How do I...

R

Riverboy

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Hi everyone...

Well after watching River hobble out into the field again all weekend and refuse to pick his feet up because he's sore I've decided the time has come. He has struggled for two years and whilst we've had periods where he's been sound and I've even been able to ride him he is no longer the same pony, or particuarly happy anymore. He's told me in his behaviour the last week or so the time has come to let him go...

My question is how do I ask my vet to come and do this? I know there are still things we could try but I also know he's had enough - I'm scared she will try to convince me to try more treatment when I know its not right for my poor baby anymore.

Also what else do I need to do? How do I arrange for the disposal of his remains etc? Sorry for such a morbid post - I need to be prepared before I ring on Monday, and you are all always so full of knowledge.

A nice apple crumble for everyone on this winters day...

T xx
 
I'm so sorry you're going through this. A heartbreaking decision for you.

Is your vet aware of his current condition? Has she examined him recently?

How old is your boy and d'you know why he's so foot-sore?

Re: the remains. Are you planning on having him buried or cremated?
 
I am so sorry you are having to make this decision. If the vet puts the horse to sleep they can arrange for someone to come to collect him. If you chose for the 'other' people who do this to come they can take him with them. Obviously you can arrange a cremation but the cost implications will be much higher. A vet only gets a snap shot of a horse when they come to assess a condition. It is us as responsible owners who see the horse on a day to day basis. Consequently if you know that you and the horse can't see a way forward just firmly say that you have decided that this is for the best re the quality of life.Big hugs to you.
 
Yes the vet is aware. In short river has navicular, bone spavin, COPD, reoccuring stomach ulcers, cronic (very cronic) sweet itch, white line disease and is generally very under the weather. We've been treating him for two years and whilst we have short periods of 'ok' looking at taking him into another winter I am not willing to make him fight it any more. He's not crippled, but I believe its better to let him go whilst he's still 'okish' rather than make him go down that road again.

He's only 12.

I wasn't sure what my options are once he's gone - I've never been in this situation before and he's the best pony I've ever known...

t xx
 
If the vet's already familiar with him, I really can't see you needing to justify your decision. Just saying he's suffering and you think the time's come to let him pass should be more than sufficient. As Divasmum says, vets can arrange disposal, but what you choose to do is entirely up to you. The following link should give you some options:

http://www.horsedata.co.uk/HorseDisposal.htm

At the top of that link is a support helpline too, which might help you in talking things through. Just remember you're doing this for your boy, making a decision he can't make himself.

Big (((hugs))) and hope this helps.
 
phone equine breavement services! mick wills is really nice and good! a very very hard decision but you know your boy and it sounds like he has a few problems. you as the owner know when its time, yes you could spend another couple of thousand in vets fees but some of his problems are not reversible. sorry, but you know whats right! and whats wrong! quality versus quantity!
 
Thanks everyone. I do know my boy better than anyone, and I know he's had enough. Going to ring this morning and just say I know there are things we could try, I know we could go on fighting but its not fair on the little lad anymore...

I feel calm but sad but am not looking forward to the phone call....

T xx
 
Yuor local hunt will come and put him down at home for you and take away the carcass for a fee. Most of my horses over the years I've done this when they've gotten old. They treat the animal with kindness and respect, it,s quick and they never know a thing. Lots of Hugs
 
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