Last summer-what would you do?

[WoopsiiD]

Friend in a right tizzy with her very aged mare.
Mare is aged anywhere between 35-40yrs. Last winter she lost condition and went down hill for the first time. Friend (A) decided that she would nurse her through winter as she was in no pain but obviously on a downward spiral. This was to be her last summer as A does not want to bring her into winter so arrangements have been made.
Now, A is worried that due to the weather we have been having of late maybe it would be kinder to have her PTS now. The problem is that A is a very emotional person and feels that she will be cheating her mare out of a last summer??

I have no idea what to suggest or even say to her. What would you do???
Mare is in no pain-she is not even stiff!!! Still full of life but terribly thin.

 

[Enfys]

Honestly? The mare isn't going to know, or care, what day or season it is. She'll have her mouth full of treats and will be thinking happy thoughts.

Personally I would rather pts now when she is still a happy, if thin, horse and remember her with bright eyes, the dullness that comes when a horse has given up is a horribly pitiful thing to see and not something to have to remember.

A wretched decision either way.

 

[BBH]

I am a firm believer in that they tell you when they are ready and in my eyes a pony full of life is not ready. At the end of the day its wet not cold and if she is kept appropriately she will be fine.

However, only your friend can make such a decision.

 

[brightmount]

If she's full of life, I personally would hold off until September or even October, we have been having Indian summers for the last few years when it can feel like summer well into October. Your friend would probably find it easier to bear if she does see out the whole summer and since the horse isn't suffering, that would be what I would do myself.

 

[0ldmare]

Hmm, tough one. As Enfys says the mare isnt going to know either way. I think it comes down to what emotionally its doing to your friend. If she is really struggling with it then it might be better to put the mare down sooner rather than later. However, if she can cope with the long lead up to having her PTS then (assuming her mare is free of pain and bright and enjoying life - which it sounds like she is), then I would probably wait until the autumn. Horrible decision to have to make

 

[WoopsiiD]

I am so glad I am not in the position but feel useless as A keeps asking me what would I do and I really have no idea!
I agree with all of the above!!
Aargh!!!
Thank you for your replies I shall pass them on!

 

[fatpiggy]

My vet reminded me once that horses have no concept of tomorrow. This old lady has plenty of yesterdays on the clock - she won't miss one more.