Preparing to PTS

[Cragrat]

We will be doing this after months of box rest as a last ditch attempt and I think this is what I'm saddest about, he would have been holed up in that 12 x 12 on soaked double netted hay to keep his weight down "just in case".. I will spoil him thoroughly now I know it doesn't matter per say, but I think my struggle is that although he didn't show it much through his behaviour, he probably would have been (inwardly) miserable for all that time and that will be his last memories.. or does that sound ridiculous?

The box rest was done with his best interests at heart - he will know he was loved and cared for. If he can't have any turn out now, can he have a few days hand grazing? It is a lovely way to spend some quality time with him to say good bye.

 

[Lucky Snowball]

So sorry - thinking of you x

 

[scats]

I’ve had to put five of my own to sleep and been there for countless others. I’ve always opted for the injection and all have gone easily, bar a bit of twitching and movement from a couple of them.
We use Whitley brook to take and cremate them, and they have always been super. The collection isn’t something everyone wants to see, so you might not want to be around for that part.
Take care xx

 

[Birker2020]

Lots of good advice. In Ireland at least, not sure if it's the same in the UK, the collection people need the passport, so make sure that is available if you're not going to be present for the collection (and I would agree with not being there if you can possibly avoid it).

Yes that was weird because I asked the vet if he wanted the passport and he said he didn't need it. I mean, he had known me for 20 plus years and the horse was also freezemarked but I suppose if you were unscrupulous and had a horse with very similar markings you could maybe pass it off as the passported horse, I'm sure this has been done before!

Oh another thing whilst we are on the subject. When I booked to have my girl pts the receptionist said that there was a company with a posh sounding name (******Bereavement Services) and another one that was a fallen livestock type of company and which one would I want as there was obviously a considerable price difference. So I thought I'd go with the cheaper one, after all when they are gone they are gone.

But it wasn't until I got my vets bill with the euthanasia costs on it and transport company for removal details and looked up the company online that I realised it was a renderers. They have lions or tigers next door. I wasn't entirely happy with that, I'd rather she'd have been straight forward cremated. So if you are in the Midlands/Cheshire area (they are towards Cheshire I believe) then just be aware of this if you don't wish this to happen to your horse.

 

[Trouper]

I've been through this twice in the last few years - both times my choice to pts vet injection. The only thing I would add (to all the good advice you have been given here) is that I was quite specific about the time of day I wanted the vet to attend so that I could keep both of them (TBs) in their daily routine and insistent that the transporter came with them - it was winter I did not want anyone hanging around waiting. I also identified a quiet place just outside the yard gates so that removal was easy - but I did not stay for that. I still find it difficult to walk past the place without the memories so it is important to make things work best for you as well as your beloved horse.

 

[MurphysMinder]

Nothing really to add to the advice you have been given. I have had 2 pts by injection and with both it was incredibly quick and trauma free. I had my Cushings pony pts in 2020, she had been on restricted grazin gand food for more than half of her life, her last half hour was spent on good grass and she went with her head in a bucket of carrots, apples and polos.
I would agree about not being there for collection, I was soft and used a cremation service that collect on a stretcher, but even so my lovely vet sent me indoors to make a cup of tea and she supervised the collection.

 

[Morgan123]

Hello. Huge sympathy from me - I had to have my boy PTS yesterday so - hugs. Know how you feel. I had overnight to prepare myself (he had a serious injury and we had to decide whether to put him thru box rest or PTS). So once we'd made the decision in the AM, I made the day I thought he'd want in an ideal world - morning with his mates just doing their thing together, loads of extra hay and stuff, then a while with me and his previous owner - we took him to the "illegal grass" that the horses always drag us too and get jealous of eachother on. He had a while to graze there, he had a treat ball filled with loads of different stuff, I bought all the different treats in the feed shop and he had whatever he wanted. Then when she came we gave him a massive feed. Like yours, mine was on a diet a lot so this was like christmas for him.

The vet was great - she sedated him first and he was still eating when he went to sleep, and we talked to him as he drifted off and told him what a good boy he was, etc She said take as long as we wanted, before she gave him the somnambulose. They take them from you at that point, and once they've gone down and confirmed the heart has stopped (takes a good few mins) you can obv go back and say your goodbyes.

It's good to be as prepared as you can I think, as you are doing. I liked making the ideal day for my horse as an individual. And I guess I wuold say, maybe know in advance what stuff you feel is important to say to him before they go, as it's easy to get caught up in it all and forget.

Good luck, I hope it's as peaceful as can be for you and your horse. Whenever I waver, I think to myself - my horse would be in pain NOW, right this second, and he's not because we could save him from that. It's the right thing to do. Sending hugs.

