Sorry, a little bit morbid :(

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Hells Bells

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I was hoping to get a little guidance on something, which I know isn't easy to talk about, but I want to know as much as possible prior to anything happening.

My boy, Rocket is 33 this year, I have had him since I was 12 and he is starting to show his age now. He has never had any health problems in all the time I have had him. Never lame, sore or sorry. He has built my confidence up over the years and taught friends and family to ride and taken me x country, jumping, beach rides- anything.

This week I had the vet to look at him as he got a nick on his leg, and we got onto the topic of the winter etc, and it was suggested that I just keep a good eye on him and his condition and then we can reassess if needs be. This is the first time in the years that I've owned him that I've truly had to think about 'the time' when he may need to say goodbye...and I just want to know what to expect?

I'm very lucky in that all my boys are still going, and I've not ever had to experience saying goodbye to one, and I know its morbid, but what happens? How does the vet do it? Is it best to stay with them? Are you allowed to?

Thanks all so much in advance, i know its not nice, but I want to know.
 
You should be with them if you can bear to.

If PTS by the vet, they are given a lethal injection then walked out of the stable to the spot where they can be collected for removal. They usually lie down and after a few minutes, the vet will listen to the heart to make sure they've gone. Sometimes, a fit horse will fight it and try not to go down.

If PTS by a Nackerman, they are shot in the temple and are instantly gone. It might sound violent but the horse knows nothing
 
It's a very sad decision when it has to be made and you will get plenty of people telling you 'better a month too early, than a day too late' and 'put him to sleep at the end of the summer' etc. But you have to be very confident in your decision to PTS before the horse is actually starting to suffer. Me, I couldn't do it, but if I think a horse's quality of life is so poor that it would be better off dead then I will make that decision, but not before. If the horse is still enjoying life and not in too much discomfort, and eating, and has the sparkle of life in it's eye, then it doesn't matter what time of year it is, it stays alive.

You can choose either shooting, or lethal injection to PTS. Both are quick and painless and it's a personal decision. I prefer the needle, others prefer the bullet. I also prefer to be with the horse to the end, but do not blame others who choose not to be.

Both methods have some post mortem movements and noises. There can be twitching and kicking after shooting, and some deep gasps after lethal injection, but the horse is unaware of them as it is already dead. Hope this helps.
 
Thanks guys, I know its not a nice thing to ask about, but its just one thing I felt I should know about before it came to it.

At the moment, Rocket is happy. He trots up for his tea in the field and goes for the odd walk on the lead around the block. The vet has just said that he is going to start declining in health now and that his age is catching, and I just need to be aware of it.

Im completely with you when it comes to keeping him alive as long as he's in no discomfort, its just such a tough thing t think about.

I think when it comes to it, I'd probably go with the vet pts, but its just so hard. I always vowed when I got any horse, they would have a home for life, which he has, and it all feels so massive having a decision like this on my shoulders. A lot of what ifs and whens running around my head!
 
It is such a hard decision, especially with one that is just more mature in years rather than having anything obviously physically wrong.
I would personally go for the needle, I just don't like the idea of the noise of a gun. I have witnessed both, and I would say that they are pretty similar for the horse.
My boy is a good deal younger than yours (22) and I have a plan for when the moment comes, how, who (my little bro, if possible, as he'll be a vet by the time it comes) and where and also where his ashes will go.
If he is happy and healthy atm, and he came through the last winter alright, then I would not count chickens yet
 
Clippy said:
You should be with them if you can bear to.

If PTS by the vet, they are given a lethal injection then walked out of the stable to the spot where they can be collected for removal. They usually lie down and after a few minutes, the vet will listen to the heart to make sure they've gone. Sometimes, a fit horse will fight it and try not to go down.

If PTS by a Nackerman, they are shot in the temple and are instantly gone. It might sound violent but the horse knows nothing
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They are shot through the front of the head, not the side.
Also, when my pony had an injection she went down immediately, she wasn't walking anywhere, I think that is wrong info too. Sorry, but having had far too many put down over the last ten years I am more expert than I would choose.
With the injection there is noise and blood, its much more shocking to us. Thing to bear in mind is if they are dying their ciirculation can collapse at which point the injection doesn't work very well and a bullet is better. Either way is distressing for us but not for them.
 
