Planned PTS questions

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Daniel_Jack

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I'd posted previously regarding my mare who has chronic supensory issues along with crap feet and conformation, sweet itch and weight management issues.

Due to lack of time and affordability with the cost of living crisis I've decided to pts.

I've never had to pts a horse before and I'm unsure what response to expect from the vet when I enquire about pts a technically "healthy", happy 12 year old horse who is displaying no outward signs of discomfort.

This is a really tough decision for me and the thought of calling the vet and having them challenge me on it makes me feel sick.

Interested in others experience so I have an idea what to expect - will they want an explanation for example?

Also dreading telling yard owner as she's at a retirement yard and one of the youngest ones there so I'm the exception to all the other liveries who are willing/able to give their horses a lovely long retirement.
 
I can't remember any veterinarian I've worked for refusing to do a "financial euthanasians." Unless the animal can reasonably be expected to rehome it is better to let the animal have a peaceful end instead of suffering due to lack of funds. When you can barely afford to feed your family how can you be expected to feed a companion animal?
 
I also worried about this with a horse that looked outwardly well but had a lot of little niggles that the management of conflicted with each other - they said absolutely nothing of it at all, and were very supportive.

Your own vets will know about these issues and I don't think anyone would judge you with the current financial climate paired with the issues you have listed!
 
Is it the vet who diagnosed the issues? In which case they'll have her history and all you need to do is explain that you have decided it's time.

I had to do a similar PTS back in Jan but the pony wasn't registered with any vet practice (long story) so when I phoned up I explained the whole situation, we got the basic registration details done over the phone and agreed a date.

I would hope a retirement yard would be supportive
 
As above I would expect your vet to be supportive but you don't have to use your vet if you would prefer not to do so. The Hunt or knackerman will do the job in a professional manner, without question, and remove the body in one transaction. It is also usually a much cheaper process then involving the vet. We usually use a local Equine/pet crematorium, which is based on what used to be the local knackerman.
It is never an easy decision to make but your horse is already retired and I can foresee similar discussions being had in many households this winter.
 
Thanks for the reassurance everyone. Unfortunately it's not the same vet as the retirement livery I moved her to is outside their area but I had to provide new vet with original vets details so hoping the information was passed to them.

Going to call today and book her in for a couple of weeks time.
 
Daniel_Jack said:
Thanks for the reassurance everyone. Unfortunately it's not the same vet as the retirement livery I moved her to is outside their area but I had to provide new vet with original vets details so hoping the information was passed to them.

Going to call today and book her in for a couple of weeks time.
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Ask the vet for their costs to pts, as some are eye watering and you still need to arrange disposal. Many years ago I had a failing mare pts by Douglasbrae (fallen stock) and it was all done very sympathetically and as gently as he could be. It cost just over £100 all in.
I also spoke to North East Fallen Stock earlier this year, and a large horse was about £130, about £65 for under £13hh. Neither company is interested in the reasons.
Not sure where you are but also speak to the retirement place about their usual procedure on the day. They may have a preferred area for easy access for collection, etc.
 
Daniel_Jack said:
Thanks for the reassurance everyone. Unfortunately it's not the same vet as the retirement livery I moved her to is outside their area but I had to provide new vet with original vets details so hoping the information was passed to them.

Going to call today and book her in for a couple of weeks time.
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I would advise you not to delay, the wait is terrible and the weather is only getting worse, so there's no benefit to either of you.
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Sooner would be my preferred option BUT that would be difficult to schedule as I've got loads on at work and can't get time off for a couple of weeks and although I'd prefer yo to be there when the deed is done I want to spend some time with her beforehand-unfortunately retirement livery is an hour from home even in good traffic so it may have to wait unless I opt to not see her beforehand.

Re knackerman, I'm not sure how widely available they are in my area (West Coast Scotland).
 
Daniel_Jack said:
Sooner would be my preferred option BUT that would be difficult to schedule as I've got loads on at work and can't get time off for a couple of weeks and although I'd prefer yo to be there when the deed is done I want to spend some time with her beforehand-unfortunately retirement livery is an hour from home even in good traffic so it may have to wait unless I opt to not see her beforehand.

