Putting a horse to sleep

I have seen horses shot, and needled. IMO a bullet is a far,far better and more reliable option. A friend's horse was put down some time ago,the local huntsman was fantastic. The horse has no inkling of what was to come,stood looking over the valley and actually dropped with polos in his mouth,fed by said huntsman. A very old pony was put down with a needle,and went very quickly, but she was literally on her last legs,heart failing etc. On the other hand, I saw a fit, well, but terminally injured horse fight every step of the way which was quite traumatic. The other, often forgotten, point made by MFH-09 is the aftermath. Apart from the obvious blood (straw base, or old shavings do a good job of absorbing) the actual disposal of a horse is not an easy thing. Cremation is expensive. Another friend had her pony cremated - two delivery guys from ANC delivered the ashes back,and struggled to lift the box, they couldn't be scattered as there were some large "bits" mixed in. The box sat downstairs for ages, and I don't know what actually became of it. Burial is not quite as simple as domestic pets,which is not exactly easy itself - think of the size of the grave needed for a dog or cat. Also there are issues re planning,water courses etc, unless you are lucky enough to have a huge place of your own,and then it's done "unofficially". Hunts with a fallen stock scheme will take horses, but some won't if the horse has been injected, as the hunt gets the same work,but for no benefit as the carcase cannot be used. The other alternative is the knackerman, the thought of which, understandably, upsets many people who cannot bear the thought of "The Glue Factory". I have too many friends who have lost horses, who have never given any thought to the practicalities and were ultimately overcome with grief and bewilderment by an already distressing experience. This is why every phone in our family has the kennels' number in it, and we are all agreed on the course of action if we were to lose any of our horses. I do sincerely feel for you at this time, take mementos of your horse (tail hair/shoe) and keep them safe. Treasure them,and the wonderful memories you have. Do let any stable mates say their goodbyes as well - it is important,and does help them to settle afterwards. As for you.......sit down with a friend,or partner, and a nice bottle of wine (fizzy is best) and toast your horse - that really DOES help! Good luck, we'll be thinking of you.
 
What I mean by that is the end 'result' as it were is going to be the same for the horse whatever isn't it and once it has gone it's not like it will remember any trauma.

The trauma and upset is left for the owner - we are left with the memory - so hence I choose the injection as I have had it done twice so far and it was as peaceful and quick as could be. I do think it does need to be administered by an equine specilaist vet though, I think this makes a huge difference as opposed to having a vet who doesn't deal with large animals/horses regularly.

There is no right or wrong it's down to personal choice and also the situation/circumstances.
 
I'm sorry you are having to make such a tough decision. I have held for other people with both gun and injections. Both methods have their pro's and con's and its as much your choice as whats best for your horse and their situation.
I had my own horse (RIP Orthos) pts using an injection as he was already heavily sedated and it was kinder (for both me and Orthos) for the vet to give the overdose there and then rather then organise for someone else to come out. He went quietly and quickly and had 'gone' just as he got to the ground. If I had a choice I'll use this method again, although the injection does seem to go 'wrong' more often then when using a gun.

I felt it was my responsibility to hold him and I was with him through until he was collected. It is a very difficult thing to do but I feel its part of owning a horse. However I have held horses for other people for one reason or another and I understand why they couldn't.

In regard to the companion, as others have said really, let them see the body and walk away in their own time.
 
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What I mean by that is the end 'result' as it were is going to be the same for the horse whatever isn't it and once it has gone it's not like it will remember any trauma.

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But we have a duty to ensure that the end is distress free.

IMO the needle does not ensure this.
 
In regard to using the gun, it's worth checking with your vet, but mine always sedates before shooting.

So either way they get sedated first. Mine was so far gone I told him to go ahead and shoot rather than carry on with the injection. There seemed no point in dragging it out.

They sedate so the horse doesn't flip and has less chance of moving it's head at the last second.

Of course a huntsman or knacker man wouldn't be able to sedate first.
 
So sorry you are facing this choice. I've only experienced the injection but I've seen it twice now, once with a friend's 2 year old who had a bad leg injury and once with my old boy who had colic. The two year old was sedated first and it was much better than I expected although the moment she fell wasn't very nice. The vet said it may take a bit longer due to the sedation, but it was still quite quick and she had no idea what as going on, you could tell as the expression on her face never changed. My old boy (27)was even more peaceful as he was already on his way and just needed a helping hand. He was lying down already and had his head in my lap and just drifted off, again I am sure he didn't have a clue what was going on.

