Not the best start to the week. RIP Dez

ladyt25

ladyt25

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Yesterday we lost our old TB and I think today it is all sinking in. Had yesterday off work as planned to do some work with my youngster amongst a few other things.

We wormed the horses Sunday morning and about 20 mins after the old boy started appearing colicky. I did the usual, walking him round etc and he went to the toilet and seemed a bit better in himself.

As he appeared to perk up a little we figured he’d just felt a bit off and he seemed ok at midday. However Sunday evening, although a bit better he wasn’t right and we called the vet. She gave him painkillers and we turned in out in to a small paddock for the night so the others wouldn’t bother him and we could see if he’s passed anything. Checked on him later that evening and he was no worse although wouldn’t say much better either. He wasn’t rolling or anything, just quiet and not eating.

Yesterday he had been to the toilet, drunk some water and seemed a bit better. I took my youngster out and when we returned he’d started to pick at hay so we thought he was improving. However, he then suddenly shot back and just staggered about. It was awful to see and I just can’t get the image out of my head as he looked so scared and confused as to why he couldn’t stand. He eventually fell to the ground and that’s where he stayed until the vet arrived shortly after (I am very grateful to the vet for getting to us so quickly). The decision was made to have him PTS :(

He was an old man and we gave him 10 years longer than he would have had and he’s wanted for nothing in that time. I just feel so sad it ended how it did and feel somewhat responsible as I gave him the wormer and I am convinced that was the cause :(.

I just hope he wasn’t in pain and I think my sister, mum and I get some comfort that we were there with him at the end, sitting with him until the vet arrived. I am really glad we were there as, ordinarily at that time of day no one would have been at the field and he would have been alone. Just so sad when it’s their time to go and when it’s unexpected.

Not sure how the others will cope now as, although he was bottom of the pecking order, he was the brains!

RIP Dessie 1984-2013
 
Oh so sad to hear this. Its always sad to lose a friend and this was such a shock for you. But, he did have you there at the end. It will get better with time. For now try not to brood, it wont make you feel better and it wont change anything.
 
So sorry about your loss, it's awful when they go :(

We had one from our yard die last week, really sudden, he was only 12. Although he wasn't mine I loved him to bits and was helping a friend with him and her others before I bought my own.

Big hugs x
 
Thanks. To be honest I wasn't going to post on here but, when you've been at work all day in a non-horse environment it's hard to explain to people as, although sympathetic it's hard for them to understand.

I think it's hard to not think "what if" but he had a good life and I don't think he suffered a lot at the end. It's just horrid to have seen him look so helpless. :-(

He was buried in the field today along with some previous field mates.
 
29 is a grand old age. He went quickly surrounded by those who loved him. You gave him a great life and a dignified end. RIP old boy.
 
oh bless you. I can totally understand the pain of seeing him helpless at the end - but he wasn't helpless - you were there, and he would have known that. How marvellous to have had so many years of life helped by you. Hugs x x
 
I'm glad you did this post as you wrote it better than I would have. I think hindsight says we should have taken the decision on Sunday, but then hindsight is a wonderful thing. In the end it was a better (and less spectacular!) end for him than I had imagined, and hopefully he wasnt in pain.

Hopefully he's running over the steeplechase fences in the sky now

A pic (aged 25 I think)

1780_zps6390c983.jpg
 
Thanks - it's helps to let things out I guess. You just wish you could tell them it's going to be ok. He was a funny old thing, had horrendous bowed tendons from his national hunt days and for the couple of years we did ride him he gave us a few laughs as he was so stubborn and once jogged the entire 10 miles of a 'pleasure ride' with my sister (I don't think she found it pleasurable!).

We tool him on initially after his owner had loaned him out and at each loan home he'd been starved and neglected as he was "too crazy" so they did it to quieten him down. He came to us to recuperate. At 19, after more failed loans and with his owner having nowhere for him to go, she was going to have him PTS so my mum stepped in and he spent his final 10 years with us having a great old time with his pals.

I know he was luckier than many and I take comfort from that. It just takes a while to get used to him not being around I guess.
 
So sorry for your loss but wow what an age!
You did nothing other than being a caring owner so please don't beat yourself up over worming.
RIP Dez x
 
So very sorry for your loss. He was a very lucky horse to find you and he will have gone knowing how loved he was.

((((((hugs))))))) to you all.

RIP Dez, run free over the steeplechase fences in the sky and know you were truly loved. xx
 
They do leave a big hole, don't they?

Don't blame yourself, you wormed him because that is what responsible owners do. If you had decided not to worm him and then he'd colicked, you would always have wondered if it was because you didn't worm, it really isn't worth second guessing.
You gave him a great extra 10 yrs, were with him at the end at gave him as peaceful and swift ending as you could, under the circumstances. What more could a horse ask for?

RIP old lad.
 
Thanks all for your words. I think it does help to just sort of let it out. I suppose it's only natural to feel guilt about what's happened, I gave him the wormer as we have done for years, I do think that was the catalyst but we weren't to know. The vet said it was likely just coincidence but I am not convinced. Although Dez appeared perfectly well I guess maybe he wasn't and he wasn't strong enough to take the wormer. Bless the old boy.
 
I'm so sorry for your loss. A much loved horse always leaves a gap. He was very lucky to spend his retirement years being so well cared for.
 
Im so sorry for your loss but as others have said what a wonderful mum you have been for him to reach a fine age.
Gallop amongst the stars Dez and watch over your mum x x x
 
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