Opinions stuck inbetween an rock and an hard place :(

[Errin Paddywack]

We have had several shot, all by knacker and never had one sedated. The ones we have used have been brilliant. I hand over and walk away. Our knacker prefers to hold the horse himself, he can then judge the 'moment' better than having someone else keeping it still. It is not a nice thing to have to do but such a relief once done and you are off the roundabout of shall I shan't I.
You have all my sympathy, now just try to relax and get it done.

 

[MissTyc]

You're doing the right thing. It's extremely difficult, but you've done everything you can, and now you need to do this for him. Don't feel guilty, and know that it is the right thing xx

 

[Quigleyandme]

It really sounds as if you have tried and tried to get him comfortable in the paddock without success. It is a dilemma most of us have faced with all those internal conversations and self-doubt before we finally decide enough is enough.

 

[Loulou23]

I fully get the feeling of "but what if there's something I haven't tried that could let him retire peacefully" but from what you've wrote I think there are too many issues to solve now and PTS is the right decision for him. I've only had 1 PTS and the vet did it by injection but she was fine with needles and I had a bit of a thing about the idea she was simply going to sleep and it was peaceful, however I know lots of people who have had them PTS by the man and they have all gone really well with their head in a bucket not knowing anything so I think for yours that's the best. Definitely don't hang around when they load him up. Sending lots of hugs x

 

[splashgirl45]

when my vet shot them he preferred to sedate first which i was happy with, my last one wasnt sedated and she had a big bowl of chopped carrots (which she loved) and my lovely YO held her for the huntsman. all was fine so try not to worry expecially if he is needle shy....good luck

 

[windand rain]

Horses live in the now they have no concept of future they cannot make retirement plans or really understand you are trying to make them comfortable for a future they know they are in pain now, they know they are distressed now they do not know they could be better in a week or two so do it as soon as you can and give him peace. It is one reason I would never consider abdominal or invasive surgery