 

[wills_91]

I would add, and I am sure will be criticised by some for saying this, that you don't need to be there. It is absolutely up to you, your choice. I have been there for my horse, have been there for a friend's horse and not been there for another horse. I said goodbye, we had a hug and then I walked away. I was far too distressed and I felt my distress could have been picked up and responded to.

100% this. Even when it goes well it is still a distressing thing to witness, personally I feel more so than that of a dog or cat. I held 2 of mine it was sudden with colic and I've held for friends. With my last girl, I just couldn't do it, like you we were at the end of the road and she was only 11. I felt absolutely robbed and the days leading up to it I wondered if I had done the right thing, I was also 32 weeks pregnant with a high risk pregnancy, on the day I got her in, gave her a feed and a cuddle and handed her over to a trusted friend who knew us both and never looked back. So sorry you are faced with this.

 

[babymare]

so much good advice so nothing to add other than when my young lass was put to sleep I planned everything. Rugs to cover her. Where. A feed at that moment. It was so peaceful and my vet held me as I cried. Such a hard decision but we make that decision because we are good owners. My shoulder is here for youXx

 

[babymare]

Hello. Huge sympathy from me - I had to have my boy PTS yesterday so - hugs. Know how you feel. I had overnight to prepare myself (he had a serious injury and we had to decide whether to put him thru box rest or PTS). So once we'd made the decision in the AM, I made the day I thought he'd want in an ideal world - morning with his mates just doing their thing together, loads of extra hay and stuff, then a while with me and his previous owner - we took him to the "illegal grass" that the horses always drag us too and get jealous of eachother on. He had a while to graze there, he had a treat ball filled with loads of different stuff, I bought all the different treats in the feed shop and he had whatever he wanted. Then when she came we gave him a massive feed. Like yours, mine was on a diet a lot so this was like christmas for him.

The vet was great - she sedated him first and he was still eating when he went to sleep, and we talked to him as he drifted off and told him what a good boy he was, etc She said take as long as we wanted, before she gave him the somnambulose. They take them from you at that point, and once they've gone down and confirmed the heart has stopped (takes a good few mins) you can obv go back and say your goodbyes.

It's good to be as prepared as you can I think, as you are doing. I liked making the ideal day for my horse as an individual. And I guess I wuold say, maybe know in advance what stuff you feel is important to say to him before they go, as it's easy to get caught up in it all and forget.

Good luck, I hope it's as peaceful as can be for you and your horse. Whenever I waver, I think to myself - my horse would be in pain NOW, right this second, and he's not because we could save him from that. It's the right thing to do. Sending hugs.

I’m so sorry but you gave him a great send off hugs xx

 

[pistolpete]

I had to do this in 2020 for my Pete. Vets were fab. Totally professional and calm. Organised removal and a good friend waited for that bit to be done for me. It’s so sad. Didn’t want to clear away his last poo. It’s the right thing to do 100% but it’s like any bereavement. It’s 18 months and I still miss him and think of him every day. Time does heal. Still have tail hair. Need to do something with it. Hope all goes as well as it can.

 

[Welshy]

I'm so sorry you are facing this.

I've had two of mine pts now, both older girls. Both by injection and neither sedated first. They were both very easy going girls, neither vet or needle phobic. If I thought there was any chance of them being stressed by it then I would definitely have discussed sedation.


I used the vets that they knew best so not the same vet both times. Probably didn't bother them but helped me. We put the catheters in on the yard. One thing that stuck with me and keeps coming back randomly is a sort of surgical odour - maybe they wiped the area first? I stood on the opposite side fussing them and feeding carrots as didn't want to see the catheter - again, probably just a 'me' thing.


Then we led them down to their field near to where they would eventually be buried.

My first girl went about 5 years ago and was the first horse I'd seen pts so had no idea what to expect. I'd already decided I'd only stay until she went down and my friends would stay as long as necessary. I had to give the rope to the vet as they guide them down safely. The vet was amazing, very calm but i was surprised how quick it happened when she was injected. I am convinced I actually saw in her eye the moment the anaesthetic kicked in, something changed. Id said my goodbyes beforehand and didn't want to prolong this bit and make her suspicious, so she went down peacefully and I then left.

My second girl was Feb last year and done very similarly. Again, vet had rope. The only difference was the vet explained things as they were to happen and she said my pony would take 3 deep breaths and then go down and she did exactly that- very deep but not distressed breaths. I can't say I noticed it first time but I imagine it happened. Again, she went down very quickly and peacefully and I left once I knew she was down and my friend stayed as long as was needed

Both times I found that once I'd made the decision, I needed to arrange it quickly for me. The first time id thought I'd like to spend a few days with my girl beforehand but having that decision looming over me was too unbearable so I brought it forward. Its different for everyone though.

