PTS help

I had my Arab shot a few years ago now by my vet, he was very professional and was very caring towards my horse.
I had never seen a horse shot before so wasn't sure what to expect, I had heard the horror stories of sometimes there is 2shots taken horses flipping over etc, but honestly the shot did make me jump but he went with his ears pricked forward watching me. Vet wouldn't allow me to hold him and I had to stand behind the the vet, so I saw my horse the whole way through.
The shot wasn't overly loud (it did make me jump!), there was hardly any blood and it was extremely quick.
I disappeared when they came to collect as I didn't "need" to be with him anymore.
I would always choose bullet after I was with friend while she had hers done by injection which didn't go well and still haunts me to this day.
Personal preference and previous experiences I guess!

Good luck OP it is never an easy decision to make.
I hope your horse has a dignified end and that it goes smoothly x
 
be positive said:
Do not stay and watch him loaded

Do not feel guilty if you cannot hold him, he is better with someone unattached that can be calm and relaxed than you getting even more stressed and upset than you need to be.
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Second this basically. I was advised not to hang around to see my old boy loaded and taken off, and I didn't.

Also you don't need to feel guilty if you feel you cannot be there at the precise moment he is PTS; far better that his last memory of you is of someone who's always been there for him rather than someone stressed and upset coz horses pick that up mega.

So sorry you're in this awful position. Have had a horse PTS by the hunt before but I wasn't there; also PTS by lethal injection.

If yours gets stressy at injections then it makes sense and more humane to go for the shooting option I would have thought.
 
SNORKEY said:
We had our mare pts by injection in June. It was very quick, she was sedated before so she was calm.
I couldn't have a horse shot, when I was little a vet missed when the horse flinched and shot through the side of its head, the vet had to then quickly do it again, very traumatic for the horse and owner. I just don't like the idea of putting a gun to the head of a horse when the injection is a lot more calmer and the horse is used to injections anyway.
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goodtimes said:
My horse doesn't like injections. I have said that in my post.
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g_t, fear not, the mistakes are always passed around, the tales become legend, and as you've said, there are no options open to you. You will be in the hands of experienced and caring people. Put your trust in them.

...... and another thing, listen to no one else.

Alec.
 
Alec Swan said:
g_t, fear not, the mistakes are always passed around, the tales become legend, and as you've said, there are no options open to you. You will be in the hands of experienced and caring people. Put your trust in them.

...... and another thing, listen to no one else.

Alec.
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Thanks Alec.

I've already made the decision the local hunt will shoot him.
Im not sure if they can use him for the dogs though as he was last sedated on Thursday. He had two lots of sedation.
 
I think the main thing is making the decision to PTS for most of us with animals we know its possibility any time and inevitable if we keep them as retirees.

I suppose these days compared to the past we have choices on euthanasia injection or gun. Seems to me that either is fine and you just have to do which one you think is right at the time. Can fully understand a gun is better if your horse has a problem with needles or the vet.I was lucky in that respect I could have chosen either option and considered both (which at end of day could have been either method). It still has to be whats best. I would never judge anyone making this decision as to which method they choose, it doesnt make you a better owner chosing one over the other.

I do feel so sad and sorry for both posters, as I was doing this 2 weeks ago and I will never forget it. I knew for a year it was on the cards so had time to choose but when the day came it was so hard making the phone call to arrange it but with hindsight all involved knew their trades and afterwards I now know I shouldnt have worried so much. Will think of you both, it is good to get opinions as I did exactly the same a few weeks ago on here as I personally had only heard about it from family etc. Then made my decision.
 
could i have some hugs please- the huntsman will be with me by 6pm to collect him and take him to the kennels to shoot him so i wont upset the YO or any of the other horses ,and i dont need to be there,which altho i feel horribly guilty about its probly for the best .( just for interest sake it £90) i would like to say thankyou to everyone whos posted -youve been very kind and helpful. R.I.P archie xx
 
archiepoo said:
could i have some hugs please- the huntsman will be with me by 6pm to collect him and take him to the kennels to shoot him so i wont upset the YO or any of the other horses ,and i dont need to be there,which altho i feel horribly guilty about its probly for the best .( just for interest sake it £90) i would like to say thankyou to everyone whos posted -youve been very kind and helpful. R.I.P archie xx
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Hugsxxx

Dont feel guilty, the hunt staff will take care of him, RIP Archie.

