PTS Injections -

Unfortunately sedation is not always an option - the drugs that are used in PTS work on the brain and the longer it takes for the drugs to get to the brain, the longer it takes for a horse to go down.

If a horse already has circulatory collapse, the last thing you want to do is sedate it - the sedative will dilate the blood vessels, blood pressure will go down and the drugs will take longer to act.

In terms of the gun - most vets will not routinely carry one as this presents lots of logistical problems in terms of legality. You can't leave the car even if it's locked etc and a captive bolt is NOT a good option for a horse.

I have been lucky enough to only see very peaceful PTS with horses so far in my career but I have had some HORRIFIC dog experiences. Both times it was with an extremely experienced vet. Unfortunately sometimes very sick animals are harder to deal with and there isn't anything you can do :( I'm so sorry for all the bad experiences on here, how upsetting for everyone :(
 
That's interesting, Monty and Zoom, because although the equine injection pts I have seen have not always been quick enough, my old dog was distressing when his time came.He really fought it, was on my lap, an old, nearly blind, incredibly faithful Lhasa Apso, who had made it his life's duty to guard us all. He was trying desperately hard to keep the vet away from both of us long after the injection. He struggled and fought it (bravely) all the way. In the end, I felt it said more about his character than anything, but at the time I was devastated, and vowed to have my dogs shot in future, too. Years later, this still brings me to tears.

My youngster with grass sickness took too long to die by injection, but I couldn't wait for the 2 hours or so it would have taken to get the knackerman here. I find it unbearable if they get up and down, and would always choose a bullet if possible.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top