Hope that helps, just my experiences. All the very best xx

 

[Griffin]

I am sorry you are faced with this decision OP. Please don't feel guilty about the box rest, you did it with the best intentions and I am sure you made it as pleasant as possible. If you are able to spoil him and turn him out, I would and take some lovely photos of you both together if you can(I know a couple of people who have had photo shoots days before PTS). Most of all, know that you are doing the kindest thing you can, be kind to yourself too

 

[Christmascinnamoncookie]

I’m sorry you’re in this position, OP. I had mine pts last month. I had always thought I couldn’t stay with him, but I had to, I owed him that, but I completely understand if someone just can’t. It was very difficult making the call to the vet, who luckily organised the collection, that would have killed me. I took a good chunk of tail hair the day before.

I think it’s important to organise the time/exact spot in advance. We swapped from just inside to just outside a field for ease of collection. The vet told me he’d be using 2 syringes, as mentioned, bright blue. I presumed it would be quite slow/gentle, particularly as he sedated him first after taking him out of the stable. I wasn’t going to watch him go down, but he went after the first syringe. It was a bit dramatic because he went from upright to flat on his side very suddenly and stiff legged.

Don’t watch him being taken away, it isn’t pleasant. Find out when to pay the collection people, this didn’t occur to me and the guy wanted immediate payment and I wasn’t in a fit state to do it at the time. Fortunately he was very understanding and just took details.

Look after yourself, this is a difficult time.

 

[ILuvCowparsely]

I think this topic has been covered quite a few times already. We are each guided by our own experiences and have to make our own decision based on the options available in the area and circumstances and are just trying to do the best for our horse. I don't think setting out a "right way" is helpful.

My experience is that for a horse or pony that is generally good to handle, not scared of the vet or needle shy, doesn't have compromised circulation and isn't already wound up or traumatized then the vet and injection, using an experienced vet, is a very gentle and quiet way to go with less risk of going wrong than a bolt gun, and also less traumatizing for the owner if they are present and less likely to leave a mess which can be upsetting to clear up. Both can go wrong in a very small minority of cases.

Quite, this has been discussed many times

I would only use injection OP, I had 4 done this way, all went to sleep peacefully, it is the only method I would use, never the gun or the knacker man. What ever you choose, you gave him all and doing the best for your pony, cared for so much. Horrid decision time of having horses this is. I stay with most of mine till the cremation truc is ready, the only one I did not stay to the end was my donkey as she was pts in the RVS and their policy is different. I always hold mine cuddling them too. You do what is right for you.

 

[ILuvCowparsely]

Oh and I agree , try not to see the collection as it's not that dignified.

Quite

I know the guy who collects them and he is lovely who did the last 4 horses here, I stay and hug and, but I will NOT watch her getting pulled in.

I will only use Giles now for cremation https://www.equineandpetservices.co.uk/

 

[laura_nash]

I used the vets that they knew best so not the same vet both times.

I did the opposite and didn't use the vet my pony knew well. I felt he (the vet) might be upset as he'd been involved in the pony's care and that could be picked up by the pony. Also, although the pony wasn't vet shy he had been jabbed etc by that vet a lot and I wanted someone with no negative associations. The usual vet was very sympathetic and lovely, and I didn't want that as I thought it would make me more likely to breakdown, I wanted someone matter of fact. Finally, the usual vet had less PTS experience. So for the PTS I went with the vet we use for our cattle. Again, it's whatever works for the owner and the horse of course.

 

[BritishLion]

We have had a number of ponies PTS over the years. It may be me but I think once you make the decision, book it quickly as I found myself thinking its their last ever Sunday, Monday, etc and that distressed me greatly. Also, try and time for the vet and transport to arrive at the same time. If not, try to be in a quiet area and out of view if the pony will be lay for a period of time. Rugs to cover are also an option. I have always held my own as they went down with the vet on a second rope. Its a heartbreaking decision to reach but you know when its the right thing to do.

 

[Sossigpoker]

Quite

I know the guy who collects them and he is lovely who did the last 4 horses here, I stay and hug and, but I will NOT watch her getting pulled in.

I will only use Giles now for cremation https://www.equineandpetservices.co.uk/

I've used Giles too and he's just beyond lovely! When I went to collect the ashes I had a bit of break down, he sat me down by the fire, gave me tea and chatted with me until I calmed down. I can't recommend him highly enough and know that he will have handled my boy with care and dignity.

