Gutted, poor old horse. What else can I do?

[Fools Motto]

As some of you may know, I had the vet out this morning to jab my two girls/general health check and to see to the old boy as he has a HUGE hind. The girls were done ok, my mare is a and always will be a little cow when it comes to vets and needles, but it could and has been worse. Madam! The filly was like, errr, ok then, what? oh well, cuddles?? She hasn't got a clue! Bless.
The vet was nice, (new vet practice as moved since last time vets were needed), and had a nice chat with him about the prognosis. We all reckon the old boy has kicked himself while rolling. There is a huge lump on the inside of his NH about halfway. The lump is more than likely heavy bruising on his already 'non elasticated tendons/ligaments' and it is unlikely to never heal. Due to his age (rising 31) and his poor circulation it has become very tree trunk like. The family member who owns him wasn't in, but I did manage to get hold of him via mobile, which in itself is a miracle. I, thought it would be nice to tell him and get him to have a chat with the vet on the phone. It is his horse and he has the final say - technically. He has agreed the horse is to go on AB's for 5 days and have a jab of painkillers and a satchet of bute everyday. I can't help think - WHY? Family member always complains about vets bills, and yet this? The poor horse has no quality of life, he has lost weight (did eat up well after his jab) but although not lame is very stiff and won't eat being stabled so is back out with my two. He is slow though and I'm worried he will get cold as his rug isn't anything other than a lined sheet. Family member will not buy him another thicker rug 'cos he ''can't see the point''!!!!!!
I feel I've done my best but feel so sad. If he were mine, I'd have had him done months ago when he was happier and healthier.
I can't just do it for him - can I? Yet it will be me who may find him in a state in the field and that is what I'm dreading next.
Need a hug, Horse needs a hug too!!

 

[4faults]

<<<<<hugs>>>>

What a horrible situation to be in. It sounds like you are doing right by the old boy and have a good idea of what he needs. What is his living situation? Is he in or out? Could you fish up a thicker rug from somewhere that he could borrow?

I would see how the ab's go and take it from there really. It sounds like his owner doesn't have too much interest so he's lucky he has you

 

[ISHmad]

Thats so sad, I really feel for you being in this situation. His absent owner needs to think about the horse and doing the right thing.

 

[Clodagh]

Where are you? Could someone lend you a rug, even a stable rug under his turnout would keep him warm. Poor old boy. Hopefully after the ABs family member will come to their senses.

 

[Greylegs]

In my experience with my own horse and looking at friends, we always put off the "big" decision because it's us that can't face it, not the horse. Tell your family member to stop being so gutless and get on with it!!! Where are you? If you're near me (Derbyshire) i'll lend you a rug for him....

 

[SaharaS]

So sorry to hear this, he looked so bright the other day...what size is he for rugs? no promises but if i have a spare that fits, you are welcome to borrow. Give him a big hug for me...may I throw in a silly but possibly helpful chirp? I'm not sure what he is fed on but sugar beet and oil may help him if he can cope with them?big hugs from me & the polar bear

 

[Maesfen]

Agree with Greylegs (welcome BTW!) failing that, I'd do the decent thing myself and tell gutless that it was an emergency and you couldn't get hold of him; what a spineless wonder he sounds.

 

[Pearlsasinger]

What a shame you managed to get hold of the owner and weren't in a position to make a decision yourself.

Could you lend the horse a better rug temporarily?

 

[Fools Motto]

I'm Dorset/wilts/somerset border. He is a high withered TB, 16.1hh. I'd imagine he would be 6'3''.
I can't get it out of my mind. I just hope his medication will make him feel a bit better, thats IF my family member actually goes and collects from the vets, (I left a note) but his eyes, they are suffering. We all know 'the look'.
I'd be happy to borrow any spare rug for him. My little mares' spare rugs won't fit as she is only 15hh, and my other old ones I threw out at the move, due to a few rat problems!

Although I look after him, I can't authorise the decison without the owners consent - can I?

