Logistics of having a horse PTS with the injection?

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Joya

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Before I start, I really do not want any criticism for deciding to have Gem PTS with the injection. I have already had enough of it recently and I really can't take it at the moment.

Now, I know this is something I should probably be discussing with my vet, however it is 2am, I cannot sleep and I am driving myself crazy thinking about it.
I just have a few questions about whats going to happen when Gem is PTS, if there is anything else you feel I should know, please do.
Firstly, I've been told that nobody will collect the body for me because she will have had the lethal injection, is that true? If it is, what the hell do I do?! If it's not true... who collects the body and how do I arrange it?
Secondly, (again, no criticism please) I would an individual cremation (oh crap I'm crying again) how do I go about organising it? I am with the Royal Vet College if that's any help, and my vet will be administering the injection... which leads me to my third question.
I was told that vets don't really have a clue how to administer the injection and that I should have her shot. Now, I am certain I am having her injected, but this has really been playing on my mind. I have been told hundreds of horror stories about the injection, as well as stories saying how peaceful it was. I don't really know what I am writing or hoping from for this post, I am sleep deprived and a bit of a mess. So I do apologise if it makes no sense.
If there's anything else you think I should know (that isn't horror stories about the injection, I have heard plenty in the last few days, thank you) please let me know.

I have decided on a date and time for it to be done, which is the 8th of April, at 1pm. I am an absolute mess.
Thanks.
 
We had a horse pts by injection, now he was pretty much on his way out anyway but still able to be dragged up etc.
Extremely quiet, just went down and then died quietly.
Vets do know how to inject.
The hunt kennels I believe won't take them,irrelevant as your wanting cremation I think. it would be your local knackerman who would take her, but I think your best bet would be to find your local crematorium that will take horses, or ask your vets who they recommend and contact the crematorium to ask how they suggest the collection method.
I also suggest you be there for the PTS but once she's gone, leave and let somebody else sort out the moving onto the truck etc. you don't need to see that.
 
Just hugs D (((hugs)))

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Col x
 
Sorry, also got no useful advice as i fortunately havent had to deal with this myself yet, but i hope i can be as strong as you if and when it does happen.
Would only say, from my friend/ yo's opinion, she doesnt feel its of benefit to be with the horse as its being pts. As its far better to remember them as they were, and if heaven forbid it doesnt go totally to textbook, you dont have to live with those memories being the final ones of your beautiful girl. I dont honestly know what i would do personally, but massive hugs anyway x x x x
 
Ive seen dozens of horses PTS and dozens shot also. I think personally if i hada seriously injured horse (at the track or hunting or something) Id have it shot however if it was a chronic problem Id probably consider the injection. In all of the cases Ive seen the horses have been sedated first and then injected. No problems, just a quick simple death. One or two were euthanased via a catheter but these were college hospital cases. Most owners chose not to be present, but were with the horse up until it was sedated. Many of the horses Ive seen have been in their 20s/30s and their owners were very attached - only one couple chose to stay during the deed, had the hole dug but got their friend to bury her for them.
 
Dani i only one thing to say - stay with her during the injection but do NOT stay the see her body taken away. Leave once she has died. Seriously, no owner should see that part.



xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
 
I had my horse PTS by injection years ago. He was only 12. He had a ruptured suspensory ligament that would not heal. They sedated him and gave him pain killers, then took him to the field which was the worst part as he was so happy to be able to walk ok and not be in pain. They let him graze for a couple of mins and then he was helped to lay down and the injection was given. I stayed with him until he was dead so I knew he was ok. The knackerman did take him to the incinerator so the body was disposed of that way.

It was very peaceful. Have also had a horse shot which was very quick but different situation as a horse had a broken leg. Only thing was it was quite messy to clear up afterwards..
 
