PinkvSantaboots
Well-Known Member
My first horse definitely had cushings but it was before vets understood the connection but it can easily be detected and treated if they are managed correctly.
Selling a horse with laminitis
- Thread starter louisedavix
- Start date
My first horse definitely had cushings but it was before vets understood the connection but it can easily be detected and treated if they are managed correctly.
PinkvSantaboots
Well-Known Member
I'm sorry you lost your horse
SO1
Well-Known Member
My old share horse had laminitis and got sold at 18. I also know of a pony that had it that also got sold.
I think it depends on what other qualities the horse or pony has that may make it desirable and if they outweigh any hard management issues that are required. Most natives have to have their grass/weight intake managed anyway to prevent laminitis even if they have not had it before.
If it is EMS there may be drugs like metformin that can help and some people may have access to track systems which are grass free or have little grass.
I personally would not buy a laminitic unless I had my own land and could micro manage the situation. I have a very good doer native pony and the stress of trying to control his weight whilst being on livery has put me off ever having a good doer again.
I think it depends on what other qualities the horse or pony has that may make it desirable and if they outweigh any hard management issues that are required. Most natives have to have their grass/weight intake managed anyway to prevent laminitis even if they have not had it before.
If it is EMS there may be drugs like metformin that can help and some people may have access to track systems which are grass free or have little grass.
I personally would not buy a laminitic unless I had my own land and could micro manage the situation. I have a very good doer native pony and the stress of trying to control his weight whilst being on livery has put me off ever having a good doer again.
louisedavix
New User
Thank you everyone for you replies. In all honesty money was never a factor for me but in past month I’ve paid almost £1k in vet bills and there is more to come. It’s starting to become a struggle since he isn’t insured for it. He also is struggling with the box rest, sometimes not eating, box walking etc. Do I call my vet sooner than planned for them to come and make the big decision or do I wait the 3 weeks for them to re X-ray?
ycbm
Einstein would be proud of my Insanity...
I'm glad we've been able to help and let you realise that PTS is far from the worst option for both of you.
What is likely to be gained or even much changed by waiting?
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What is likely to be gained or even much changed by waiting?
.
Birker2020
Well-Known Member
For me that says it all. I was prepared to go up to 1.5 bute a day but even on 2 (for a short period whilst we investigated) my horse was lame and the week before we'd arranged to have her pts she was on 3 and still lame.
louisedavix
New User
He has blood in his foot from the lami separating so really we are waiting to see if that is gone, if not it will be pts. I think it’s cause I’ve been given a 50% chance of recovery and 50% chance of permanent disability they just want to see how it’s looking in a month. He’s on one bute a day and seems comfortable but my vet doesn’t even want my farrier touching him as he’ll be in too much pain.
shortstuff99
Well-Known Member
I really feel for you with this really tough situation. With a lami this bad I'm not sure if it would be right to sell him TBH. If he recovers can he be loaned? If not I would be considering PTS.
Hugs for you x
louisedavix
New User
Thank you means a lot! I would defo consider loan but since my new job involves travel I do get nervous that if something like this was to happen again they could just pass him back, suppose I could put in agreement that its the loaners responsibility to support his rehab if does happen but unsure how they would feel about that
Birker2020
Well-Known Member
You're caught between a rock and a hard place. There's all us saying PTS and it's an easy thing to say because we have no emotional ties to the horse, but for you that has to hear those words its the end of the world, I know how it feels.
But I know also, that you want to give him the best chance. Very hard and important decision to be made. Feel for you x
shortstuff99
Well-Known Member
You can put something like that in a contract (probably you paying the vet fees). Or if money isn't so much of an issue, could find a full livery yard that can help support his care and you can then be away for work but still be in charge of his care.
L&M
Well-Known Member
Agreed, but would you knowingly take one on, espescially if buying? Having been down that road once I wouldn't again......
PSD
Well-Known Member
I wouldn’t either. It’s heartbreaking, expensive and just a huge burden in all honesty.
Equi
Well-Known Member
Being brutal here, you know you don’t plan to keep the horse for much longer (because of a valid reason may I add, people can’t always keep a horse forever and there is nothing wrong with that) but this horse has so many issues and is such a high risk for the wrong sort to get them, or sometimes you get the good person who does everything and keeps them on box rest eating one string of hay for the next 20 years because it saves their life…not all good homes are actually good for the horse.
as said have a chat with your vet. Talk to them about your own situation and what your fears for the horses future are. They can’t tell you what they think you should do, but they can be a big emotional support.
as said have a chat with your vet. Talk to them about your own situation and what your fears for the horses future are. They can’t tell you what they think you should do, but they can be a big emotional support.
Equi
Well-Known Member
And arthritis to add also, which can’t then have steroids due to laminitis risk.
PSD
Well-Known Member
It’s so hard as OP probably knows the answer but (I know I’ve been there) to actually admit and accept it is the hardest part.
Equi
Well-Known Member
It really is. In a way I’m glad my boys last vet visit had a firm diagnosis from about ten seconds in (blown suspensory) I could have done the boxrest for months and rehab for weeks etc but I was both financially and emotionally broken and his million other issues would have been made worse by boxrest and he was in a lot of pain. Putting a healthy looking horse down is gut wrenching, but you have to look at the big picture.
Birker2020
Well-Known Member
Like you say its not just the horse you have to think about either, its your own mental health and well being. When I let go of Bailey, although I missed her dreadfully I can honestly say I've not looked back. I don't regret my decision and I certainly don't miss the physical, emotional and financial trauma. And it was extremely traumatic, wondering what I would find in the field every morning when I arrived. Hoping against all hope for a successful outcome whilst trying to hold down a demanding job and home life and bleeding money from every orifice. Not something I ever want to repeat. But I'd have climbed Mount Everest barefoot if it had meant I would save her.
I've been to the gym 57 out of 62 days, loved every minute, enjoyed being financially secure and emotionally sane. Still can't sleep but so glad to be out of it all.
Looking forward to starting over with a young healthy horse. OP you have a whole new future to think about. You need to let go and I never thought I would say that but having been through it my thoughts are now different, before it was 'save at any cost' but now I realise that is not always practical, safe or beneficial to you or the horse.
MiJodsR2BlinkinTite
Well-Known Member
^^^^ Further to my earlier post I would echo these words exactly. My lovely gal was PTS just 10 days ago; every day I still go down to the yard half-expecting to see her and hear her whinny to me, but I know there was no other choice I could make given her multiple issues. A wise friend counselled me to consider my own mental & physical health as I was running myself down both physically and mentally with the stress of it all (not to mention the financial burden of multiple vets bills).
I did my best for her; but even if I was a millionaire and could afford the massive diagnostic costs (let alone any treatment, if there was any), my lovely mare was distressed; she was not herself, she hated the discomfort and pain she was in - and hated having to be incarcerated away from her little herd. If there was no other reason than that to PTS, that would have been enough.............
Feeling for you at this time.
Birker2020
Well-Known Member
Sorry to hear this.
ycbm
Einstein would be proud of my Insanity...
Sorry to read that, you loved her so much, it shone through your posts about her.
.
DizzyDoughnut
Well-Known Member
Exactly this! I lost one of my old ponies right before the pandemic and the other old one a couple of months ago, and while I obviously miss them both and was devasted at the time and would have done anything if it could have made them well again, the relief that it's over is huge! I hadn't realised how mentally worn out I was until afterwards. And the fact that the vet is no longer a regular visitor is a very welcome relief to my bank account.
You have to think of your own future and mental well-being as well!
MiJodsR2BlinkinTite
Well-Known Member
Yeap, life's a bummer sometimes.