Both vets, (same practice different vets) said that usually the gun is better for the horse, the injection better for the owner. My friend opted for the injection as she couldn't bear the gun. I wasn't given the choice, the vet just gave him the injection. I assume he didn't have a gun or he just knew the injection was best as he was already on his way. I would have chosen the injection anyway as a friend who had hers put down by gun said the worst thing she has ever had to hear (he was held by her brother in law while she and her sister went for a walk around the field) was a second shot. The injection is a form of anaesthetic so even if it doesn't work first time the horse feels no pain.
 
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i had my beautiful pony STAR R.I.P. Pts by injection last year there is a new drug out know that sedates them and puts them to sleep straight away i mean it took seconds for my girl to drop took her heart beat and she was gone as peacefully as anything and the vet said how the drug works they dont feel a think the drug goes straight the the brain so the body has no clue whats going on the old drugs just to give them a heart attack then start shutting of the organs thats why some time the body twitches. I have never seen the gun so dont know how it worlks but i have heard a gun go off and hell that bang has stayed with me every day not a nice sound. I would do it in the field on your own or with a friend then allow your other horse in to say her good byes she will probally sniff and paw her to try and get her up when this does not happen your other horse will reliease what has happened and will walk away. What ever you do i hope it goes well i am sorry you are in this situation coz it will be one of the hardest things you ever have to do.xx

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Having an older horse this has been worrying me as well..

Alwyas said it would be by injection, but heard many horror stories, so did decided to go with the gun.

After reading this post, have gone back to the injection option.

I could not be their, as I would be too upset and dont think thatis very fair.

Big hugs to everyone facing this at the moment
 
I would always opt for the gun, but not shot by the vet, either huntsman or knackerwoman for preferance. We have only ever had one pts by injection and the poor mare hated injections (had foundered and unable to get up). Had a fair few over the years with the gun, never any trauma for the horse. Agree with MFH re the blood, be prepared to clean up.
 
Thankyou to everyone for your kind thoughts and comments.

It seems to me it really is six and half a dozen between injection and gun. You can find people for and against both.

One thing that stood out was that a lot of people seem frightened of the gun itself. I've worked with them, handled them, stripped them and shot them when I worked in a gun shop for 2 years. Being around guns doesn't frighten me so perhaps that could be the better option. We had our dog put to sleep last week and the vet struggled for ages to find his vein...bless him he actually went of his own accord before she found it. My girl thinks she is fit enough to gallop around and after 2 months in a stable is very excited, though I'm thinking of letting her out before the vet comes. Even if she ends up hobbling she'll like running one more time. I'll speak to the vet, but thankyou for everyone opinions.

My YO has said she'll organise disposal for me so I don't need to worry about that. I'm not interested in burial or cremation really, I never really considered it with the horses before.

thankyou everyone
 
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I am very sorry to read your post, and congratulate you on making this very hard decision for the benefit of your horse.
personally for me, i would always have them shot if possible. Non of mine were sedated first, the shot was very quiet, and they were just gone, like that. Some may twitch for up to a few minutes, but they are dead, it is just nerves contracting.
Not all vets are able to use a gun (captive bolt)though, as many are not trained and licenced. Only one vet at my surgery, which has a large number of equine vets, is allowed to shoot.

Rather than get confused by everything written here, with so many conflicting views and opinions, I would suggest you discuss with your vet, what is best for you and your horse. You are both individuals, and need to make the right choice.

Hoping it goes peacefully for you.
 
I had my old girl PTS by injection. She was sedated first, then taken to eat some grass whilst the sedation kicked in. Then the lethal injection was given and she went down just like she was going to lay down and she went with a mouthful of grass,
very peaceful.

Only thing that marred the injection was the vet that kept faffing trying to get the needle into her artery in neck. Other than that she knew nothing and went very peacefully with people who loved her at her side.

Only thing I was told by a friend who had gone through the same the day before was to not watch her go down as she had watched hers and the memory of it is something she would rather not have.