 

[Lu1]

It's really good of you to look after him. I would feed sugar beet if possible and section some field off for him so he can eat hay in peace

 

[SaharaS]

will try have a look later but not sure what I've got spare..def try the sugar beet or a grass nuts & sugar beet slop part & part...it has worked WONDERS and you can put alot more in to them safely than you could with grains which I am sure you know anyway. Just a silly little thing also, if you have any lavender oil, offer it to him to sniff. if he seems to like it or tries to lick it then it will help him-do not force him if he turns nose.if pure essential oil it won't hurt him to lick it-horses self medicate and know what they need..so worth a go to make him feel happier...just careful he doesn't eat the bottle!hope Horse will improve on the meds.and if you want to give him beet this eve, if you soak in boiling water it'll be ready faster...just incase you're not a regular beet lover

 

[Maesfen]

What happens if there IS an emergency and you can't contact them? Surely they wouldn't expect the poor horse to wait until they're contactable?
If it was me, I'd have a serious word with my vet, see what he really thinks of the horse, his condition and way of being kept (no disrespect to you but your hands are tied as to how far you can 'supplement' his care and keep; it is not your responsibility) and take it from there. Sorry you're caught up in it. Poor old horse, he doesn't deserve this at all, he deserves a dignified end in peace and quiet and while he's still happy and well; not this.

 

[Haniki]

Have pm'ed you.

 

[beeswax]

IMO the leg would heal with the meds and the horse would put some weight on if he was warm (others are offering rugs and I have a nice 6ft heavy you can have) and getting enough to eat albeit being 31 years of age, if you feel you can't continue with this responsibility for the sake of the horse (forget the mindless family member) because what does it take to give it a feed of speedibeet x2 a day, nothing really, then I would after arranging with the vet to PTS then make the call - tring tring hello remember the vet came out the other day well sadly the old lad went down today and couldnt get up it was a matter of an emergency so we called the vet and he has now gone to horsey heaven, sometimes you have got to be cruel to be kind. Good luck

 

[Fools Motto]

Thought I'd add a few photos.
Before in September

Today

Note the lump, visable against his OH pastern

photo doesn't really show how tree trunk like it is

Last week

Today

And for good measure, 17 years ago, myself and the man himself in his prime! I had him on loan for 10 months. He was such a joy to have and a very nice comfy ride. He had many quirks and he is purely responsible for my understanding how horses think.

 

[Fools Motto]

Just like to add, that I've had 2 lovely and VERY kind offers of rugs for the old man. I really can't thank you enough. Very kind people, and just want everyone here to know that although we get some ''odd'' posters on here, the majority are truly amazing!

 

[maree t]

What a horrid situation to be in. I would try what the others have said regards feeding him up a bit and see if the Abs help. I have arug but am too far from you to be of much help. Are you on a yard where you could borrow one ?

 

[Fools Motto]

What a horrid situation to be in. I would try what the others have said regards feeding him up a bit and see if the Abs help. I have arug but am too far from you to be of much help. Are you on a yard where you could borrow one ?

Slightly difficult situation as all 3 horses are kept on said family members farm. It is a bit awkward, but I help with the cattle in lue of mines keep and am eternally grateful that that is the arrangement.

 

[RoobyDoobs]

<<<<<<<hugs>>>>>>>. what an awful situation to be in, I really feel for you. I would have brought you rugs as I have spares but they would be too big. Glad you have a couple of offers and he will be at least warm and dry tonight! Fingers crossed the meds and warm speedibeet / oil will start to make a difference quickly. Wishing you and the old fella lots of luck xxx

 

[beeswax]

i wonder if it is more than a knock and possibly a nick or mud fever underneath all that hair, could you give the leg a wee shave and have a good look and a good clean and the AB's will work if it is, if it is a knock on his tendon he should be bandaged and cold hosed, his eye doesnt say that he has had enough of life, in fact he looks a sweetie who is enjoying his old age. Any reason why he is so down on his pasterns possibly that is why he is walking slowly looks very uncomfortable, are his feet very long?

 

[Fools Motto]

i wonder if it is more than a knock and possibly a nick or mud fever underneath all that hair, could you give the leg a wee shave and have a good look and a good clean and the AB's will work if it is, if it is a knock on his tendon he should be bandaged and cold hosed, his eye doesnt say that he has had enough of life, in fact he looks a sweetie who is enjoying his old age. Any reason why he is so down on his pasterns possibly that is why he is walking slowly looks very uncomfortable, are his feet very long?

Myself and the vet had a very good look. There is no sign of any 'fluffed up hair' that indicates a nick. It is purely a lump. It was so sore to touch he lifted it so high and nearly fell over, then go so stiff in his hips we couldn't keep poking. He has a small scabby patch on his heal which does indicate mud fever, but as the vet assured us, that alone wouldn't cause the pain nor the amount of swelling in 24 hours. If I bandaged the leg, how tight would I do so? It is very painful for him. If the swelling went down, would the bandage then become loose? If he was kept in, he wouldn't move so would stiffen up? And not to mention he would pine for his friends and eat less. Vicious cycle!?!