 

[elliejhb]

So sorry to read this OP, I have only skimmed through as I sadly went through this only a few months ago myself.
Personally I gave my boy a lovely bath a few weeks before and had some photos taken (and also cut his mane & tail then whilst clean).
On the day he went out in the field for a few hours in the morning and then in for a bucket full of treats until our favourite vet arrived and we spent time with him until we were ready to say goodbye. I stayed until the end and the vet removed his headcollar for me which now rests on my bedroom door handle.
I didn't empty his stable until 2 weeks later, although tidied bits away over that time. But currently all is being stored until I feel ready to sell, donate or throw away.

 

[I don’t like mondays]

Sorry you are going through this Op. I went through similar very recently. Great advice on here. I’d echo what someone said about BHS friends at the end. They were a huge support to me and made me feel so much better at a tough time

 

[Birker2020]

Hello. Huge sympathy from me - I had to have my boy PTS yesterday so - hugs. Know how you feel. I had overnight to prepare myself (he had a serious injury and we had to decide whether to put him thru box rest or PTS). So once we'd made the decision in the AM, I made the day I thought he'd want in an ideal world - morning with his mates just doing their thing together, loads of extra hay and stuff, then a while with me and his previous owner - we took him to the "illegal grass" that the horses always drag us too and get jealous of eachother on. He had a while to graze there, he had a treat ball filled with loads of different stuff, I bought all the different treats in the feed shop and he had whatever he wanted. Then when she came we gave him a massive feed. Like yours, mine was on a diet a lot so this was like christmas for him.

The vet was great - she sedated him first and he was still eating when he went to sleep, and we talked to him as he drifted off and told him what a good boy he was, etc She said take as long as we wanted, before she gave him the somnambulose. They take them from you at that point, and once they've gone down and confirmed the heart has stopped (takes a good few mins) you can obv go back and say your goodbyes.

It's good to be as prepared as you can I think, as you are doing. I liked making the ideal day for my horse as an individual. And I guess I wuold say, maybe know in advance what stuff you feel is important to say to him before they go, as it's easy to get caught up in it all and forget.

Good luck, I hope it's as peaceful as can be for you and your horse. Whenever I waver, I think to myself - my horse would be in pain NOW, right this second, and he's not because we could save him from that. It's the right thing to do. Sending hugs.

So sorry, he sounds like he had a wonderful send off and you are a lovely owner x

 

[TooScaredToJump]

Hi all, just wanted to say a huge thank you to each and every member who took the time to comment such kind and reassuring words.

My wonderful boy left me this morning with buckets full of all his favourite treats. I am confident that he knew nothing about it and was gone before he hit the ground. My vet was wonderful, as were the collection people (http://equinecremationsouthwales.co.uk/ - if anyone needs their services). When he comes home he will be planted with the brightest flower I can find to match his personality, but for now I know that he is free of pain, frustration and is safe. Thank you again.

 

[Miss_Millie]

Hi all, just wanted to say a huge thank you to each and every member who took the time to comment such kind and reassuring words.

My wonderful boy left me this morning with buckets full of all his favourite treats. I am confident that he knew nothing about it and was gone before he hit the ground. My vet was wonderful, as were the collection people (http://equinecremationsouthwales.co.uk/ - if anyone needs their services). When he comes home he will be planted with the brightest flower I can find to match his personality, but for now I know that he is free of pain, frustration and is safe. Thank you again.

I'm so sorry for your loss. You did right by your boy. Hope you have lots of support around you at this sad time <3

 

[AmyMay]

Really sorry for your loss xxx

 

[ILuvCowparsely]

I've used Giles too and he's just beyond lovely! When I went to collect the ashes I had a bit of break down, he sat me down by the fire, gave me tea and chatted with me until I calmed down. I can't recommend him highly enough and know that he will have handled my boy with care and dignity.

He also calls the animal by its name when he calls you, he says (animal name) is ready for collection. He also keeps every animal not collected by owner, he told me, what else can I do they are family to someone I have no right or will not dispose of them. I found him after having a horrid experience with Grafton. Giles makes a sad day easier with his mannerisms' and kindness.

Sorry for your loss OP. Its hard to do it, and loneliness along with sadness, but we all have to do it at some point. It never gets easier. Make sure you have a good support network.

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

I'm sorry for your loss but it was the right thing to do for him.

 

[SEL]

I'm so sorry OP - it's a tough call but being able to take away their pain is the kindest thing we can do xx

 

[windand rain]

It is you that needs the care now you have given your boy a wonderful life with a peaceful end. Look after yourself and grieve all you need to. There are plenty ears and shoulders on here who can support you when maybe others cannot or do not understand

 

[ycbm]

You've done well, you should be proud of doing right by your horse.
.