I think your YO was very unfair, as a YO I would never expect a horse to have to be taken away, the others have never found it distressing but you are handling the situation well and the hunt are obviously being helpful also, more hugs, thinking of you later xxx
 
Thoughts with you tonight. Very harsh of YO not to let the end come for him at home.

I got a phone call late one night from a friend 200 miles away. Her horse was to be shot next morning, & her partner (who had said he'd hold him) backed out about 10pm night before. I travelled through the night to be there & hold her first horse. Horse was terrified of vets & jabs, so it was the right way for her. She went with her head in a bucket munching grub, totally without fear. There was a lot of blood, but I cleared it all up before I'd allow my friend round again. She had said her goodbyes already, so there was no need to see her down. The KM took her with him, & I can only praise him for his kindness.

I do know of 'bad' stories of both methods first hand, so know they aren't urban myths or been blown out of proportion. Shooting isn't for me, but I would do it if it was better for my horse.
 
Will be thinking of you later. We went through a similar thing last month. Its much worse for ourselves than the horse, I found making the arrangements very hard indeed.

Our horse was completely vet phobic, it all went completely without incident and he was completely chilled. The hunt staff will be totally professional. Its much my preferred method now.

Sending you a hug.
 
Will be thinking of you tonight, archipoo, and sending hugs your way.

Goodtimes - thank you for posting your original question. I too have a horse who is highly needlephobic and have always realised that she will need to be shot when the time comes - hopefully not for a while as although she is 24 she is in good health, touch wood. This has been a very reassuring thread. Good luck when the time comes for your horse.
 
always a tough time, just for the record my vet is licensed to to shot (most are not as they do not have a gun license) his personal preference is the gun as its quicker and less stressful for the horse in his opinion. he also says you can never tell how an animals body will respond to a drug but you know what effect a gun will have.

Your horse will be fine and know nothing about it, he is not scared like you are
 
be positive said:
Hugsxxx

Dont feel guilty, the hunt staff will take care of him, RIP Archie.

I think your YO was very unfair, as a YO I would never expect a horse to have to be taken away, the others have never found it distressing but you are handling the situation well and the hunt are obviously being helpful also, more hugs, thinking of you later xxx
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This completely; your YO is talking out of her hat and I hope she is ashamed of herself but that doesn't help you for which I'm sorry as she's made it so much worse for you when there was no need.

Put yourself on auto pilot today and remember all of your good times; don't let today spoil them for you. xx
 
I am sorry that you are facing this, the build up is worse than the actual deed. Shooting is my preferred method of pts. It is instant, the horse knows nothing and is dead before he hits the ground. If you have not seen this before, the suddeness can be quite a shock. The horse's muscles will twitch for a few minutes afterwards, even though he is dead. If you have someone he knows and trusts to hold him, it would probably be better for both of you.
 
archiepoo said:
could i have some hugs please- the huntsman will be with me by 6pm to collect him and take him to the kennels to shoot him so i wont upset the YO or any of the other horses ,and i dont need to be there,which altho i feel horribly guilty about its probly for the best .( just for interest sake it £90) i would like to say thankyou to everyone whos posted -youve been very kind and helpful. R.I.P archie xx
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I'm so sorry to hear this - you are being very brave, it is the waiting that is the hardest part IMO.

Hopefully you are at the yard now, spending time with Archie and giving him his favourite treats and a lovely groom and fuss.

Is there anybody who could take you to the kennels if you change your mind?
 
We have ours done by the local knacker man now, having tried vet with both gun and injection, and knacker, and come to the conclusion that for us at least, the knacker is best...

