Euthanasia, be there while it happens?

I can see you have had a lot of advice and support already, but just thought I would give my experience.

I have only been in this situation once, and the decision was made for me-my mare broke her leg. There was no visible injury when she came in lame, so we had transported her to the vets for x rays. It obviously all happened very fast, so my time to say goodbye was limited as we wanted to end her pain straight away. We had the injection.

I stood with her whilst she was sedated, the vet then asked me if I wanted to stay whilst she fell, I didn't.

However, once she was down, I went to say goodbye. This wouldn't be for everyone, but for me it helped.

One important thing I would say is try to avoid people being around, but having a close person with you helps. I was only 18 at the time, and my instructor had driven the lorry to the vets, that was it. My instructor knew exactly what to say, and was a fantastic support. However, the worst part was returning to the yard with an empty lorry, with everyone around asking what had happened.

Hope that helps, if you want to talk anything over feel free to PM me
 
So sorry to read you're having to make the decision, one of mine is getting on a bit now and I know in the next few years it will probably be her turn. I stayed with my dog just before New Year, in fact he died on my lap and I am so glad I could do that for him, he'd given me 10 years of love and fun and it was the least I could do, although I still miss him every day and haven't managed to clear all of his things out of the house yet.
 
I've been there for other people's horses and kept it together fine, even horses I knew and loved. But I'm afraid I couldn't be there for my own. In both cases I left them with the yard owner they knew well (both were on part livery) as I would have caused far too much distress had I been there.

I also have lovely last memories of Ronnie as he was being such a spanner in the morning, pratting about in his field, slipping over and rearing/leaping about, chasing me whilst I poo-picked and doing his best tigger impression. It was lovely to see him doing the things we all knew him for (and which hastened his demise, sadly) and to not be left with an awful memory of the lsat time I saw him.

You need to do what is best for you.
 
Its definately something down to personal choice. I know a lot of people that feel they cant stay with their own horses. I will always be there with mine, I wouldnt feel right not being. I had two of mine PTS last august. I stood with them whilst they were both sedated and then shot in turn. However I'm pretty good at holding onto my emotion and staying calm when neccessary, this was even more neccessary when having two done at once, I couldnt show any emotion when the old boy was shot first as my mare was next, I spoke to her and stroked her a bit more just to ensure she was calm as she had jumped slightly at the shot right next to her but was heavily sedated and I had positioned him slightly behind her, she couldnt see him. It was horrendous having to plan it for two together but I think the way it went was as good as it could have been. I didnt show any emotion at all though and that was really important to me, I was talking to them normally etc and had a few quiet whispers in their ears. When they were both gone I simply thanked the vet and kennel person and walked back up through the paddocks to the house, I took one last look back at them lying side by side in the grass below me from the top of the hill and said a final goodbye. When I got back to the house I cried for them and me but I wouldnt show them I was sad before they were gone. I think its really important not to show any obvious distress in their final hours/minutes.
 
Spellbound13 said:
The vet came today, He now has lammy in his hind hoof aswell, so he will be put to sleep on tuesday xx
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Sorry to hear that, its tough, emotions will run all over the place and the waiting is the worst part but as I found out today as Juno was PTS, somehow it wasn't as bad as I thought.
I was there, right there. I didn't hold the lead rope, but was close. I spoke to Juno, told her to be brave and that it would be ok. I saw everything, the gun, her fall, was only a few steps away, gave her a pat and a stroke and walked a few steps away to allow the huntsman to do his job. I Fussed the other horses who were the other side of the electric tape (I wanted them to know, so they saw it all too). They were very good, and seemed to understand instantly, but never fretted. Juno was winched into the wagon with such care, I didn't mind watching. Many don't like that, but I really did see her right to the end. I am so pleased I was brave, and so happy that it was right for us.
 
Sorry his time has come - but you are doing the right thing for him and that will comfort you a little when the time comes.
Best wishes for a quick and very peaceful passing for him and stay strong vibes for you too x
The "countdown" of the last few days is very hard but I hope it is a special time for you both x
 
Thank you everyone
i keep trying to spend lots of time with him, but hes just so grumpy with being in pain he just keeps trying to bite me and hes just led flat out all the time bless him. Tomorrow is his last full day and I have to work till 6pm, so will only get to see him at night,
ive already started moving his rugs and toys so its not as painful when hes gone xx
 
hi there
Oliver Passed away this morning in a lovely sunny feild.


