PTS due to chronic illness

[DizzyDaisy29]

I've got a bit of a quandary...

My 14yr old has just been diagnosed with arthritis and a chipped bone and requires 3 months off and will then only be able to light hack.

Up until the diagnosis he competed regularly and hunted in the winter. He's only ever had a month off in the past and turned from a gentle giant to a dangerous dragon (don't ask where that came from, just my way of dealing..!).

So my problem initially is the time off, doe anyone have any suggestions?

My other problem is finances. Due to my mental health I do need a horse that can be ridden but unfortunately my finances do not allow for two so I'm thinking about loaning him out but at the same time wondering if he would be better off being pts?

His arthritis is now affecting his ability to eat so he can only eat from stable door height so grass is no longer an option - I've been giving him grass pellets etc so nutrients wise he isn't missing out...

Advice?

 

[TPO]

If a horse can no longer carry out its natural, and necessary, behaviours like eating then I personally would make the call.

Very sorry that you are in this position

 

[MidChristmasCrisis]

Agree with TPO….it’s rubbish to contemplate I know.

 

[Annagain]

I think not being able to eat grass would be the point of no return for me too. I doubt you'll be able to loan him out with that caveat too. I'm sorry you're facing this.

 

[Carrottom]

If he can't graze does this mean he doesn't have turnout? This would make time off really difficult. I agree it would be kindest to pts.

 

[meleeka]

Will he have medication to make him pain free?

 

[Goldenstar]

I would PTS a horse who can’t graze.

 

[Zuzan]

..................

His arthritis is now affecting his ability to eat so he can only eat from stable door height so grass is no longer an option - I've been giving him grass pellets etc so nutrients wise he isn't missing out...

Advice?

For me this alone is enough to PTS .. My friend's heart horse was unable to eat we found during a hard bit of weather .. shes' a physio and we both suspected arthritis in the poll region... we got her through that winter on buckets of soaked grass nuts ... she then enjoyed a summer and then PTS in the autumn as it was unfair to try and keep her going through another winter ..

 

[Melody Grey]

So sorry you’re in the position OP, but kudos to you for considering PTS- it’s a difficult choice and as many of us know, it would be far easier to ignore than face.

I agree with others that not being able to graze would cross the line. Grazing is about so much more to horses than just eating grass; it’s their natural way of being, their place within a herd or heirarchy and their mental health outlet. I’d let him go in your position.
Sending hugs.

 

[AmyMay]

I would PTS a horse who can’t graze.

Me too.

 

[MinKo]

I'm very sorry, I would call time too. Poor boy and poor you.

 

[oldie48]

I'm another who feels quality of life (as in a normal life) is the most important thing for any horse. Being able to graze is IMO essential. I'd PTS.

 

[Equi]

I would not hesitate for one second to put down a horse that can’t put its neck down to the floor. I certainly would never consider riding it even as a light hack, how would it balance if it lost its footing.

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

I'm another who would pts a horse that can't graze normally. I'm sorry that you are in this position, it's rubbish when they aren't old but it would be the kindest thing for your horse.

 

[IveRunOutOfNamesToThinkOf]

I’m so sorry to hear this, but as others have said this is no longer a happy life for a horse. You aren’t making a harsh decision, you are making an unselfish one x

 

[CMcC]

I think you are feeling guilty because your mental health and financial situation are influencing your thinking about this situation.

Don't feel guilt this is a welfare issue and PTS is the kindest thing.

 

[PSD]

I’m another who would PTS. It’s such a rubbish situation and I understand entirely how hard it is. I feel for you, but please don’t feel guilty.

 

[ycbm]

At me to the list, there's no cause for guilt from you, just sympathy from the rest of us that you're in this situation.
.

 

[Fransurrey]

If a horse can no longer carry out its natural, and necessary, behaviours like eating then I personally would make the call.

Very sorry that you are in this position

Exactly my thoughts. Sorry you're having to contemplate.