Horse 1 - shot by vet. He went straight down, no stress for us or him, other than being distraught at losing him if course (homebred gelding in his prime who broke leg, had 9 months box rest, but didn't come sound).

Horse 2 - my much loved 2nd pony, injection by vet. Old pony who didn't like vets and in retrospect we shouldn't have done injection for him because of this. He had to be sedated, and then fought the injection, so the whole process took longer. Pony was distressed by presence of vet and needles, even if he didn't know what was happening.

Horse 3 - knacker, hand held pistol, not a big gun. Knacker scratched his head, which he loved, then quietly reached behind him, picked up the pistol, which stayed hidden in his hand, held it against forehead, and did the deed. Horse knew nothing of it at all, he just thought he was having a nice scratch.

Horse 4 - being done on Friday, very sad goodbye to my dad's elderly mare who just can't do another winter. She'll be done by the knacker as per horse 3.

In tears with all the memories, but hope this is helpful for you.
 
archiepoo said:
could i have some hugs please- the huntsman will be with me by 6pm to collect him and take him to the kennels to shoot him so i wont upset the YO or any of the other horses ,and i dont need to be there,which altho i feel horribly guilty about its probly for the best .( just for interest sake it £90) i would like to say thankyou to everyone whos posted -youve been very kind and helpful. R.I.P archie xx
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So sorry, only just seen your update. I think you've made a good decision on his behalf, he'll think he's off hunting and the hunt staff will be good with him.

I know it's so so hard but you are doing the right thing for him.
 
So sorry for the both of you. I've only ever witnessed the injection (three times) and each was incredibly peaceful. The bullet is not a method I would choose, except for one horse on my yard because he needs twitching for the vet. So in his case, the bullet would be the kindest choice. All the others, I would prefer it if their owners chose injection, as I would be concerned about the smell of the blood and the effect it may have on the other horses (and me if I'm honest), but I wouldn't dream of telling a client they could not do it on the premises. I love the horses too much for that.
 
Hugs for Archiepoo, will be thinking of you x

Personally I have opted for injection every time but in your circumstance I would choose the gun too, it's a hard enough day for you to have to deal with the extra vet stress. I would also have the hunt /KM to do it, not the vet as they have far more experience. Big hugs x
 
Wagtail said:
So sorry for the both of you. I've only ever witnessed the injection (three times) and each was incredibly peaceful. The bullet is not a method I would choose, except for one horse on my yard because he needs twitching for the vet. So in his case, the bullet would be the kindest choice. All the others, I would prefer it if their owners chose injection, as I would be concerned about the smell of the blood and the effect it may have on the other horses (and me if I'm honest), but I wouldn't dream of telling a client they could not do it on the premises. I love the horses too much for that.
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I was there a friend's horse was pts with the bullet on a livery yard, there was no smell and the horses were not affected at all- some were in the stables (we made sure we were out of sight from the main yard) and some were out grazing, all happy and content.

OP so sorry to hear about your horse, it's a very hard decision but remember all the good times you had with him :)
 
I've witnessed both first hand - neither is nice

Injection - I think is kinder to the owners, as shooting is gory. However the horse I saw was up and down and suspicious of the vet, so not a choice I'd ever go for.

Shooting - This is my preferred method, its horrible to watch, but I was determined to stay there and do have a bit of a mental scar as if I think about it I can now cry at will (2 weeks ago)!

However our lovely old boy was at home in a field with a big bucket of feed. He dropped and he wasn't there anymore. So his last memory was thinking about the feed and had absolutely no distress.

In his case the huntsman did a fantastic job and he did not even twitch, however there is quite a lot of blood.

