Donating horse to science

[Barklands]

We have had some very sad news this morning that my mare's prognosis has suddenly declined to very poor. She has been suffering from laminitis which is so far unexplained, every test has come back normal and she was not particularly overweight, so we are pretty stumped as to the cause. She has not responded to change is management such as soaked hay, box rest, feeding etc.

We are now looking at organising for her to be PTS and weighing up options. I will be speaking to the vet to confirm our decision regarding ending treatment later in the week and awaiting one final lab result but wanted to know if anyone else had explored the option of or sent a horse to a vet / veterinary college for research? Her case is so strange, we have absolutely no idea about the cause and feel it could be helpful in understanding the triggers for laminitis in horses who are not typically prone. At least we could feel like there would be some benefit of losing such a lovely, young otherwise fit horse.

I will of course ask the vet that has been overseeing her case if she has any experience of sending for research but just wanted to get thoughts.

 

[New Forests Rock]

I'm so sorry this has happened, and do not have any personal experience of sending a horse for research, but I think it is an excellent idea. As you say, it would potentially help further investigation into atypical laminitis. Thoughts are with you xx

 

[kerrieberry2]

no experience but have you looked at the lami rehab they offer at places like Gasworth track livery!

 

[Barklands]

no experience but have you looked at the lami rehab they offer at places like Gasworth track livery!

She is too far gone unfortunately, she has had catastrophic rotation and trying to rectify would be unfair to her quality of life

 

[FieldOrnaments]

Maybe worth asking The Laminitis Trust?

 

[FieldOrnaments]

I'm so sorry. It's such a [redacted] disease and it's never the wrong decision to end the suffering of a horse afflicted by it, especially when there is no clear cause.

 

[FieldOrnaments]

Also RCVS takes horses sometimes I think

 

[SEL]

Are you near one of the vet teaching universities? They are the best place to ask. Many years ago a fellow livery had a horse with what I would suspect was degenerative ligament disease and she said her goodbyes at the university so he could be used for research.

I would say though that it did hit her hard walking away and leaving him there even though he was in very sensitive hands so think about the practical side too.

Sorry you're in this position - laminitis is awful

 

[Barklands]

Are you near one of the vet teaching universities? They are the best place to ask. Many years ago a fellow livery had a horse with what I would suspect was degenerative ligament disease and she said her goodbyes at the university so he could be used for research.

I would say though that it did hit her hard walking away and leaving him there even though he was in very sensitive hands so think about the practical side too.

Sorry you're in this position - laminitis is awful

I think our closest is Edinburgh which is two hours away. We would want her to be PTS at home particularly as she is not really in a fit state to travel. Therefore, it would be a question of logistically how to get her there and the costs involved in that