Re knackerman, I'm not sure how widely available they are in my area (West Coast Scotland).
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Grayshill, they come and do the whole thing! Andy is a lovely person and very respectful! I think its £250 ish to be bolted and taken. Vet is roughly 400 for pts ? sorry your having yo do this. We had one lifted from crosshill on Friday, thats how I know ?
 
I PTS for financial reasons following the announcement about gas bills and he was also starting to show signs of age that I couldn't afford to investigate

Vets were absolutely lovely, other liveries less so! I even emailed pictures as they made me question my decision (even though I still wouldn't have been able to afford him) and got a lovely email back from the vets (I mostly liaised by email)

I wouldn't tell other liveries if you can possibly avoid it, it's your horse (and I agree you're making the right decision). Also just think "I'm never going to have to see these people again"

Just pick a time when the yard is quiet (you will need to arrange with yo due to the van needing to access etc) and then quietly and calmly PTS.

Block on social media anyone who disagrees.

Is there someone who could be with you on the day? Family member etc?

I stayed with mine for various reasons but you don't have to if you don't feel you can - the "nicer" thing about planned is you can get some lovely photos on a day beforehand then on the morning (book an early-ish slot so you're not waiting around all day) with a bit of time before to say goodbye - you can spend the morning giving her all her favourite treats and spending some time saying goodbye.

I used injection as I couldn't face the gun

The vet sedated mine, then led him to where it was due to be done, I said goodbye and walked a distance away as the vet wanted to guide him down as they can fall awkwardly. I hadn't planned to look, but actually turned round as he went down and it was like he was lying down to sleep.

He went very quickly and was my only PTS experience, so it can be different so please don't feel you have to look if you don't feel comfortable - just ask the vet to tell you when, or walk away whatever is most right for you - you can always go back and see her when she's gone.

Do NOT watch the collection. I walked away and the vet dealt with it.

Make sure you take some mane and tail as you can get lovely keepsakes made, or just to keep (mine is just in a bag ATM)

Also people on here are absolutely wonderful!

Happy for you to pm me.
 
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Daniel_Jack said:
Oh I didn't realise they did the whole thing.

Im not familiar with that process of euthanasia as have only heard of it being done with a shotgun. Is it OK to witness?
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They don't use a shotgun!
It's a handgun, either captive bolt, or more usually here a bullet. There is a bang, which you hear as the horse is falling. Ours have all gone with their head in a bucket of feed and known nothing at all about it. It is my preferred method, those that have had injection have got upset before going down.
 
Daniel_Jack said:
Oh I didn't realise they did the whole thing.

Im not familiar with that process of euthanasia as have only heard of it being done with a shotgun. Is it OK to witness?
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Yeah, its fine, its not pretty though and some can find it quite disturbing as they are winched pnto the lorry but they dont use a shotgun, they use a bolt gun.
 
Re knackerman:

Equine end of life service (google) have contacts countrywide. The man we had was amazing, kind and reassuring to the horse and the process was over quickly - they never knew what was coming and it was instant. It was a gun in our case, so bolt gun would be even better for the owner.

I don’t think any method of pts is good to witness by the owner - give a last carrot, hand to a trusted friend and walk away. Equally, do not be there for the winching on - which will be the same for vet pts or knackerman. Just don’t. Not what you need to remember when you think of your equine friend.
 
So many veterans of this experience on here and most agree that the worst time is making the decision and waiting for the day. Keep that as short as you can.

Whatever way you choose, it is your decision whether you are there or not. Just do what is best for you but, if you are there, ask them to wait after she is down to give you time to walk away before she is loaded. It is not a pretty procedure and not a memory you want.

Also agree have someone with you if you can. You are doing the best for your mare so ignore any ignorant and unhelpful comments from others on the yard.
 
Thanks everyone.

I'm going to see if I can book in for Friday and get a day off work but it depends if yo is around to hold her for the actual pts as I don't think I can do it and I definitely don't want to see her being hoisted away.

As it's a retirement yard most liveries don't visit much so I've never met most of the anyway so wouldn't worry about judgement from them - that's more likely to come from non horsey friends and family who don't understand the challenges around horse ownership and management.
 
For a while we were told that for safety reasons we were not allowed to hold the horse, I think that has changed again. I know our service prefers the owner not to be present for the winching and I always go in the house before that bit.
 
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