Saying Goodbye

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malibu211211

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The vet confirmed yesterday that my arthritic 13 year old TB Donnegan will not make it to see next winter
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We have recently noticed that he is becoming more and more uncomfortable in his back end so vet came out yesterday and examined him. He said an xray would probably show up arthritic changes in his back (I can't remember the proper name that he said) I just know that I have not seen a horse move away like that when someone puts pressure on their back
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He said to give him Bute at the mo and I could see how he goes through the summer but I got the impression I would only be doing that for myself
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I never expected to have to say goodbye to him this soon
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I thought I would have him causing lots of trouble for a good few years yet
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I just don't know what to do
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(((((((((((hugs))))))))))))))
All I can say is that when he is no longer enjoying life, you will the do the right thing.
I lost my Arab 6 years ago - he got progressively more arthritic, he had one last summer and as soon as the colder, damp weather came we let him go with dignity.
A horrible decision to have to make - but make the most of the time you have left with him.
 
(((((((((hugs)))))))))

so sorry about your news, it does seem so unfair, he is so young. I hope you enjoy the time you have left with him and i am sure you will know when the time is right.
 
Oh no Sharon
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Hugest hugs to you. Enjoy your time with him, lots of cuddles he wont like (although I'm sure he does really, it's just his 'front' to keep his street cred).

Please let me know if you need a chat x
 
Oh honey i am so sorry for you, big hugs coming your way. I lost my boy 18 months ago now and i had to make that awful discussion so i know just how you feel. All i can say is enjoy the time you have left and don't dwell on it to much (i know easy thing to say) XXXXXXXXXXXX
 
So sorry to hear that news and my heart goes out to you.

You've certainly done your best for D and given him every opportunity for a happy life - he's a very lucky boy. Am sure you'll know the right time to make a decision.

Please feel free to pm me if you need a 'virtual ear'.
 
Awww I'm so sorry, what terrible news for you.
I hope you enjoy the summer with him, I'm sure you will spoil him rotten. Be strong, and remember that it is the best thing for him.
Lots of hugs for you xxx
 
So sorry to hear this. I'm sure you will do what is best for him when the time comes. Try to enjoy the rest of the time you have with him.
 
That's it, can't see my computer screen now, at least i'm not driving now!!!

We'll spoil him rotten now, he will completely hate it unless it involves feeding him large quanities of stuff he shouldn't have
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You have done everything you can for him bud, alot of other people wouldn't of, be brave, you will know when the time comes, i'm sure he can give us a few more black eyes yet
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Just to put another slant on this - is he really obviously unhappy? Is he struggling to keep weight on etc?

I only say this as we had a couple of old horses several years ago. One we kept askling the vet whether the kindest thing would be to put him down. His answer was (as the pony was eating) that seeing as he seemed happy in himself and his vitals were fine he was eating etc then to let him get on with it. We knew the day when he'd had enough you saw it in his face - his breathing wasn't good and he wouldn't eat.

We had aother horse and another vet from the same practice told us he was in moderate pain (arthritis) and advised us to treat him with painkillers etc. We decided not to, he was about 28/30 at this time and we'd rather know if he was in physical pain - he didn't appear in pain, just stiff. That horse we actually found dead (natural causes) one morning at the ripe old age of 36!

You do know if your horse is miserable no doubt about it but, with us we weren't paying livery costs as turned out in a field so it was decided the best thing was to let them live their lives as long as they were happy and not in visible pain. Obviously I don't know your full circumstances but it may not always be as grim as the vet makes out.

My first pony was a crock at one stage as he had bone spavin and had a fall x-country. A week or so after the fall he could barely move and I thoiught it was the end of him. We got a physio out and discovered he'd actually damaged his muscles following the fall and this, along with his spavin was causing a lot of discomfort. After 2 treatments he was sounder than he'd been for years!

As i said you know your horse best though and you'll know what is right. It's never an easy decision.
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So sorry to hear this - you will know when the time is right.

I had to say goodbye to my old boy a few months ago, and to my beautiful young horse a couple of years ago, they both made it quite clear they had had enough - my memories of them make me smile now.

Thinking of you both.xx
 
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