You are doing the right thing being organised then if an emergency arises you will know what you are doing. We have lost four old timers over the last two years. One that was planned the vet came the day before and clipped over the vein for easy access and then there isnt any faffing about. Our vet fits a venflon and gives a dose of sedation and we walk the animal to the lawn with a nice big bucket of grub.She then introduces the overdose of anaesthetic. Some go very quickly. Our vet lets me hold the rope until they start to buckle. Then for H&S reasons she has to take the rope. It is usually over in minutes, no hysterics. I would say if you think you will be unable to stay composed then let someone impartial hold him.
We lost a wee shettie the other day with twisted gut. That unfortunately was unplanned and the wee pets circulation had gone. It took 45 minutes for her heart to stop. That was not nice and took five syringes of anaesthetic. She wasnt in any pain after the first dose, but I wished the owner hadnt been there. I unfortunately am laid up with a busted leg. That's when the humane bolt is good when its in the right hands, but in the wrong hands its a mess. I saw a vet do a bodged job thirty years ago. We were washing the walls all night.
 
I had always planned for my boy to have the injection, however on the 26th November last year he took the decsision out of my hands, and I had no choice put to get the hunt out.

The vets could not come until much later that day, and the hunt were with us within minutes.

I said my good byes but could not be with him, although a familiar face stayed with him.

I was in such a state that I could not see how it would benefit him for me to be there, and also every time he found the strength to sniff my hand he was trying to get up which was distressing for all of us.

Do what I am trying to say is, yes plan, but don't get your heart set on anything xxx
 
This is a subject that's still quite fresh in my mind, I had my girl PTS 3 weeks ago today :( It was a decision I had made only a few days earlier but I knew 110% it was the right decision for us. It's important that you know for your peace of mind when the time is right, you know your horse, I'm confident you'll know when it's the right time.

I've only had pony/horse PTS by injection. Our pony went down quite nicely, she had a little muscle twitching afterwards but didn't have any gasps of breath. We had a digger on hand and had her buried in the paddock.

With my mare, I grazed her inhand for an hour and a half in the sunshine so she went with a full belly! We had it done in the field so there was plenty of access as I wanted her taken away for cremation although I didn't want her back, for me it felt as though it wouldn't be her. The vet came and sedated her and then she gave her the overdose injection. For a big old girl she went down quite gracefully (apparently, I couldn't watch her fall) and I was with her until the end. My vet let me hold her until just before she went down and then I had a little while sitting with her in the field. My vets arranged for her colleciton and everything was billed through them to make things simpler. There was no twitching, movement or gasps of breath, she had gone straight away and I took alot of comfort from this.

For me, although it was very sad and she was my baby girl, I know it was the right thing and things went as smoothly and peacefully as possible.
 
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Ive luckily never had to make the decision yet, I know I probably will one day. But the experiences I have had are both of the injection. Horse went down very quietly. The last one I witnessed was very sweet. The pony was put down in the field with all of his friends. The boys were allowed to come up and kind of say a goodbye. They came up and sniffed and nuzzled him and then went back to grazing.
Just remember that it is very hard for the vet to do aswell. My friend is a vet and gets upset having to do it
 
The first sticky in veterinary as about euthanasia and disposal.
I read this before I had to make the decision, thinking it would be ages before it happened. It is very informative and useful.
The decision had to be taken sooner than I had anticipated and I chose to have the vet inject her at home. She went down very quickly and the vet had arranged for the lorry to arrive very soon afterwards and they walked me away and we discussed the rest of my little herd while she was loaded. Although I am very close to tears just thinking about it, I know I did the right thing for my mare and grateful for the vets understanding of the situation.
If you are aware of the options you will be able to make the right decision for you and your horse. Big hugs being sent your way.
 
