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cob1

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when its time to PTS?

I have a horse who has had to be retired due to KS, N and sacrioliac probs. He has recently had an op on his leg due to a big infection and isnt back to his old self. He doesnt canter or trot in the field (is about 1/10th lame in trot contstntly), and never pulls me to the field or is naughty when put out (i know this should be good but its not him). He has hard to control mud fever as boots do not work, and if brought in to treat, his legs fill and he stiffens up.

I love him dearly and just do not know what to do for the best. Would a vet try to talk me out of it because he is 'OK'?

I just cant see things improving and he really suffers in the winter (stiffness etc).
 
What a difficult decision. I don't think the vet would talk you out of it particulary. They (if they are any good) should provide you with an impartial view - related to the facts. At the end of the day, you know the horse best and you know when they are not themselves.

How old is he?
 
He is 13.5 yrs, but had a hard life racing and pt to pting. He is eating ok, but not holding his weight at all (he is on a diet of the best hay - he colics on hayledge & equilibria balancer, baileys topline, alfa beet and mint powder) the wight issue may not be helped as he windsucks.

Sometimes i cannot even groom him as he doesnt like being touched around his sides and stomach (as a result of the KS). I wouldnt say he was in extreme pain all of the time, but he has that many little things that they must get him down.
 
I think that we all know our own horses. The fact you are questioning this and not burrying your head in the sand shows how much you care about him. Your vet should give you the facts as they are although from your posts above I don't think that he can tell you anything you don't know - you seem very clued up about him! I had a horse who I ummed and ahhed about for a few weeks - she took the descion away from me though will a horrendus bout of colic - in some ways I wished I hadn't got to that stage - but she had a few good weeks first. I know some people like to give their horses until the weather starts to turn and they don't have to face the harsh winter.

Remember no matter what anybody says he is your horse and its your choice - no one elses! Some people are very anti PTS and then others are very much for it if the horse is no longer useful etc.

Bigs hugs for you xxxxx
 
Sounds liek he's feeling rather down. If he is ok in general though (is eating etc) then it is difficult. Have you considered any sort of alternative treatment - ie getting him some physio treatment, possibly acupuncture maybe? He sounds like he's in some discomfort and something like this could help alleviate it. If he's been favouring a leg this may have then caused him to become more uncomfortable in his back due to how he's moving. A friend of mine's horse had some behavioural probs and weight loss and he was diagnosed with a back and neck problem. A couple of physio sessions later and he did them show improvement and gained weight. This was though only muscular probs, he didn't have any actual skeletal probs though.

At the end of the day, it is up to you, you know your horse. He does sound like he has numerous problems unfortunately so he's always going to be in some degree of discomfort.
 
My heart goes out to you, I am facing a similar decision with my boy at the moment, whilst he's not cronic at the moment he is in a lot of pain with conditions that will not improve. There are things that can be done - but I am not sure how much its fair to put him through.

At the end of the day its your decision, look at his quality of life - though he's 'ok' is he able to be a proper 'horse' and enjoy things? Its a personal decision and sending you all the sympathy in the world.

The vets will present you with the facts and should not talk you out of it.

T xx
 
Thats the thing - hes had physio and everything the vets have suggested - hes been through soooo much - even had a broken leg when racing. Nothing is going to improve - only get worse - he even has arthritic changes in his hocks. I feel guilty about putting him through the operation that he had a couple of months ago. He gets the best of everything and my ridden horse plays second fiddle to him everytime!!!!

I suppose i am thinking too much about what other people think - will people think it was a waste of money and time putting him through the op??.

Riverboy - hugs go out to you - its the worst thing i have ever had to think about.
 
cob1 - what a lucky boy to have such a thoughtful and caring mum. I would echo just about everything that's been said, including the fact that some seem very anti pts, but in the end it's down to the owner. All I can offer in your very, very difficult decision is, if your horse could talk, what do you think HE would say? Do you think he'd say oh for god's sake leave me alone for a bit coz I don't quite feel myself at the moment. Or do you think he would say mum, I hurt all the time and I'm tired and I've had enough and I just want to go to sleep? Try to listen to HIM. Not easy I know but it sounds to me as if he's giving you clues. And it's been wisely said many, many times on this forum, better a week too soon than a day too late. Thinking of you. Let us know how it pans out. Give ned a gentle hug from HHO xxx
 
Thanks for the hugs - it is the worst thing I've ever had to think about too, but after a year of battling with him I watched him grimace as the farrier picked up his leg and feel like my stoic pony is trying to tell me something.

Your boy sounds so very lucky to have such a caring mum - you have given him the best life he could have hoped for, and be assured that if you think he wants to keep fighting then continue and that will be the right decision, but if you feel he is saying he has had enough that will be the right decision too... massive hug - here if you need any support at this difficult decision making time!!

t xx
 
I always think when you're asking these kinds of questions, then you want confirmation that they you right to do it.
With all that you have done for him, unless he has an underlying illness to make him so low, such as flu or the like, I'd say he is feeling that his time is up. Also, if he's prone to colic, then that is more likely in the winter, and it's a horrible way for a horse to go.
The worst bit is the making the decisions, I know, I've been there. I've also left one later than I should have, not drastically, but I regret that more than anything.
Have the courage of your conviction, spoil him terribly and don't feel guilty if you decide to let him go.

<<<<Hugs>>>> 'cos I know how hard it is. (To riverboy too...)
 
So sorry for you, it's got to be the worst decision ever to make. As the others have said, you know your horse best and it's clear that you have done everything you can for him but if you feel that he's had enough then you're probably right. I had to make the decision to have one of our rescues PTS due to advanced bone cancer a few months ago, he COULD have gone on for a few more months but why let them get to the point where they really are suffering. We owe them that at the very least.
 
i have booked an appointment at the vets on Friday to go and discuss it, hopefully i may get some information that may help me in making my decision. Its a shame i cant do it at the yard, but i dont really want anybody to hear the conversation - there are too many eavesdroppers.
 
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