Try not to worry, if you feel desperate get a good, sensible person/friend to be with you (a sympathetic livestock farmer would be good) they are used to large animals and to dealing with this sort of thing in the course of their work. If you can't face being with her ask the friend/farmer to do it for you.
Of course vets know what they are doing, now you have made the tough decision, go with it and don't feel bad.
I agree with JustHelen don't stay and see the body removed.
On a practical note, make sure she is PTS in an area easily accessible by a fairly large vechile
Thinking of you...Hugs
 
Oh Dani, (((hugs)))
I had Higgs PTS by injection at Liverpool and to be perfectly honest I would rather it was done by injection by a large vet hospital who deal with this on a regular occurance. It isn't like your normal vet who may not have had to deal with this very often. there are horror stories for either method of being PTS but you have to go with what you want for Gem she is after all your horse and it's your decision.
For those that are telling you horror stories about being PTS by injection then politely tell them to go away for they obviously have no consideration whatsoever for your feelings, do they not realise what you are going through and that the last thing you want to hear is horror stories about being PTS by injection.
Chin up honey you are making the right decision in putting Gem first and for that you are a brave and unselfish person.
xxxx
 
I had my pony PTS by injection and it was very peaceful. We chose a sunny spot by the hedge.

The hunt collected her and incinerated her. The reason hunts wont collect is that they dont all have incinerators they can use. So it depends on your local hunts. The vet knew which hunt to contact and did it on my behalf.

There are companies that advertise cremation services in the H&H, I am sure they could help.

(((((((((((((((Hugs))))))))))))))))))
 
I really feel for you and have shed a little tear lying here in bed this morn. I do hope you're asleep now and not still worrying. I'm like you in that my horses will be PTS by injection although I don't have a problem even holding other horses to be shot. I just don't want my babies with a hole in their head even if I'm not there. I would strongly recommend you insist your girl is sedated prior to the injection being administered and as someone else mentioned choose a suitably accessable area for a truck to be easily able to take her away. Grass or an arena is prefferable for the owner as less likely to scrape or bang themselves when they go down. She will be unaware before she hits the ground but it will be better for you. I have looked up some cremation facilities for you in your area. This one is Hertfordshire

http://www.cpccares.com/equine-cremation.htm

and this one nationwide

http://www.horsecremation.co.uk/index.html

Just a little final point - think what Jade Goody went through in the last few weeks before she died. You are preventing that final distress and discomfort and I'm sure she will be thankful of that. Be brave and enjoy you last remaining time with your girl.
 
Oh and this might seem obvious but it isn't to some - take her rugs off before she is PTS unless you want them to go with her as its quite diff to do it after.

Big hug for you and Gem.
 
First, huge hugs to you. I have had a pony PTS by injection and unfortunately, have to arrange to have one of our horses PTS soon as well, so I do sympathise.
The injection is quick and painless. A sedative is given beforehand and then the injection so the animal does not know or suffer.
I apeciate that some people have horror stories but, remember this is NOT the norm.
Finally, ALL equine vets are very well equiped and trained to give injections of this sort. The vet who injected our pony was upset too, bearing in mind that they have a duty not to let an animal suffer and that they are human too. Your vet will reassure you in this awful time.
If you can, stay with your horse, if not, try to get someone perhaps not so close to the situation. Don't be there on your own. Also, we sat with our pony, talked to her etc, and it did help.
There are horse disposal companies that will take the body, they are usually very good, and understand how traumatic it is, so are not unfeeling, but would suggest that you leave them to do this and don't watch.
Finally, sorry this is so long, but try to remember your horse as they were and their character. So sorry hun you have to go through this.
 
Danni I am so sorry. Huge hugs to you{{}}
I am sat here crying for you, the memory of Aleeta is still so raw I know exactly what you are going through.

I have had 2 PTS in 2 different ways. The first by injection - he was old and suffering, as others have said he was sedated and allowed the graze quietly. The injection was given and he just laid down and went to sleep. Very very peaceful. This was done by my local vet and someone I had known and trusted for many years.

Alee was shot. She was so young and healthy in every other way that I felt that this would be the best option. IMHO when they are already ill and suffering they seem to accept the injection without a struggle.

I have never been there for either of my two but sometimes wish I had been or had at lest seen them at peace. Especially Alee who to this day I still sometimes wake up thinking it was all a dream :-(

Will be thinking of you hon. As hard as it is just try and remember the good times you had with her.
 