I think if this year he is only just starting to look poorer, ime - you have a few years left buying food for him :) Our vet has always been very good with our oldies (something we always seem to have a lot of!) and they may lose condition and get a bit stiffer, but as long as they are still running for tea and have a twinkle in their eye, I don't see a problem tbh. Old people will drop weight and likely have a few niggles, doesn't make them miserable (although more often than not they are! :rolleyes: )

Older horses do struggle, but with the feeding and knowledge as it is now, it ios possible to find something that will really help (unless you are already doing all the veteran feeds etc - still, there's always something new to learn with horses isn't there!).

Our oldest horse lived til 36 - and then he died in the field (fell under the fence down a little hill, not sure if he fell then died, or died then fell, but either way, with him it would always be dramatic!)
 
Thank you all so much for your help. Silly me, I should have noticed the thread in the other topic.

My heart goes to you all that have lost your special boys or girls.

I know I can never be fully prepared, but I'm grateful for all the experiences you have given me.

Have had this boy since he was 6 so its going to be very tough, but I've made a promise to him and myself that I will not be selfish in this, and the minute its time, I wont hesitate.

It almost feels i'm playing God, which is the bit that hurts.
 
i have unfortunately benn through this 3 times with older horses and had time to arrange everything. the first one was shot in his field by a knackerman , i held him and he lowered his head and bang it was over.this horse was frightened of men yet he was very relaxed and seemed quite happy with this very quiet, sympathetic man who made this horrible time more bearable for both of us. i moved and couldnt use this man again so both of the other times my vet sedated the horse and i stayed feeding mints until they stopped chewing and were dopey, then i walked away and he shot them, so both of those times i didnt see the horse fall and found this option the best for me even though the first time it couldnt have gone better but i kept reliving it afterwards. hopefully your horse will not need this for a while but it is always best to be prepared with a plan....
 
I had one vet that told me i should start thinking about whether to put the old pony through the winter, this was 10 years ago, sadly i lost him last year at age 32. Dont be afraid to take their advice with a pinch of salt, my boy was fit and strong up until last year. Needless to say that vet didnt last long at the practice.

I have had my fair share of losses the past few years and there is no way i could personally have mine shot. Each to their own.

My horses have been let go peacefully by injection. The vet injected quickly and easily with virtually no blood (just the needle prick) and they have all slipped away quietly. I have always stayed with mine, one of my gorgeous mares who sadly was very very ill, knew she was ill and called to me - i went to get up from by her head to check everyone else was ok - she was lying there in the stable - lifted her head up and gently whinned to me as if to say dont leave me- That breaks my heart everytime i think about her - so so tragic.

Do what is right for your horse - whilst he is fit and well enjoy him.

Make every single day count; you dont know what is going to happen that day, one morning i turned out my baby and when i went to put them away for the night he was dead in the field. In image i will never forget. I always though he would be around especially being a baby.

Dont take your time for granted, enjoy every second and treasure their love and friendship. I would give everything for another few moments with my babies.
 
gg1986 said:
Have had this boy since he was 6 so its going to be very tough, but I've made a promise to him and myself that I will not be selfish in this, and the minute its time, I wont hesitate.

It almost feels i'm playing God, which is the bit that hurts.
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this bit brought tears to my eyes!! you are far from selfish although I understand the playing God bit! He will tell when the right time comes, and you'll know that it will be the most selfless act you give him. my thoughts are with you and your boy xx
 
never an easy decision to make, at any time. personally i prefer a gun to injection as it is quicker. sadly there can be noise/blood/twitching with the gun but the horse has gone before it reaches the floor, and noise and twitching with injection which can last up to 5 mins. a bit of sedation helps the proceedure for the humans present. neither method is wrong, end result is the same BUT it comes down to personal choice, and whether your vet has a gun license or not. It is good that you are thinking ahead, but hopefully with good management your oldie will have another couple of happy years .... with good food and good management.
 
I have lost a few over the years and have always had them injected.

