RE: Suspected Navicular case. Received most devastating news, need honest opinions.

[cptrayes]

Thank you all for your kind words and advice. I guess my next dilemma is about ways and means of having her PTS & disposal (for want of a better word) I have read the section already on the forum & found it quite helpful, but I suppose reading it and having it done are very different. This will be the first time I have had any animal PTS. Has anybody yet found a way of doing it so that it is least distressing for horse & owner? x

I personally choose the hunt and it is the cheapest method in England, though I don't use it for that reason but because I think it is best for the horse.

But it really doesn't matter, CV, just choose what is right for you and let her go with dignity to be pain free forever.

 

[FairyLights]

Do the right thing by the horse. Dont pass it on have it PTS quietly at home to save it from an uncertain future.

 

[cptrayes]

She's there before you HF1, she needs support now, not instructions barked at her not to pass her on when she has no intention of doing so.

 

[Big Ben]

The least distressing for the horse, anyone who is competent and confident with the job. The horse has no preconception of what is going to happen, so they are not worried about the event if everyone concerned makes sure they keep relaxed, so that part you don't have to worry about so much.

Personally I would choose the hunt kennel option if is available to you, means that some good comes out of a bad thing.

Living out here in the wilds, with bad weather etc, we faced the horrible situation of having to put a mare down ourselves. My son was kind enough to to be the one who pulled the trigger, and it was a good shot and an instant death for her.

It is a horrible decision to have to make, but it sounds like you have no choice but to let her go. I wish strength to you and God speed to your girl.

 

[Goldenstar]

Just had an email back from rockley farm, I think the jist of their opinion is that they cannot give a definate answer because they have not spoken to my vet but they do not want to give me false hope about her future Because it concerns them that the blocks have not left her fully sound
Thank you all for your kind words and advice. I guess my next dilemma is about ways and means of having her PTS & disposal (for want of a better word) I have read the section already on the forum & found it quite helpful, but I suppose reading it and having it done are very different. This will be the first time I have had any animal PTS. Has anybody yet found a way of doing it so that it is least distressing for horse & owner? x

For me the most distressing bit is the decideing you have done that now.
At home is I think best for the horse no travel no stress .
The method is up to you my choice is the vet to shoot the hunt to pick up I personally don't what ever to see the hunt van so I book the vet the advantage being a slightly head shy horse can have a little sedation we book the hunt to come twenty minutes after the vet I have said my goodbyes before the vet comes we lead round the corner I stand behind the vet shut my eyes when I talk to them all the time when I hear the bang I go straight to the house I don't look at my own when dead .
It's not in any way distressing to the horse they have no forethought I won't pretend it's not a difficult day for the owner it's the last thing you do for them so I work hard at doing right by them on the day.
Even writing this is enough to make me tearful but there is a lot of comfort in doing right by them Best Wishes.

 

[Oberon]

I'm always one to never give up but changes to the coffin bone especially is something you can't overcome.

I'm so, so sorry this has happened to you and your horse.

You are making the right decision.

Whatever method you chose will be the right one.

 

[Wagtail]

Just had an email back from rockley farm, I think the jist of their opinion is that they cannot give a definate answer because they have not spoken to my vet but they do not want to give me false hope about her future Because it concerns them that the blocks have not left her fully sound
Thank you all for your kind words and advice. I guess my next dilemma is about ways and means of having her PTS & disposal (for want of a better word) I have read the section already on the forum & found it quite helpful, but I suppose reading it and having it done are very different. This will be the first time I have had any animal PTS. Has anybody yet found a way of doing it so that it is least distressing for horse & owner? x

The injection every time for me. The three that I have seen have been very quick and unstressful for the horse. One of the three did have some agonal breathing afterwards, but vet said that she was already dead and it was just reflexes. I personally could not stand the thought of any horse of mine being shot. But know it is just as humane as by injection, it is just a personal preference as the gun seems so violent.

 

[FairyLights]

I call our local hunt. they are very professional and the horse dies knowing nothing.