((((HUGS)))) We had one PTS by injection 6 years ago. The vet who had cared for him came did it. It was peaceful and quiet. The local "knacker man" took the carcass for cremation and returned his shoes with the ashes. The vets arranged for him to come half an hour after the "agreed time".
It was a cold morning in Febuary so we left his rug on. He was 8 and had a chronic injury. We stayed with him and my daughter held him until he started to go down then sat with him afterwards. She was 16 and I felt shooting would have been too traumatic and so did she. Sadly we are making the same decision again soon and have discussed shooting vs injection and have decided on injection again.
Two more things - as said before do not watch the body being taken and have some hair from his mane or tail which you can get made into a keepsake afterwards.
 
im so sorry. ive never had to deal with anything like this and cant imagen what your going through. you know your horse and youve chose what way to have her PTS. no one should critisize this. im very sorry.
 
I am so sorry you are faced with this, but Gem is very lucky to have you. I have had 2 horses PTS by injection and 2 shot by the knackerman, all were PTS at home. The 2 that were PTS by injection, were sedated by the vet and then the overdose was given and the vet helped them lay down and they died very quickly and peacefully. The knackerman came and took them away. I was with them when they died, but did not see them taken away. Like another poster has said, please do not see Gem taken away - it is undignified and not necessary for you to be there. As you would like her ashes back, you need to get in touch with a pet crematorium before she is PTS, they will arrange to collect her. The 2 horses that were shot by the knackerman also went instantly - in their cases, they hated the vet and injections and it was best for them they were PTS this way.
I think most people find it is not as bad as they expect and in a strange sort of way they are relieved afterwards as their beloved horse is no longer suffering.
I hope this helps.
 
No one should be critiscising you right now - how deeply inconsiderate of them. Dani whichever decision you choose will be the right one. We are all here for you, please call me if you need to. Tons of hugs. I'm so sorry this is happening to you. xxxxx
 
hunt kennels wont take your horse as theyve had the injection so cannot feed it to the hounds- this is one of the main reasons lots of people have them shot, as it is just as humane but someone comes and takes the body for you, when ever, where ever....
no one should be critising how your going to put her to sleep though, its your choice so do what you want to do, and of course vets know how to put an animal down.. they have been trained! maybe there have been some incidents where it hasnt worked but thats life.....
im really sorry about having to put your horse down.. its horrible, but you will get through it....
 
and ditto what other people have said, see her go peacefully but dont watch the body being dragged away, and dont let any other horses see it- it hurts them too....and they remeber too and will pine for their friend....
 
We had our old boy PTS with the injection, and i stayed the whole way through, holding him while the vet did what he had to.
Our vet was very good and talked me through it, and i had some good support on the day with a couple of close friends.
The only traumatic bit is when they fall over, Skip kind of sat down then fell sideways.
The worst bit is actually afterwards, as others have said, DO NOT stay when they take her away, in fact our vet made me go away until it was done, and he stayed in my place.
We allowed Skippers long time friend to see him afterwards, but she just had a sniff then went off, i think she knew he was ready to go anyway.
(((((hugs)))))
 
I have had three PTS with injection, by three different vets - two aged 20+ one aged 10.

Each time I stayed and each one was completely and utterly peaceful.

For some bizzare reason people seem to think that when you have having to make this really difficult decision that it is an appropriate time to be relaying horror stories.

The reality of this is that in the vast majority of cases those who are telling these stories are repeating just that - stories they have heard - its not personal experience.

There are practical measures that need to be taken as people have mentioned and it is a good idea to be prepared because at the time you probably will not be thinking straight so think about these now.

If you decide to stay - which I have always been glad that I have done - try to keep as calm as you can (easier said than done I know) so your horse remains calm and really has no idea what is happening.

One thing that I don't think any one else has mentioned (sorry if i'm repeating) is that after they have gone down (they are asleep and are unaware of anything) the vet will start listening to the heart, it does take a few minutes for them to go completely and usually when they do there will be a big sigh and then they are gone.

Sorry but i am not aware of your situation but I am presuming you have made this decision due to a "non emergency" condition which is why you are able to think things through, so this might be something for you to consider so as you dont have a situation where you have horses shouting to one another and becoming distressed:-

With my last one (age related and unfair to put through another winter due to various conditions) she had a lovely day out in the paddock with her friends right up until the vet arrived. At that time I took her out of the paddock and into the one next door so they all could still see and touch one another. After she had gone I left her for an hour or so and the others could see she wasn't going to get up and they moved on.