Thank you very much for all your comments and advice.
it was really peacfull and not traumatic at all.

we brought him over for the vet (he decided to be stood at the very far end of the field)
and my vet was lovely, she stroked him all over and talked to him.
she sedated him (my dad had to hold him for this as his throws his head up) and then my dad passed my the lead rope and he whinnied to me (he has a special whinney he does just for me for like when i turn up to feed him or bring him and when i groom him) The vet gave me 15 mins or so to talk to him whilst the sedative really took affect and all this time he just whinnyed and nuzzeled me he looked so relaxed and really relived, like all the pain had finally gone, the vet came over and asked me if I was ready, and she treid to put the catheter in, for a few minuets she tried and didnt manage it (she explain to me before hand she might not be able to as it can be difficult after sedation to get a vein)
so she injected him straight into a vain.
he took 2 deep breaths and went a bit wobbly and fell to the ground and to his side, his eyes glased over, the vet checked his heart and said she couldnt hear anything, he then kinda burped if you will whilst the gas and oxygen he breathed in left him, he did this twice, the vet rechecked his heart and said she deffinatly couldnt hear a heart beat, but she would give him some more of the drug just for peace of mind, he then never made any more noise, we all sat with him for about half an hour and talked about him with the vet (the collection people waited down the road and let us take as long as we needed) it then started to thunder and lighten and he started going cold, so we where ready for him to go ... i waited next to his stable whilst this happened, and the vet supervised him, I could see it from the side and im really glad i did, the man then told me he would stay with Oliver for me and look after him untill he goes into the furnace and he will then ring me personally and we can arrange how to collect the ashes.

he layed down with his ears forward so he had been listening to be right till he couldnt anymore, and no pain in his face, hes eyes wernt wide open, but half closed, he looked so happy and peascful.

such a horrible thing to go through but it went to smoothly and very very quick.
 
Bless you. Rest in Peace Oliver.
It is such a nice feeling knowing that they are pain free and happy. We know that the memories live on, they will never be forgotten.
Many hugs.
 
Well done x I am glad it was not so bad as you had thought it might be. Hard, I know, but it is also a good feeling to know you did your best for them.
RIP Oliver x x ((hugs)) to you.
 
Glad it went peacefully for you & Oliver.
We say goodbye to Bobby in 2 weeks. Which day depends on my son's work schedule. We had a very teary ride last night as we talked about the good times we have had with him. But he is 29, his teeth have worn out, he has cushings & this hard ground has been tough on his legs. I know we are doing the right thing but it doesn't stop it hurting.
 
I had my first TB shot, for her this was the best way to go and the huntsman was super and took ages getting her relaxed and accepting the gun near her head. I did after a while stand with my back to her as I was getting upset and did not want her picking up. I had my hand behind me feeding her polos. When I did hear the gun go, I walked away and did not look back. My OH stayed there and said she was dead before she dropped.

With Cairo, he was already down, he was given a local and the catheter put in. Whilst this was done, he had the meal of his life, I went through the feeds bins of others and he got sticky mix, sugar beet and all the sugary things I don't feed, along with apples, carrots and a bag of sugar.

He then was sedated and went to sleep with a mouth full of polos.

The final two injections were then given, he was a large boy, hence needing so much to put him down. It was a bit distressing, where his blood pressure had dropped, the catheter had to be redone and whilst he was asleep, for us it was stressful.

At the final end, he gasped and his lungs went flat out for about 30 seconds. We had been told this could happen, but it was still horrible to witness. He though did not move an inch, just gasped.

My OH then sat with him whilst I bought Chancer in. We howled to see Chancer trying to get his "dad" up. Finally Andy sat with his back against Cairo's back feeling him cool down and little twitches as we waited for him to be taken away for cremation.

That part we did not want to see, so went and sat in the field until he was removed.

Cairo was scattered on the summer field, his ashes went into the grass which is eaten by Stinky and Farra, so we like to think he lives on in them.

I always stay beside my pets at the end, it is not nice, but I want them to have a loving hand on them and a voice they know until they go into the final sleep.

I would always insist on sedation before final injection and the vet who put Cairo down said she would do it no other way. However, with the TBS I have had, they hated sedation and this is why I have had them shot.