 

[Zuzzie]

I would always choose injection over a gun. I've had two put to sleep this way. They are used to being vaccinated and, for them, they have no clue as to what is about to happen. The injection is very quick. You would have to bring the animal outside to an area where it can be collected afterwards with ease. Basically once the animal has had the injection it will collapse to the ground and usually by that time its gone. I believe that years ago people would avoid this option because it wasn't always possible to calculate the correct amount of chemical to get the job done instantly. They have come a long way since then and, to me, this is a very quick, painless, stress free way of going.
However, it will cost you more as there will be vets fees plus the cost of disposing of the carcass as it cannot be used in the food chain. You will need to pay for cremation. If you do opt for this, then once the horse has died, leave the premises - you don't want to see it being dragged into the van.

I am so very sorry for you - saying goodbye to a horse is always heartbreaking.

 

[CVSHotShot]

Again, thank you all for your time to reply.
I personally feel that the injection will be the path which we choose to take. I don't think cremation will be an option for us financially so we are making arrangement to have her buried in a place which I know I can visit.

Today I was allowed to take her out of the stable for some 'Light walking' in-hand & she made it quite obvious that she had other ideas. The Maizy I know would have dandered along at her own pace to get to the arena & then stood there neighing for you to come back, but today she quite the opposite, buzzing to get off for a good gallop, took quite alot to keep her feet on the ground!...& Although it was great to see her in such good form, it does make it all the harder to comprehend that a horse still with such life, has to meet such a sad end so soon. x

 

[noodle_]

The injection every time for me. The three that I have seen have been very quick and unstressful for the horse. One of the three did have some agonal breathing afterwards, but vet said that she was already dead and it was just reflexes. I personally could not stand the thought of any horse of mine being shot. But know it is just as humane as by injection, it is just a personal preference as the gun seems so violent.

i agree - injection


i held my mare as she went down, i couldnt do that with a bullet....she knew i was there... the vet asked me to hold her head up as he injected her, she was already sedated and ready to go.... when she took her last breathe i was there for her....and quite honestly it was very peaceful....

i do replay the image in my head every.single.day. and its bloody hard. but you know whats best for you horse and in this case imo euthanasia is the kindest thing to do....

 

[Wagtail]

Again, thank you all for your time to reply.
I personally feel that the injection will be the path which we choose to take. I don't think cremation will be an option for us financially so we are making arrangement to have her buried in a place which I know I can visit.

Today I was allowed to take her out of the stable for some 'Light walking' in-hand & she made it quite obvious that she had other ideas. The Maizy I know would have dandered along at her own pace to get to the arena & then stood there neighing for you to come back, but today she quite the opposite, buzzing to get off for a good gallop, took quite alot to keep her feet on the ground!...& Although it was great to see her in such good form, it does make it all the harder to comprehend that a horse still with such life, has to meet such a sad end so soon. x

She can't be in much pain then. Is it worth having a second opinion? Did you get to see all the xrays?

 

[Elsbells]

I have been watching this thread with a heavy heart.

You are a very caring owner OP who doesn't deserve what you are going through. How someone could have such a cold heart to be able to move this poor mare on to you as they have is shocking and one day they'll be repaid for their cruelty.

You however are the mares saviour. You came together when she needed someone who would care for her and could love her. What ever you decide OP, it will be the right decision and although you dont feel it right now, one day I promise you, you'll feel you did too.

(((hugs))) and strength!!

 

[Zuzzie]

I have been watching this thread with a heavy heart.

You are a very caring owner OP who doesn't deserve what you are going through. How someone could have such a cold heart to be able to move this poor mare on to you as they have is shocking and one day they'll be repaid for their cruelty.

You however are the mares saviour. You came together when she needed someone who would care for her and could love her. What ever you decide OP, it will be the right decision and although you dont feel it right now, one day I promise you, you'll feel you did too.

(((hugs))) and strength!!

What a beautiful thing to say! I think we all echo this and are feeling your pain.

 

[CVSHotShot]

She can't be in much pain then. Is it worth having a second opinion? Did you get to see all the xrays?