Sorry this has been a bit long will be thinking of you
 
My horse was put to sleep by injection, he just laid down and went very quickly and peacefully, I could have never have shot him, i think thats horrific and ive seen a vet miss with a gun! I know we all have different opinions on pts but you have to go with what you think is best, you dont have to be there, your vet can do it after you've given them a hug and said goodbye.
Its not true about having someone take him away, my vet arranged mine, and a man near me in southampton came and he was very nice and respectful, and then my vet collected the ashes from him a few days later and gave them to me.
 
Danni I had my elderly mare PTS by injection. It was peaceful and in a strange way a beautiful experience. She was gone within 20 seconds. She looked so peaceful afterwards. I can honestly say it was without trauma for both of us.

I used http://www.equinefarewells.co.uk for both of mine and Caroline provided an excellent service. They were both cremated individually and both the pick up drivers were great.

I must admit I stayed out of sight while they were loaded on to the trailer but I was invited again for a last goodbye once they were loaded and they had obviously taken great care with them.

Please pm me if you want to know anything else specifically.

My thoughts are with you.

Jo x
 
There are two companies in your area that will take the body

Resting Pets http://www.restingpets.co.uk/restingpets/horse-service.asp

and Holts Ashlea, Marsh Lane, Stanstead Abbotts, Ware, Hertfordshire SG12 8HL
Tel: 01920 870002

Ask you vet if they have a recommendation.

I have used both companies, both efficient and respectful.

My vets were lovely and made all the arrangements for me.

Ask if yours will do that.

With Holts , Mrs Holt returned the Ashes with flowers for me.

Resting Pets sent the ashes to my vets and I collected them when I felt ready.

I have also had a horse pts by the kennels, the two that were cremated were old kids ponies and the kids didn't want them to go to hounds.
 
I am so very sorry, I know how heartbreaking this is for you.

When I had my old cob pts last year, my vet came and sedated him in the yard, and then we led him out into our drive so the lorry could get to him easier. ( my vet arranged for the lorry to come, he was waiting in a lay by down the road, and as soon as it was done my vet phoned him and he drove straight down. ) I stayed with him till the end, which was very peaceful, and then I walked away.
I REALLY suggest you dont witness the removal, it is not something you want to remember.

Please have faith in your vets for doing the injection, they WILL know what they are doing, I have had two pts in this way and it was so peaceful.

I just dont know what else to say, I am so very sorry it has come to this for you.xx
 
Joya, I am an advocate of shooting over the injection, but I have to say that for whatever reason, I think in your shoes I would do the same thing. Dont ask me why, I just think somehow it will be best for both of you
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There should be no problem in getting her taken away if you are planning to have her cremated, so dont worry your head about that
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And yes, there are horror stories around, some of them true, but at the end of the day if the injection were that unreliable it would not be considered a humane or viable option. There is always a chance that these things can go wrong, but the odds are stacked in favour of her just slipping peacefully away.

I would agree with people who have said be there when she goes, but not when she is taken away. My Mickey died naturally, but I was with him, and there is no way I'd have wanted to see how they managed to get him out of the stable to take him away. Once they're gone, they're gone - you dont need to see once you have said your goodbyes
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Thinking of you honey xxxx
 
I am sitting with tears running down my face reading through this and remembering our Little D who went to sleep by injection 2 years ago due to a ruptured ligament that would not heal.
I decided I wanted the injection as I thought she would be afraid when the gun went to her head. I talked it through with my vet and was convinced she knew what she was doing.
I am ashamed to say I couldn't be there.....she had been on a treatment yard and the lovely lady there saw to it for me. She said it was very peaceful, like someone else said they took her out into the field and let her graze first, she hadn't been out of her stable for 6 weeks so that was heaven for her. She slipped away very peacefully and we had no problem having her body collected though as others have said they can't go for meat after the injection.

I really feel for you but almost think the wait is going to be torture?

Massive hugs form me (((((((((((((((((((((((((hugs)))))))))))))))))))))))
 
Can the vet college not help with arrangements?

When Ellie was PTS, she was at the hospital. They sorted everything for me and just sent me the bill but that may have been because I let them use her for a post mortem to help them as she was quite a rare case.

All the injections I've seen have been a case of the horse going down just as if they have been sedated.. It will always be my prefered choice for my lot. All done by a vet...not sure anyone else can do it anyway?


(((((HUGS)))))
 
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