I was with her right by her head to the end, just didn't watch her go down. I also took some tail hair to keep. Its in a plastic bag and it still smells of her. The relief when you know they are no longer in pain is instant but the loss and the missing them is so hard. Crying now just writing this, as its bringing it all back!

I feel for you having to make this decision. It was the hardest thing I had ever had to do in my life but the best I could do for Carma. xx
 
Poor you. Both methods will be quick and the horse will not know anything about it. The injection will be like an overdose of anaesthetic and although it may seem as if it isn't instant, the horse will know NOTHING about it.
I work in the operating theatres at a hospital and when we anaesthetise people we sometimes have to give them extra and they appear to fight it , but trust me they never remember anything.
If someone the horse knows is willing to hold her for you it may be the best thing in case you get really upset and she senses that. I really feel for you and I know what you are going through.
 
Hey everyone, I am struggling with a very tough decision and I need some horsey people's opinions. I have a 17 year old 17hh warmblood gelding who I have owned for 4 years now, 2 months into having him he went lame I had X-Rays and it showed he has severe side bone and ringbone. He is having to be on 3 bute a day for the rest of his life and he still isn't sound.. Then a couple of days ago I noticed his breathing wasn't very good and that he had mucus coming from his nose and was coughing a lot... I had the vet out and he now has respiratory disease and now has to be on another set of drugs for the rest of his life.. Plus the fact that he is now only going to be able to walk when we hack. I am struggling with the decision now whether or not too put him to sleep.. Already with his remedial shoes and bute and now more antibiotics he is costing me £750 a month... It's not just the money side it's the quality of life for him... He has dropped alot of weight because he is in pain with his foot and now his breathing problems is this really fair to him ?
 
I'm very sorry you are in such a sad situation. Your horse's quality of life sounds poor, and with his age, height and ailments it is, IMHO, unlikely to get much better. This, and the huge additional financial burden his ailments require to service them, would lead me to discuss pts with my vet. Who would have probably, knowing him for the compassionate, highly experienced equine professional that he is, already suggested it himself.
What does your vet say about the matter?
Hugs and bravery coming your way. Please let us know how you and horse progress, so that we can continue to support you.
G x
 
Its a horrible time but you know when the time is here and its the kindest thing not to let your horse suffer. My own personal opinion is the gun as quicker than injection. Not the most pleasant of sites I have held friends horses but couldn't be there for my own I recruited my brother (choked just typing this and it was nearly 10 years ago). Be strong and go with your gut what ever you decide X
 
amymay said:
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What I mean by that is the end 'result' as it were is going to be the same for the horse whatever isn't it and once it has gone it's not like it will remember any trauma.

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But we have a duty to ensure that the end is distress free.

IMO the needle does not ensure this.
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Neither does the gun.
Both options can and do go wrong, your experiences mean you prefer the gun, others may have experienced differently.

Personally for me, provided the horse was good with vets and injections, I would PTS by lethal injection. If that goes wrong it is far less traumatic for all involved, than a gun error.

At the end of the day OP both are established methods of PTS, the likelihood is it will go smoothly whichever method you choose. Go with your gut on what method will be best for you and your horse.
 
Every time I read one of these (very sad) putting to sleep threads I wonder why your vets sedate before lethal injection.
I have had 2 put to sleep in last 3 years both by injection.
Neither were sedated, my vet is an very experienced equine vet and sees no benifit in sedating. In fact he says it can slow the process down, maybe why we read of these horror stories about injecting?
Not wishing to cause anyone any distress but if you are planning using injection method maybe ask vet if sedation really needed?
Both my horses went gently, quietly and with dignity with me holding, feeding and talking to them. A desperately sad experience but for them as good as possible.
 
We've had several horses and ponies over the years and all have been PTS by injection without any problems. Having said that I have heard many people say they prefer the gun and I don't think the horse really knows much about it either way. When possible I have chosen to be there myself and I would make the same choice again, though it is obviously upsetting and you definitely need someone there to help you in my opinion. I have never ever stayed whilst they have removed the body and I would not want to be there for that.
 