This was my exact thought at the time. But I did get to see the xrays and my vet talked me through them & because the majority of her problems are Degenerative, she will only worsen with time. Unfortunately I am not in a position financially to have all of her xrays and blocks done again by another vet but from what I have heard from many experienced sources there would be no point, it would be different if it were only the one problem

Elsbells, I really did appreciate such a thoughtful statement. The fact that there has been so much support for a little mare that nobody has met, really is very comforting & I am eternally grateful for all the words of advice. When I first received the news I couldn't make sense of any of it & without the help of the H&H members I would probably still be no further on x

 

[cptrayes]

She can't be in much pain then. Is it worth having a second opinion? Did you get to see all the xrays?

I'm sorry Wagtail but I don't think you can come to that conclusion just because a pure TB whose been on boxrest for days went for a whizz when she was allowed out.

This little horse has degenerative disease in at least eight joints in three legs. It is difficult to see how she is not going to be in pain in the years to come if anyone tries to keep her going. Some horses will do a lot to ignore or hide pain, some won't. This one is a trouper - it took nerve blocks to expose that she was lame on a hind leg at all.

CV, I am still thinking of you and the terrible lead-up you are having to Christmas this year. I am sure Santa will not be planning to go chimney-surfing to the people who sold you your mare!

 

[Wagtail]

It is awful when they look so well to make the decision. I was looking at my retired 10 year old TB in the sand turnout today. He has the most terrible hocks (xrays show spurs growing on spurs!). But yet he performed a perfect canter full piroette right back on his hocks, neck arched like a stallion. When I see him do these kinds of things, it makes me want to try him again. But in my heart, I know he's broken. Ironically, his hocks have never given him a problem, despite how they look. In fact the xrays were only done due to a kick he sustained in the field.

 

[Halfpast]

I too have read every post on this thread with a heavy heart. As I am in a similar position.
I need to make that awful decision also but seeing him prance around the field as though there s nothing wrong, makes the decision even harder to ake.
The vet said that adrenalin kicks in and will over ride any pain or discomfort felt.

Your mare is very lucky to have found you and my thoughts are with you.
X

 

[CVSHotShot]

Sorry to hear about both of your horses Halfpast & Wagtail

I am waiting on permission for a burial site to come through this week, it is all starting to feel very real now & I worry that the mare can sense there is something wrong as I can barely look at her now without getting upset.

x

 

[cptrayes]

CVS I am stunned by your lack of self pity in this situation, because heaven knows it would be well deserved after what the person who sold your mare has put you through. Stay strong, it will be over soon. You have my total admiration for the way you are handling this.

 

[Tammytoo]

I have been watching this thread with a heavy heart.

You are a very caring owner OP who doesn't deserve what you are going through. How someone could have such a cold heart to be able to move this poor mare on to you as they have is shocking and one day they'll be repaid for their cruelty.

You however are the mares saviour. You came together when she needed someone who would care for her and could love her. What ever you decide OP, it will be the right decision and although you dont feel it right now, one day I promise you, you'll feel you did too.

(((hugs))) and strength!!

There is nothing more than I can add to this - I can only bless you for being there at the right time for this poor mare.

 

[Wagtail]

OP I am so sad for you. You did not deserve this, and you are treating this poor mare with the upmost sympathy and compassion. I hope it all goes as well as it can for you and her.

 

[unbalanced]

This is so sad OP and I am so sorry for you. You are doing such a wonderful kind thing for this mare and she is lucky to have found you.

 

[CVSHotShot]

Thank-you folks.

Just a quick question with regards to the xrays...
A specialist equestrian rehab centre have offered to get their vets to take a look at Maizys xrays for me, after hearing quite a few negative reports about the current vet. However, I asked for a copy of them the same day she was xrayed & the vet said no because he owned the licence for the machine? :S

Is this true?...Do u not get copies of xrays even though you've paid quite alot for them? x

 

[wench]

You should have copies if you request them.

 

[cptrayes]

Thank-you folks.

Just a quick question with regards to the xrays...
A specialist equestrian rehab centre have offered to get their vets to take a look at Maizys xrays for me, after hearing quite a few negative reports about the current vet. However, I asked for a copy of them the same day she was xrayed & the vet said no because he owned the licence for the machine? :S

Is this true?...Do u not get copies of xrays even though you've paid quite alot for them? x

The vet owns the copyright. It is, however, entirely unethical if he refuses to hand them over for a second opinion to another vet and h will probably agree to that.