I am sending you a huge hug as this is all I can do for you.
 
hairycob said:
Glad it went peacefully for you & Oliver.
We say goodbye to Bobby in 2 weeks. Which day depends on my son's work schedule. We had a very teary ride last night as we talked about the good times we have had with him. But he is 29, his teeth have worn out, he has cushings & this hard ground has been tough on his legs. I know we are doing the right thing but it doesn't stop it hurting.
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It doesnt stop it hurting, but it helps it feel the right thing to do, the bit i found most comforting was he dies with his ears forward so he was still listening to me when he fell and laid down his head, then we all sat with him for abour 45 mins, it was so nice, he looked so relieved, and peaceful, it happened much quicker than i expected, almost as soon as he was injected.

I didnt cry at all, i was concerntrating on talking to him and i looked him in his eyess all the time. I only let the tears come when he was finally resting.


my thoughjts are with you, I hope your baby goes as peacefully as Oliver.
Its lovely to think he died in my arms with all the people who loved him talking to him and caring for him xx
 
i have had 2 of my 3 horses put down in the past 9 months and to be honest i still miss them dearly and am finding it very hard to come to terms with, i miss them terribly. The first was my old mare who was 26 she took a sudden very very severe colic back in september and she has to be pts which was such a shock as it was so sudden then in march my much wanted and loved foal was put down as he broke his back which was very hard to come to terms with as he was only a baby. I was with both of them at the end and they both had the injection. the old mare went very peacefully the foal fought it a bit and threw himself over which was distressing for us but it was all over very quick.
I hope you are coming to terms with the lose of your beloved horse x
 
lornaA said:
i have had 2 of my 3 horses put down in the past 9 months and to be honest i still miss them dearly and am finding it very hard to come to terms with, i miss them terribly. The first was my old mare who was 26 she took a sudden very very severe colic back in september and she has to be pts which was such a shock as it was so sudden then in march my much wanted and loved foal was put down as he broke his back which was very hard to come to terms with as he was only a baby. I was with both of them at the end and they both had the injection. the old mare went very peacefully the foal fought it a bit and threw himself over which was distressing for us but it was all over very quick.
I hope you are coming to terms with the lose of your beloved horse x
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Im finding it very difficult, I feel like a part of me has been torn away, I cant sleep without his headcoller next to my pillow, it fills my room with the smell of him. Its very odd just going and tending to my filly, I beleive she is missing him too, today without thinking i brushed her and she started licking the brush i was using and then started neighing (she hardly makes any noise) and i realised its the brush I used to groom Oliver the very morning he passed.

I had oliver for 10 years almostt to the exact day, and ive had 3 horses for 3 of those years and then went down to 2 horses for this last year.
I keep feeling like ive missed something out or not done something, hopefully this will help when i move yard next week, my filly is completly on her own as only me on this yard, but she seems to be doing ok for now.

i hope your ok? it must be terrible to loose them in such a shocking and tragic way.
How did your little foal break his back?

At least they didnt die alone and they are all pain free now xx
 
As hard as it is at the time we owe it to them to be there at the end... it keeps them calm because they have a familiar face/voice to comfort them and give them a sense of normality.
Last October I had my homebred colt foal PTS after an injury resulted in a shattered hock, it wasn't good at the time but knowing that it was the right (if not the only option) made it easier.
I held him while the vet administered the injections and while he went down and then sat with him. As he was a shetland pony we buried him on our land so we had to dig the hole and bury him which was unbelievably hard but in a strange way being there for the duration gave me a sense of closure.

They're pleased to see us everyday even when they're sick or in pain so when it comes to it the least we can do for them is be there to say goodbye.
 
I've got to go through this in the next few weeks. I'm really undecided whether to be there or not as I feel I'll be too distressed to comfort her. I'm glad this post has been created though because at least I know it'll be quick and peaceful.
 