Daisy99 said:
Every time I read one of these (very sad) putting to sleep threads I wonder why your vets sedate before lethal injection.
I have had 2 put to sleep in last 3 years both by injection.
Neither were sedated, my vet is an very experienced equine vet and sees no benifit in sedating. In fact he says it can slow the process down, maybe why we read of these horror stories about injecting?
Not wishing to cause anyone any distress but if you are planning using injection method maybe ask vet if sedation really needed?
Both my horses went gently, quietly and with dignity with me holding, feeding and talking to them. A desperately sad experience but for them as good as possible.
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Some horses aren't happy with injections and can get stressed and unsettled. Sedating first means the horse is unaware of what is going on and is nice and relaxed,even if the actual pts takes longer.
Personally I wouldn't pts without sedation for mine. Having recently been sedated myself for a wisdom tooth extraction I can say that it was a lovely feeling, just drowsy and quite happy, even though I'd been terrified beforehand. My dogs are also sedated before euthanasia, they simply drift off and I find it much better.
 
Im so sorry. My little girl went to sleep by injection with a mouth full of pear. Watching her drop was hard, she looked surprised by it, but it was quick once she was down. I held her head and stroked her neck until I knew she was gone. And once she was gone she was completely gone, it was just a body left, it wasn't her, so I didn't worry about getting her ashes back because the body wasn't what made her the awesome pony she was.

The comparison I have to my little 39 year old frail welsh pony in her own field was a big fit TB who broke his leg galloping up the hill towards me at Burghley. He had adrenaline coursing through him, was fit and strong and trying to carry on whilst I helped cut his tack off him. And he still went quickly and quietly by injection.

With each horse I have found a massive strength to be with them and act as normal as possible, and then cried afterwards. But if I felt I couldn't hold myself together I would ask someone else, what's important is that the horse doesn't have someone holding it who is falling apart.

Whichever you choose will be a good choice, and if there is a problem it will be bad luck, not because you chose the wrong way.

Big hugs.
 
I had my pony PTS last year, he and my horse were great mates who had been together for years. As I knew it was going to happen I organised another friend for my horse and they time to get to know each other. It was a local chap, I hesitate to say "knacker" as he is more upmarket than that! He said to stick to normal routine and keep things calm, so dosed up on bute, all three were turned out as normal, except that the pony to be PTS was near to the gate.

The man was very, very kind. I fetched the pony out of the field and gave him something to eat, I was close to tears so the man took over and there was the smallest little "pop" - it wasn't loud at all. My horse was looking and just gave a little neigh when he saw the pony drop. Within a very short time the pony was loaded and driven away. It was very well done and in the end, less traumatic than I feared. The horse was fine, didn't fret, although he has never been as good friends with the replacement pony.

OP, all you can do is to take everything into consideration, including the cost of disposal. If you opt for the injection discuss the procedure in detail with your vet.

Good luck, it is a sad time.
 
kellyeaton said:
i had my beautiful pony STAR R.I.P. Pts by injection last year there is a new drug out know that sedates them and puts them to sleep straight away i mean it took seconds for my girl to drop took her heart beat and she was gone as peacefully as anything and the vet said how the drug works they dont feel a think the drug goes straight the the brain so the body has no clue whats going on the old drugs just to give them a heart attack then start shutting of the organs thats why some time the body twitches. I have never seen the gun so dont know how it worlks but i have heard a gun go off and hell that bang has stayed with me every day not a nice sound. I would do it in the field on your own or with a friend then allow your other horse in to say her good byes she will probally sniff and paw her to try and get her up when this does not happen your other horse will reliease what has happened and will walk away. What ever you do i hope it goes well i am sorry you are in this situation coz it will be one of the hardest things you ever have to do.xx
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Sorry, but the body twitches due to the nervous system shutting down. And the horse doesn't have a heart attack, that's rubbish. The drugs cause the heart to slow down and eventually stop beating. My old girl was PTS by injection 2 years ago, went down smoothly and didn't twitch or breath oddly or anything else in the time it took her to go.
 
Why has this thread, from 2009, been restarted by a different and new member? How insensitive for the OP. Might I suggest, Linzi, that you start a new thread to discuss this heartbreaking decision in your own name, not of the OP`s?
 
I'm so sorry to hear this and that you must be going through such a horrible time. I've never had to make that decision but it will come to me too, and I'm exactly the same, my mare is my first horse. My vet had a discussion with me about it the last time he was out - I wanted to know what my options were as he'd said we should chat about it. He talked it all through with me and said that the injection only goes a bit wrong if it's not done correctly. He told me about one of the instances where a junior colleague had got it wrong and told me why, and why the way he does it means it goes smoothly. So I think if your vet is a very experienced horse vet I would go with that method. It's what I'll do I think.
 
