yes it's possible for them to recover and to have more good times. But they don't know that, they only know life isn't good right now. And it's also possible that things will get worse and you will have left it too late, and that's the risk I won't take on their behalf, however painful it is for me.
.

 

[cauda equina]

Once everything that can (within reason - I'm not talking about heroics here) been managed or treated, if your horse seems sad or you feel sad being around them, it's probably time

 

[Goldenstar]

If she not on daily pain relief then you need to try this at once so the give the vet a call .
Of course I have never seen your horse but I would think based on the limited information you have given it’s getting close to the time.

 

[SEL]

I always think it's worth a couple of weeks on Bute. If they perk up then you know they were in pain - so either daily Bute or time to make the call

 

[Highmileagecob]

Pain relief, dentistry, blood profile, supplementary short chop forage....... If you feel you have covered all bases and nothing is improving, then let her go with dignity intact.

 

[cauda equina]

Agree with all the above plus worming as appropriate