LaurenM said:
I've got to go through this in the next few weeks. I'm really undecided whether to be there or not as I feel I'll be too distressed to comfort her. I'm glad this post has been created though because at least I know it'll be quick and peaceful.
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I went with the mindset to be there as Oliver could be a nervouse horse and always stood better when i was there.
but right uptill the last minuet i wasnt sure, untill like i say i went to touch the leadrope and he whinnied to me, this made me know that is what he wanted and it was the right thing to do.

it was a terrible thing to go through, and i didnt cry untill he was on the floor, i think this is because i was distracted with talking to him and making sure he was calm and happy and talking to the vet.

the best thing is to really know inside out what is going to happen.
it was still very shocking to me how quickly he fell, and he did literally fall/callapse ... but i am so so very glad I was there with him and held him, it was really peaceful and in a strange way rewarding as i knew id been there for him when he needed me most.

it was very odd, once the lethal injection went in, its like everything went silent and it was just him and me there and no one else, such a strong feeling its so hard to explain.

it brings me great peace and comfort though knowing i was there...
but if you cant be then theres nothing wrong with that.

you dont have to be the one to hold them, you could judt be near them, that too will be enough.

you can plan these things but it really depends how you feel at the time.

I just Got Olivers ashes back on tuesday, I was dead set on scattering him untill then .. and now I just want to keep him.


Im very sorry to hear your going to have to go through this horrible situation.

big big hugs, stay strong and brave.

message me if you have any questions at all
 
hairycob said:
Glad it went peacefully for you & Oliver.
We say goodbye to Bobby in 2 weeks. Which day depends on my son's work schedule. We had a very teary ride last night as we talked about the good times we have had with him. But he is 29, his teeth have worn out, he has cushings & this hard ground has been tough on his legs. I know we are doing the right thing but it doesn't stop it hurting.
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Bless him

Best of luck to you and big hugs, it really is a comforting feeling when you know your doing the right thing and freeing them from their pain xx
 
Thanks spellbound. The decision was taken away from me to pts as its the only option. I was given the ability to choose when but its always going to feel too soon. She's in pain so don't won't to prolong it any longer for her. Words can't describe how heart broken I am as she's only 8 but I guess you could imagine.
 
LaurenM said:
Thanks spellbound. The decision was taken away from me to pts as its the only option. I was given the ability to choose when but its always going to feel too soon. She's in pain so don't won't to prolong it any longer for her. Words can't describe how heart broken I am as she's only 8 but I guess you could imagine.
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Yes I can imagine, I had Oliver exactly ten years that week, he turned 11 on april fools day. and the decision to have him p2s was made on the friday 3rd june, those last 4 days where the most painful, especially the last night.

You feel like a massive part of you has been ripped away.
But somehow you get through it. big big hugs, your being very brave.

Do you mind me asking why your little angel is being p2s?
 
lornaA said:
i have had 2 of my 3 horses put down in the past 9 months and to be honest i still miss them dearly and am finding it very hard to come to terms with, i miss them terribly. The first was my old mare who was 26 she took a sudden very very severe colic back in september and she has to be pts which was such a shock as it was so sudden then in march my much wanted and loved foal was put down as he broke his back which was very hard to come to terms with as he was only a baby. I was with both of them at the end and they both had the injection. the old mare went very peacefully the foal fought it a bit and threw himself over which was distressing for us but it was all over very quick.
I hope you are coming to terms with the lose of your beloved horse x
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Hi there, Im so sorry for your losses.
Im rather glad that Oliver didnt die tragically or had to be p2s due to a sudden illness or injury, think it made it that more peacful and less shocking.


big hugs to you.

its very odd at the moment and doesnt seem real. Hope your doing ok? xx
 
Sorry to drag up this post I some how came across it searching for trailblazers and instead have sat here sobbing at my desk - 7 mins then i can go and give mine a cuddle !

Big hugs to all
 
I lost my boy on 22nd July this year.

I made the decision to be there but took my OH along just in case I couldn't face it when it actually came to doing the deed.

I also made the decision to have him PTS at the equine hopsital rather than at home for a couple of reasons.
1. the only practical place on our yard to have a horse put to sleep is by the muck heap - not in his field (for collection purposes)
2. I don't think I could have got the image of him lying there dead out of my head every time I walked past
3. He travelled all the time, so would not have been stressed going in the wagon on his own also had had many visits to the vets and loved the fuss they all made of him - so to him it was nothing unusual about being there.

I had had a good old discussion with my vet a few days before with a few requests.

Not to let him bang his head - I had a massive fear of this
To PTS as soon as he is unloaded - no hanging around or waiting in a stable

My vet was fab

I unloaded him and walked him straight round to a lovely grassy area at the back of the vets (ashbrook) and fed him copious amounts of polos. I told him he was a good boy, that I loved him and I thanked him.

The vet then asked me to hand him to her, he went down, and was gone.

From unloading to him being dead was a matter of minutes.

