Lois Lame
Well-Known Member
Maybe the vet was trying to be kind to OP, I don't know, taking the easy way out.
Ooops, yes, i agree, AE.
Mucked up the 2nd quote there. Anyhow, you lot know what I mean.
Fed up and venting
- Thread starter shanti
- Start date
Ooops, yes, i agree, AE.
Mucked up the 2nd quote there. Anyhow, you lot know what I mean.
shanti
Well-Known Member
Well I just went to feed them and he was covered in sweat and has smashed the top fence rail in half. Has a few superficial cuts which was a nightmare to put antiseptic on as he is so riled up and hates anything that smells being put on him.
I'm going to bute him over the weekend and get the vet out on Monday to look at PTS.
I just wish I could talk to him, I honestly hate having animals, I wish I didn't love them so much
I'm going to bute him over the weekend and get the vet out on Monday to look at PTS.
I just wish I could talk to him, I honestly hate having animals, I wish I didn't love them so much
Goldenstar
Well-Known Member
you can’t save them all
I am sorry you are going through this but it sounds like PTS is the best option
I am sorry you are going through this but it sounds like PTS is the best option
oldandgold
Well-Known Member
I've never been fortunate enough to own a horse, but from what you have written I think it's sad that the previous owners didn't disclose the full history and perhaps they should have made the decision. I totally agree with others that sometimes horses/dogs etc just cannot be healed/mended and to release him from his pain. Take care and be kind to yourself
Fjord
Well-Known Member
I'm so sorry. I'm another who agrees that PTS is the best solution, he sounds miserable for some reason that you can't fix, despite giving it your all.
ElectricChampagne
Well-Known Member
I'm so sorry, what a horrible situation to be in.
I do think you're doing the right thing with PTS.
Especially as he could hurt your other horses, or you.
Virtual Hugs... It's not easy
I do think you're doing the right thing with PTS.
Especially as he could hurt your other horses, or you.
Virtual Hugs... It's not easy
Orangehorse
Well-Known Member
You don't need a vet to PTS. There are "fallen stock" people around who will come and PTS and take them away. It will be a gun rather than an injection, but they are doing it all the time and are very professional.
The only thing I wonder is how if he would allow a man close enough to do this, or with anything that is head shy I wouldn't go down this route.
The only thing I wonder is how if he would allow a man close enough to do this, or with anything that is head shy I wouldn't go down this route.
Bernster
Well-Known Member
That’s so sad for you both. Horrible situation but it does sounds like he’s really unhappy and you’d be doing the kinder thing to PTS.
Boulty
Well-Known Member
I would do the thing that his previous owner would not step up to the plate and do and PTS. It sounds he should never have been sold on to you in the first place. He doesn’t sound like a happy horse & he’s now affecting the happiness of one of your other horses and of course your own happiness too. Selling him on or moving him on in any way would not be ethical.
cauda equina
Well-Known Member
If you've made the decision I don't think I'd worry about treating superficial cutsWell I just went to feed them and he was covered in sweat and has smashed the top fence rail in half. Has a few superficial cuts which was a nightmare to put antiseptic on as he is so riled up and hates anything that smells being put on him.
I'm going to bute him over the weekend and get the vet out on Monday to look at PTS.
I just wish I could talk to him, I honestly hate having animals, I wish I didn't love them so much
I'd just give him as treat-filled and stress-free a weekend as possible then get the vet to do the deed on Monday
Things may be different where you are but I've rung my vets and said X needs putting down today and it's been done, no discussion needed
Highmileagecob
Well-Known Member
And be prepared to stand your ground with your vet., and not be talked into expensive last ditch procedures. Stick to your guns,. It's the worst decision we ever have to make, but he's going to seriously injure himself unless something is done. We are all holding your hand. Hugs.
ycbm
Einstein would be proud of my Insanity...
Or you could avoid discussions with a vet at all, call the knacker man and save a heap of money as well as giving him a stress free end.
There are enough people here confirming that this is the right thing to do for this horse, and his owner.
.
Maxidoodle
Well-Known Member
It’s a very difficult situation. He sounds desperately unhappy and in pain.