He has had very lose suspensories for the last 5 or so years. I don't know how or why. He used to be a notorious rearer, safe but would rear when he felt nervous. Maybe that has something to do with it?? His feet used to be very VERY long, but I'v had the farrier out twice and currently they are perfect as can be. He is a sweetie, but he is old and tired.

 

[muffinmunsh]

Hmmm, I have seen mudfever lead to treetrunk like legs before ...
Wait for the ABs, you may be surprised.
Also, if need be I am sure I could spare a rug too. Pm me if needed

 

[WelshRuby]

I've just had a blub at the last photo. His eyes have sunken and he is in pain. I would do what someone else suggested and just do IT. I so feel for you. ((((( hugs ))))) for you and the horsie.

 

[MurphysMinder]

I agree that it looks as if the kindness thing would be to pts. However, I suspect if the vet knows he is somebody elses horse he may be reluctant to do the deed without the owners permission, in fact legally he may not even be allowed to unless it is an emergency. Hard as it is I think you have to try and convince your family member that they have to face up to it and make the decision for the old lad.

 

[Marydoll]

He looks like a lovely old horse.
Id wait till the antibiotic course is complete, see of the swelling goes down, hopefully the bute will keep him comfortable.
Id also see if i could get my hands on some magnet boots and put them on for a wee while each evening. Op i really feel for you, how awful to watch this.
I want to just bring him in, groom him and give him some tlc.
If he was mine he'd be in at night with a 20 min session of massage therapy on his back, my massage boots on those hind legs to try to get his circulation going.
He'd then have a 40 min session in the magnet rug and boots until he was built up to wearing the boots overnight. This is what i do every other night for my old girl and after her xmas present massage from my equine bodyworker, she felt she was loose and still in fairly good nick for her arthritis years.
If he still wasnt making any headway id be talking to the vet about calling it a day, taking comfort in the fact that id tried, and asking the vet to talk to the owner about pts and i think id volunteer to be with him as the owner doesnt sound like theyve got the courage to see the old boy to a better place . What a shame

 

[honetpot]

After reading this post it made me so glad we had our old boy PTS in October before all the bad weather.
Sorry I can be of no practical help but some people just will not make the final descision. I would try and have a word with the vet and get them to suggest it, then the owner will feel like its not their idea therefore their hands are clean.
To be a bit down I would make some enquiries with the hunt as to when and how much it would cost as a friend of mine was in the same position as you and the pony collapsed and had to put down on the floor. Emergency vet was used and the wimpy owner has now got a huge vets bill. Its about £250 for the injection and £300 for disposal so cost could be factor in your arguement.

 

[ester]

As (well I take it from this post!) that you are responsible for this boys day to day care is it not possible for you to have a proper chat with the owners and tell them that you are concerned about his comfort and that they may want to look at PTS in the not too distant future depending on how the ABs go and other matters.

I do think communication between you, the vet and the owners is the key here .

 

[Honey08]

Did the vet want to put him down? I didn't get that from your first post. Five days are not the end of the world to leave him and have another try.. If the drugs don't have an effect, then it is a different ballgame and the decision (and persuading them to make it) will be easier.

Perhaps you could get the owner to come down when the vet is there. Tell them its urgent and not fair. If not, tell him you need to be able to mke the decision yourself..

Best of luck to you, and how lovely are the people lending rugs..xx

(Love the photo of you in action on him.xx)

 

[beeswax]

his eyes are not sunken in the last picture, it is just a bad picture where he relaxing with his head down and not posing like the other one, he looks well for a TB who is 31 years old and it is the middle of winter and he has a sore leg and is a bit cold, see how he does when the AB's work and when he gets some extra feed inside of him. Sorry I do not believe horses tell us when they want to go and even healthy horses sometimes look a bit down, wouldnt you if you were getting on a bit and it was the middle of winter and wet and windy, knocks and bumps heal, it is when they get cellulitis and other infections that wont work with AB's that the problems become bad, dont just put him down because he has become an Old field ornament who could do with a bit more Tlc than he is getting. Hugs!!

 

[Fools Motto]

Well, my kindness has gone tits up! Family member just phoned, and he is furious. Why? Well I not only turned him back out with his friends so he can be slowly on the move and not stiffen up stuck in a stable (words of vet as well as myself) but also to be happy and eat, but also that I didn't put a better rug on him!! Makes no sense, I don't have a better rug for him and its not my fault he can't catch the horse! He is also cross that it is going to cost him... duh! So, now he will have to wait til tomorrow when I HAVE to finish work early to go and catch the horse, and stop my yearling climbing the gate trying to follow!
I can't win can I!?