It was very calm, very quick and very peaceful and I felt a huge wave of relief pass over me as he was no longer in pain and at peace.
 
We had to manage a very sad PTS we breed horses and I had owned my mare for 6 years and she had given us three amazing foals then last year she lost one still born we buried her here at the stud, my mare was put back in foal and we prayed it was a one off, then she got to new years days and was down in her stable for a long time, we tried to get her up and eventually she got up she was eating fine and seemed to move round her box ok, the next day she hobbled very badly to her outside pen, and we called the vet who took one look at her and said laminitis and then said cushings laminitis, this was horrifing and in shock was told that f she didnt respond to meds withn 2 days that was it she was very heavily in foal.
She responded really well and one month later she was a differnt girl she went over her due date and we had to reduce the meds to get her to form a bag which she did but she had gone 12 months by this time, on the 2nd of April Mothers day this year she produced the most beautiful colt oh we where so overjoyed to see this amazing little man how I relished playng wth him we owned his mum and dad and he was so like his dad we were there when he was made!
Then he injured himself he tore a ligament in his knee and we then nursed him for two months he seem to be getting better but the leg was so twisted and bent and then in July the vet was called out to see his other leg which had become so twisted as it had been taking all the weight, we were told that he would have to be PTS in all this time my mare could not be on meds as she needed the milk bar and every time she had her feet trimmed she was left in agony she wore sponges under her feet with gaffa tape to eae her pain she was on bute evryday as well.
then one thursday I saw her trot up the field like a sprin chicken the next day she couldnt walk and her little boy was always lying down it was time for the end of the summer Holiday

like others have said prepairing two is hard and when its a life that has just begun its very painful our vet was fantastic the foal was already lying down and he was PTS and my husband held him his mum didnt even notice as he had had so much meedical care it was just the same again then it was her turn and she passed so peacefully to be with her two babies once more.
It was the first time I had ever been with a horse while being PTS I had been on this forum and read all I could to prepair myself and it helped they are both buried here at the stud which for me has helped.
 
angrovestud said:
We had to manage a very sad PTS we breed horses and I had owned my mare for 6 years and she had given us three amazing foals then last year she lost one still born we buried her here at the stud, my mare was put back in foal and we prayed it was a one off, then she got to new years days and was down in her stable for a long time, we tried to get her up and eventually she got up she was eating fine and seemed to move round her box ok, the next day she hobbled very badly to her outside pen, and we called the vet who took one look at her and said laminitis and then said cushings laminitis, this was horrifing and in shock was told that f she didnt respond to meds withn 2 days that was it she was very heavily in foal.
She responded really well and one month later she was a differnt girl she went over her due date and we had to reduce the meds to get her to form a bag which she did but she had gone 12 months by this time, on the 2nd of April Mothers day this year she produced the most beautiful colt oh we where so overjoyed to see this amazing little man how I relished playng wth him we owned his mum and dad and he was so like his dad we were there when he was made!
Then he injured himself he tore a ligament in his knee and we then nursed him for two months he seem to be getting better but the leg was so twisted and bent and then in July the vet was called out to see his other leg which had become so twisted as it had been taking all the weight, we were told that he would have to be PTS in all this time my mare could not be on meds as she needed the milk bar and every time she had her feet trimmed she was left in agony she wore sponges under her feet with gaffa tape to eae her pain she was on bute evryday as well.
then one thursday I saw her trot up the field like a sprin chicken the next day she couldnt walk and her little boy was always lying down it was time for the end of the summer Holiday

like others have said prepairing two is hard and when its a life that has just begun its very painful our vet was fantastic the foal was already lying down and he was PTS and my husband held him his mum didnt even notice as he had had so much meedical care it was just the same again then it was her turn and she passed so peacefully to be with her two babies once more.
It was the first time I had ever been with a horse while being PTS I had been on this forum and read all I could to prepair myself and it helped they are both buried here at the stud which for me has helped.
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Ah that is so sad but how lovely of you to give them both every chance, you certainly couldn't have done anymore.

I lost my boy 3 weeks ago and I too never gave up on him but in the end like you, I couldn't do anymore. I am devastated to lose him but there is an element of relief that he isn't suffering and I don't feel ANY guilt as I know I had done everything I physically could. In 18 months alone I had 5 insurance claims for different conditions and there comes a time when it's not fair on the animal.

Hope you are ok? Take care xx
 
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