I had to have my 33yr old mini PTS last year, as despite my own vet confirming he would authorise him to travel back to the UK (he’d treated him for 3yrs and was super impressed how well he was), the Ministry vet in the country we were in would not sign him off to travel based just on his age, without even seeing him. I had to make the heart breaking decision to PTS, as he couldn’t be left there, he was pretty feral with everyone but me (I’d had him 15yrs), he was incredibly hard to manage, he’d had laminitis, had previously had a sinus infection and had antibiotics which had made him colic, I realised the stress I was under micro managing him everyday to make sure he was well and happy, he was just a field ornament but very high maintenance. After 15yrs of constant worry and caring for him, I think he will forgive me when I admit it was a relief that he was finally gone and I didn’t need to be stressed and worry about him anymore, I could just remember him in happier times. x
I had to have my 33yr old mini PTS last year, as despite my own vet confirming he would authorise him to travel back to the UK (he’d treated him for 3yrs and was super impressed how well he was), the Ministry vet in the country we were in would not sign him off to travel based just on his age, without even seeing him. I had to make the heart breaking decision to PTS, as he couldn’t be left there, he was pretty feral with everyone but me (I’d had him 15yrs), he was incredibly hard to manage, he’d had laminitis, had previously had a sinus infection and had antibiotics which had made him colic, I realised the stress I was under micro managing him everyday to make sure he was well and happy, he was just a field ornament but very high maintenance. After 15yrs of constant worry and caring for him, I think he will forgive me when I admit it was a relief that he was finally gone and I didn’t need to be stressed and worry about him anymore, I could just remember him in happier times. x
ElectricChampagne
Well-Known Member
I had similar only recently. My gelding just had a myriad of issues last summer, equine asthma, severe fly strike, and melanomas popping up everywhere. I retired him from riding and let him be a horse. He adored my mare and she being the absolute trooper she is provided him with emotional support. Until he started turning her and bullying her in the field. She was well able to stand up to him but it was taking its toll on her.
He was out cantering around the field one afternoon and literally face planted himself in the mud. His legs just didn't come out to catch himself.
Went to change his rug in the stable later that day and he nearly burst me up against the wall and exploded.
The decision had already been made but it was obvious he was in severe pain. Vet was rang and the day we put him to sleep we discovered his pelvis was so far gone he couldn't lie down and despite the sedation he was in immense pain.
We had a physio out with him at the start of the summer who said he was pretty confident he had fractured his pelvis as a young horse.
He was only 16 and was so hard to do but it was the right thing
He was out cantering around the field one afternoon and literally face planted himself in the mud. His legs just didn't come out to catch himself.
Went to change his rug in the stable later that day and he nearly burst me up against the wall and exploded.
The decision had already been made but it was obvious he was in severe pain. Vet was rang and the day we put him to sleep we discovered his pelvis was so far gone he couldn't lie down and despite the sedation he was in immense pain.
We had a physio out with him at the start of the summer who said he was pretty confident he had fractured his pelvis as a young horse.
He was only 16 and was so hard to do but it was the right thing
Gloi
Too little time, too much to read.
If you are struggling have a look at the bhs friends at the end.
www.bhs.org.uk
Friends at the End | The British Horse Society
www.bhs.org.uk
eahotson
Well-Known Member
Sadly I agree.
Pearlsacarolsinger
Up in the clouds
It doesn't sound as if OP is in UK, so that might not be so easy.
JoannaC
Well-Known Member
Definitely sounds like he is pain and maybe has had some poor treatment in the past. I'm another who thinks PTS is the best option although I know it's much easier to tell someone else this than actually do it yourself. Thoughts are with you for Monday.
Maxidoodle
Well-Known Member
They were so incredibly helpful to me, despite me being abroad, I emailed them and they read through a massive email from me and wrote such a nice supportive and informative response back to me, I couldn’t recommend them enough.If you are struggling have a look at the bhs friends at the end.
Friends at the End | The British Horse Society
Ditchjumper2
Well-Known Member
I would also PTS. I agree knacker man or huntsman would be best bet assuming they can get near enough and hold him. However they are professionals and are the best. They will also remove the carcass so all in one job.
Just get it done before someone gets hurt. You are absolutely doing the right thing and the relief will be immense.
Just get it done before someone gets hurt. You are absolutely doing the right thing and the relief will be immense.
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dominobrown
Well-Known Member
It does sound, especially as he has just started becoming more aggressive with the other horse, that he is in pain.
Have a good talk with your vet, but it does sound like if he is so much pain he taking it out on others it might a sensible option to put him down. So sorry
If need anywhere to vent or to talk to on Monday we are here for you.
Have a good talk with your vet, but it does sound like if he is so much pain he taking it out on others it might a sensible option to put him down. So sorry
If need anywhere to vent or to talk to on Monday we are here for you.
shanti
Well-Known Member
I just wanted to update as everyone was so kind to reply and offer support.
