Sedating before euthanasia

Supertrooper

Supertrooper

Well-Known Member
Joined
12 March 2010
Messages
14,075
Visit site
Just after some experiences please, my best friends 17hh shire x is being put to sleep tomorrow. I think he's going to be sedated first? The two horses that I've been with at PTS weren't given any sedation so can anyone tell me what differences there might be?

Thanks xx
 
I suppose it depends on how calm the horse is.
Is it likely to get nervous/suspicious and fight the injection.
Is could make the whole situation quieter and quicker and less stressful.
 
It is a very, very good idea. If I had to have a horse injected again I would absolutely insist. Not going back over it here but if you search my posts around December last year you will see what lack of sedation does when the vet messes up the injection. Absolutely a must.
 
Do they tend to go down slower when they've been sedated? When my mare was put to sleep she really crashed to the ground, it was ok as she didn't know anything about it but not nice for me!
 
For an injection, definitely. However, I'd always choose a bullet. My old boy was quite relaxed with a huge mouthfull of fresh grass when he went. Our local knackerman was fantastic. If we'd come at him with anything veterinary it would have been a very different experience.
 
My boy was PTS in the spring. The vet sedated and then gave him a local for the final injection, as the vet explained he wouldn't feel the large needle. My boy went down very slowly with the vet easing the front end down. He was only 14.2hh though. Very gentle and peaceful.
 
Last edited:
Mine was sedated before the vet used the bullet. He's an experienced horse vet, but it is his preference to do this so so he is absolutely sure of his aim. I went along with his suggestion as I trust him 100% in everything else. I don't know if it is usual or not.

Most definitely sedate if it's an injection. Can't see why ever not (apart from cost?).

Just to add it was a pre planned pts standing peacefully in the field due to a knackered hind suspensory.
 
Last edited:
My gelding was sedated beforehand. He was suffering from awful colic and in a lot of pain, the sedation completely relaxed him so that he was at peace for the last few minutes, he wasn't aware of anything going on around him at that point and so it was the kindest way for him to go. He did drop quite quickly, his knees buckled and he went straight down, but the vet did say this was due to him being "ready" to go as he'd had a traumatic night. He's thankfully the only horse I've seen PTS so couldn't comment on whether sedation speeds things up. x
 
I have had two PTS with injection by a Vet School. The sedation allows them to insert a plastic catheter in a large vein which is stitched in, them there is about 2-3 feet of tubing to which the syringe is connected to. This is so the drug goes directly into a main vein and works almost instantly, the extra tubing means the vet can stand out of the way when the horses goes down. They seem mainly to go back wards but there must be a risk that if they fall forwards of serious injury.
I had my old girl shot a couple of weeks ago by the hunt. in the field, from getting out of the truck to her going down 5 mins. If they are not head shy, I would have the hunt, my old girl hated needles.
 
My last horse was sedated prior to the somulose injection. He was completely snoring away when the final injection was given and knew nothing. I would always have a horse sedated first.
 
Holly Hocks said:
My last horse was sedated prior to the somulose injection. He was completely snoring away when the final injection was given and knew nothing. I would always have a horse sedated first.
Click to expand...

This has been my experience with all three of mine pts by injection. They didn't go down very slowly, but certainly not with a crash either. Not much different to them getting down in a normal situation.

My vet puts a canula in (not stitched), sedates, then follows with the final injection. Means they only get one needle. This is how it has been done with mine in both emergency and non emergency situations.

OP it's a big thing to face, ask your vet before they start to tell you exactly what they will do, how and why to set your mind at ease.

I will be thinking of you all x
 
My old boy was pts by the vet through bullet, he was heavily sedated first. He was fast asleep with the sun on his back when he dropped.
 
The manufacturers of Somulose (the usual drug used for euthanasia these days) recommend heavy sedation prior to administration of the drug. I do believe it makes the transition smoother if a little slower (not noticeably ime).
 
Mine was sedated first because he was always very wired and didn't want him injuring himself/ anyone else. It didn't really work so he had two doses but went straight down when he had the lethal injection.
 
My thoughts are with your friend :(
I've now had 5 over the years that have been pts through injection. They have all been sedated. IMO its imperative to do so. The sedation relaxes all of the muscles so the horse is far less likely to fight against the lethal injection. Without sedation you could potentially end up with a horse really playing up whilst only receiving half a dose.
I hope it all goes ok for her tomorrow x
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top