Oh bless you. My heart goes out to you. Ive been through this twice - the most recent was a couple of months ago. Theres no getting around it - its heartbreaking. But you dont need to concern yourself too much with decisions like this. I just asked my vet to come equipped for both methods and he would decide on the day. I just wanted the best thing for my horse, not me. On the day the vet did it by injection. It wasnt pleasant though (sorry - stupid thing to say really). What i mean is is was all quite traumatic. Horse was initially aenethatised so he was dozy. We then led him slowly to 'the spot' and the vet put in the catheter thing in his neck to accept the injection. he then administered the dose, and it was pretty instant. As his legs started to buckle we had to manoevre his back end so he went down in the right way. He then went down, and was 'gone' before he reached the ground. He didnt 'hit' the ground as such, just sort of went down like he would when rolling. Said my goodbyes and I then scarpered (in tears) as i didnt want to be there when the disposal man took him away as that is all quite undignified im afraid. the disposal man had been arranged by the vet and was waiting somewhere just around the corner where i couldnt see him, and the vet gave him the signal to come and do his bit. I didnt see any of that, and i didnt first time round either. So when i went back my beautiful baby was gone.
Its so heartbreaking. But its an essential part of being a responsible and loving animal owner. Your horse is very lucky that you love him enough to do the right thing by him. MASSIVE hugs - i feel your pain And believe it or not, the pain does ease eventually. xxxx
 
Having witnessed both methods, I would say 'gun' is kinder on the horse, and 'injection' kinder on the owner.

Sorry to hear your news op and thoughts with you at a difficult time x
 
I've always had the injection for mine and I've lost 5 over the last 40 years plus some liveries have been PTS by injection. Never had a problem with it apart from one of my old welshies who was 43 when he finally left me. His blood pressure was very low due to his age, so it did take about 5 mins for him to eventually fall down. It was still very peaceful though I have to say. They don't know anything about it and I've NEVER seen any writhing or fighting etc like some have. Maybe I've just been lucky? Also I've always stayed and although it tears me apart at the time, I am always so grateful I found the strength to in the aftermath. I think it gave each one of mine comfort and reassurance that I was there. I hope it did anyway. So sorry for you OP but sadly it goes with the territory. I lost my little dog on 30th December when she went in for what was supposed to be a routine op. I was devastated that I never got chance to say goodbye and be with her at the end and I know it will haunt me forever. Good luck with whatever you decide to do and don't feel bad if you can't stay with her, I just know for me it was the right thing to do.
 
MissSBird said:
Like my last post keeping this really brief to try and stay sensible.

It has become inevitable my mare will have to be put to sleep. She's my first horse and I've never had to do this before. God I feel sick even typing this.

There's a lot obviously to think about, but my YO has been fantastic in offering her house to sit in on the day, her husband to hold Annie etc.

What are peoples opinions on lethal injection versus the gun? Are there any marked advantages to either? I don't want her stressed or upset. Also would you be there, or leave and let someone else hold her? I admit the thought of seeing her fall over is terrifying to me right now.

And my other pony, what about her? They're in the same field and stabled together every night - theres a grill between their two stables so they are really aware of each others presense. The little one does call to Annie occasionally too. What's the best thing to do to make this change smooth for her? They've been around each other for nearly two years now.

Thankyou everyone
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You will get opinions for and against the gun/injection here, most based on experience. I cant attest to having experienced the gun, simply because such a brutal moment would have been beyond my ability to remain at a horses side... it is not a judgement, I know its swift, its lethal and it is humane... but for me the priority was that, knowing that both forms were effective and humane, what could I live with? and more importantly what could I bear to witness, because for my absolute soul mate... I was going to be there to the end. I opted for the injection... it was peaceful, her knees buckled as if she was lying down and that was it... i held her and talked to her throughout. I could not have borne the brutality of seeing a gun pointed at her beautiful head, of holding one piece of her that was damaged. I would go with the injection again without hesitation but I know that every horse reacts differently to both the gun and the injection...
 
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