I had a very long emotional discussion with my farrier and she put me in touch with a vet who specializes in metabolic issues, she is 2 hours away but has agreed to come out and see me next Wednesday. She is also very supportive of having him PTS if his issues prove to be to complex and told me that realistically, he sounds like a horse that she will actively recommend that option for.
I know I'm grasping at straws and if this was someone else asking advice, I would absolutely say that PTS is the only option. My current vet will do it but is not supportive of that decision (I'm in Australia and the only way really is through a vet or a farmer with a gun, which, I very much doubt would be a quick painless process with him), and I feel that if I don't at least try to find out if there is the slightest chance for him that I will always be wondering and feeling like I should have done more. It's a cop out, I know that, but I just can't seem to reconcile the idea, and everything is so muddled in my head, I am hoping this vet will be able to clear everything up one way or the other.
In the meantime, I have moved my young horse to a friend's to turn out with her horse as I didn't want him to be alone, he seems perfectly happy. So Remmie is back out with the TB and not stressing so much.
I had a very long emotional discussion with my farrier and she put me in touch with a vet who specializes in metabolic issues, she is 2 hours away but has agreed to come out and see me next Wednesday. She is also very supportive of having him PTS if his issues prove to be to complex and told me that realistically, he sounds like a horse that she will actively recommend that option for.
I know I'm grasping at straws and if this was someone else asking advice, I would absolutely say that PTS is the only option. My current vet will do it but is not supportive of that decision (I'm in Australia and the only way really is through a vet or a farmer with a gun, which, I very much doubt would be a quick painless process with him), and I feel that if I don't at least try to find out if there is the slightest chance for him that I will always be wondering and feeling like I should have done more. It's a cop out, I know that, but I just can't seem to reconcile the idea, and everything is so muddled in my head, I am hoping this vet will be able to clear everything up one way or the other.
In the meantime, I have moved my young horse to a friend's to turn out with her horse as I didn't want him to be alone, he seems perfectly happy. So Remmie is back out with the TB and not stressing so much.
Birker2020
Well-Known Member
I understand how you feel. It's not a cop out to be 100% certain in your head, I didn't let Bailey go until I'd explored every avenue and although it quickly became apparent we'd reached the end of the road it wasn't an immediate welfare concern so I was able to reconcile it all in my own time.
I hope you get a definitive answer whatever direction that takes you.
Always happy to chat by PM if you need some emotional support.
Crazy_cat_lady
Well-Known Member
I'm another who would PTS. There are far worse things that can happen to one you can't safely sell on.
GypsGal1718
Well-Known Member
Email Audrey de clue, she may help you with those shoulder injuries, she is so amazing at those kinds of things. She specialises in axial skeletal areas and knows more then I have ever heard about shoulder girdle injuries adeclue@declue-equine.com email
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Goldenstar
Well-Known Member
This horse does not sound as though pts by a knackerman or huntsman with out prior sedation is a good idea .
dorsetladette
Well-Known Member
Didn't want to read and run.
There is no shame in getting your ducks in a row and satisfying yourself that you re doing the right thing. It also sounds that a second opinion is a good idea considering your vet is not being very supportive.
Maxidoodle
Well-Known Member
OP, I’m so sorry to write this and I don’t want to upset you or anyone else reading this. I know your decision hasn’t been made yet but after further investigation if you do decide PTS is the course of action, I would recommend sedation, my little lad was only 160kgs but it was so dangerous if he got frightened (he was frightened simply by the vet appearing), I was so terrified for him, as I wanted the most peaceful passing, my own vets knowing him, gave me two tubes of sedalin and as he trusted me, i overdosed him by 9 times the recommended dose, as I was abroad and as horses were classed as livestock there, my vet said he was able to use the captive bolt and then able to inject him, I genuinely couldn’t have asked for a more peaceful passing, he was snoozing away snoring, straight down and then gone before he even knew anything (if anyone wants to contradict with their views on this method, could I politely ask you refrain, as to watch it was incredibly peaceful and that gives me so much comfort he didn’t know anything).
Birker2020
Well-Known Member
If you do decide to have him PTS I'd just get the vet to sedate him and put him to sleep with injection, that way you can be by his side. But it is entirely your decision and whatever you do you need to do it for you and for your boy.
Pearlsacarolsinger
Up in the clouds
Why on earth would a vet need to inject *after* using the captive bolt? Sedation before that I can just about understand.