Even though he does this every day, the huntsman was so kind and careful. I couldn't ask for better
 
its done... -im crying as i write this but it all went very smoothly ,archie had a whole tube of sedalin on the vets advice to stay nice and calm,it just made him quiet not dopey so he wasnt staggering about or anything (which was much better for me) he loaded 2nd try (hes usually awful so i was very proud of him) the huntmaster was wonderful and very quiet and reassuring for both of us. i was very impressed and grateful to him. i didnt want to go to the kennel but i do feel guilty i wasnt there at the end for him, i have to believe they looked after him and can only remember the good times now so no bad memories. thanks everyone for the support and kind words, if any of you are in the same situation in the future rest assured i will be there for you.xx
 
Big (((((HUGS))))) for you my dear. Remember the wonderful days and don't dwell on the fact that you couldn't be with him in his final moments. It is so very hard, I ran away the day my first horse was PTS , I just threw the rope at the YO and ran.

Now many years later and after a few have had to leave me it's not so bad but it still hurts to see them go.

(((((HUGS))))) RIP Archie
 
This has been a very hard thread to follow, as I have to make the same decision very soon. My horse has arthritis, she is 22 and has been retired for the last 5 years. Her best pal is also retired, and has been diagnosed with heart failure, and will be lucky to last another 6 months apparently. Some days she is very tired and has oedemas showing under her belly. Thus far, they have disappeared after a few days, but progression of this disease will mean problems breathing etc. So, we will have the 2 good friends pts together. They really are joined at the hip and we feel it would be cruel to delay the inevitable for one of them, even for a few weeks. Far kinder for them to go together... the one with the heart problem will need shooting because of her condition, but I would rather have mine injected, so that I can be there at the end for her. Hopefully, when the time is right we will be able to have the vet and KM work together.
The postings on here have been very reassuring and supportive. I think you need to own a horse to know and understand exactly the pain this final act causes the owner. I had to say goodbye to my dog 2 years ago, and I thought nothing else would ever hurt me so much, but knowing what is ahead of me now is giving me nightmares. Most days, although she is stiff, she seems happy enough, but last week she was shod on the front, and she was obviously in a deal of pain, even the farrier said he had never seen her so stiff. I buted her heavily and she his comfortable and happy once more, but I don't want to put her through that again in 6 weeks time...
 
Thinking of you! If I am repeating any other posts I'm sorry, haven't read them all! There is a difference between shooting and the humane bolt. With shooting there is alot of blood (I know from experience) but with the bolt it's alot cleaner, both are instant. I feel that if you really can't be there they should be with someone they know in their last moments. Me personally, when it comes to my boy's time to go, however hard it is, I couldn't let anyone else be there with him. Lots of (((hugs)))!
 
So sorry for both of you.
I do believe that a huntsman or knackerman is the best way to go because they have so much experience. It's in their best interest to make it smooth and easy for the horse.
The planning is the hardest bit and you both sound as if you are doing, or did, everything in your power to make a difficult job as humane and kind as it can be. The last one I had shot went so easily, a nice groom and polish (and he knew he was beautiful) a sunny spot chosen out of the wind and out of sight of his friend, and a bucket of oats. I handed him to the knackerman, and walked round the corner after thanking him. It was so quick, not at all loud and he went with his mouth full and the sun on his back. I didn't stay to watch him loaded, but I did clean up the small amount of blood myself.
Big hug Archiepoo x
 
Ah glad your horse went off ok Archiepoo, we worry so much.
The good thing Archiepoo is remember the huntsmen do actually like horses. I know they will have been really nice to your horse. The guy who collected my old boy afterwards was so kind(he took me back with being so kind). I agree these threads are very reassuring as its not like we are PTS on a regular basis and we do need to know what it is like/peoples experiences good and bad.
I balled my eyes out and thought I was a tough old bird(I am use to breaking bad news to humans)! I have had a cry on and off for the past two weeks, if I am not busy and start to think of old boy it really gets me and catches me out.I keep thinking I have to go to see him still. Old routine gone etc.
I had some nice PMs on here from people that I dont even know, and I found it really helpful as it really is hard to do even if we know its right and kind. You have done the right thing.Just find a better yard owner perhaps for the future..........it should be total horse care not just the good bits. But glad its over now and a big hug for youx.
 
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