Had my gelding put to sleep today

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Denise5

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I had my gelding put to sleep today. Although the respiratory infection (previous posts about this) had improved to the point that his respiration rate had decreased and his cough almost disappeared, he had rapidly lost condition over the past few weeks and developed severe diarrhoea.

It's never easy to make the decision to put an animal to sleep and today when I bought him in to clean him up, he was weak but I still held out hope that he would get better (even bought some new type of horse feed today). But tonight (a long summer evening in New Zealand) he lay down and was unable to get back up. I phoned the vet and she arrived within the hour to put him to sleep.

The end was very peaceful.

I had worried previously that I would have to book a day for the vet to come to put the gelding to sleep. And lead him on that final walk to his final resting place. I also worried about seeing him fall to the ground.

In the end, as he was already on the ground, I was able to stay with him, talk to him and pat him until the vet came. Then he slipped quietly away as the vet euthanised him and I continued talking to him and patting him. We couldn't have asked for a more peaceful ending.

Now my friend of 18 years has gone to heavenly pastures. We will miss him so much.

This is a great supportive online horsey community. I thank all those all gave me support, advice and encouragement through the past few months. You kept me going through this emotional roller-coaster that I have been on. We all held hope that my gelding would get better. Sadly it wasn't to be.

Goodbye Ashan, Rest in Peace.
 
Bless you Gunn - my thoughts are completely with you - as we had a good friend gelding (Monty) put to sleep last night - in his field - as he had colic - he was 23 - his owner (and our close friend) is so upset - it is heart breaking. Unfortunately, as it is winter here - our weather isnt quite so nice, but he went very peacefully and quickly with his owner at his side.

RIP Ashan and Monty
 
How sad for you, that brings tears to my eyes on your behalf - but how nice for Ashan. Be strong you definitely did the right thing and as you say, circumstances were good.
 
So sorry to hear about your loss. It just such a sad time but you must keep your happy memories and remember that you done your best for your boy. My thoughts are with you.
 
Sorry to hear of your sad news....but what a lovely calm and dignified end for your much loved friend.

Like you, I worried for years about the end coming for my old horse - but like you, I was relieved that I was there at the end and it was a respectful and peaceful ending for him too - it is the kindest gift that we can give our beloved animals.

Thinking of you at this sad time.....
 
So sorry to hear your sad news. But what a selfless thing you did letting Ashan go in peace like that. May he sleep well.
 
Sounds like he had a good life, a caring person there for him at the end and he made the decision somewhat easier. I'm glad his passing was peaceful and your last memories although sad, will not be painfully so. I hope I'm that lucky, too.

RIP Ashan
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Do stick around
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How sad - but how peaceful.
I only wish that when it's my time to go I could just fall asleep with someone who loves me nearby. You gave that to Ashan.
RIP Ashan
RIP Monty
 
Very sorry for you. I know how you feel - my beloved Catembi was pts in Feb last year after a brave struggle with a nasty illness.

I'm glad that it wasn't as awful as you were expecting.

Everyone on here is so fab - I really don't know what I'd have done without their support when I lost Cat.

Please PM me if it would help at all.

T xxx
 
I am so sorry for your loss. What a lovely and peaceful way to go and you were able to say your goodbyes. RIP Ashan, run free with your HHO friends and Monty at Rainbow Bridge.
 
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