As for your old boy, I think he'll let you know when he's ready. My old lady is 29yrs, and I've had her since she was 7. She has Cushings, COPD and in March this year she fractured her pedal bone - galloping around the field like a loon! I thought that maybe I would have to make 'the decision' but decided to give her a while to see if she would become more comfortable. Then a few weeks later, she collapsed with colic. By 11pm, and two Vet visits later, she seemed to be no better, so I called my friend (a Vet who wasn't on call that night) and asked her please to come over, as if I had to do the deed, I wanted it to be her. She arrived 40 mins later, whereupon, Mrs C grunted, farted and let us know, that in actual fact she was over it.

It fairly knocked the stuffing out of her and it was a good couple of weeks before she was 100% back to herself.

This week, she had barged past me out of the field, charged at 3 of the others horses, putting them back in their place, and escaped out of the field (again) and refused to let me catch her for nearly an hour! And all this time she is hooning around you never she her limp, so I guess the foot is healing well.

The day she stops galloping around the field every morning when I out her out, and stops attempting to bite me when I rug her up, I'll know the signs of having had enough are starting.

I'm sure your boy will tell you too.
 
I had my Oliver p2s 15 weeks ago, and it was the hardest but the most beautiful day all rolled into one.

once the times comes its almost like the decision is made for you and its really not that hard .. the hard part is staying strong and focused.


please read my thread

Euthanasia, be there or not?


R.I.P all horses gallop across the stars
 
I am having my boy pts next week as that time has come. I wanted to have him injected as i thought that would be easier for me as if he is shot i will leave before the deed is done. However on speaking to many people vets/knackermen etc some know him some dont and also my uncle who is a vet but not local I have decided to go for shooting as the injection has much more which can go wrong. Including the horse dropping to quickly and vet faffing trying to find a vein again. My boy will have his head in a hige bucket of corn and will know nothing as the guy who will do it will be an old family friend who he knows. I want the quickest and least stressful way for him so i will say my goodbyes before anything happens.
It is however completly your choice. but remember if you use the vet you have to arrange transport too unlike if knacker man does it. I hope your lad goes on for a long time and you dot face this decision anytime soon
 
what lovely people you all are, and thank you all so much.

I will keep you all up to date on what happens with my little Pocket Rocket.

Funnily, I went down to check on them all in their stables tonight, and the little blighter was well in the process of unlocking himself from his stable. He never ceases to amaze me.

I'd like to think I'll be able to keep him safe and well for another few months yet, but its just so heart wrenching. This little man has seen me through all the hard times in my life. Bad men, bad choices, tears, laughter, a couple of children,he has always still been there, the one true constant in my life. Sometimes he acts more like a human then me! I dont think i can imagine a life with him not in it, the little whickers every time he sees me, and the gentleness he used to show to my kids.

Your comments have all been very helpful. I didnt realise there was a sedation prior to injection, and I didnt realise shooting was an option. I guess its one of those things you cant decide until it happens...but I know now I have to be there, like he has been for me. Im sorry to sound gushy, but writing this has made me realise (not that i wasnt grateful before!) just how long he's been there for me... 27 years!! what a fabulous pony he has been!

thanks all again for your help. Wish id found this site a lot sooner then I did.
 
I lost my old boy at the end of august, ( as you can see by my signature ),
He was about 33 years old, so I'd thought about what I'd do at the end. On the day I was lucky that everything went to plan.
It was the first warm day here in wks, so he had the sun on his back, I stayed with him while he grazed and ate a huge number of carrots. The vet arrived 45 mins after being called, and sedated him, then pts with injection.
I held him until the sedation started working, then I handed him to a trusted freind / vet nurse, I couldn't face seeing him dead, so I left.
It might sound morbid, but I had already asked my YO to cut some off his tail for me, once he'd gone.

I think its good to think about what you'd like ( I knew that I couldn't face the thought of him being shot ), but be ready for plans to change.
have a couple of numbers incase the person you want to do it can't be there for whatever reason. If you are able to plan it, maybe someone can be there with him for you if you think it would be too upsetting for you?
Also, think about what you'd like done with the body, its hard to make these decisions on the spot.

Hopefully, you'll have more time to spend with your boy.
when I wasnt sure what to do about my boy, I was telling someone how confused I was, they said to do nothing, as when it was time, it would be clear.
I have to say they were right. When your boy has had enough, you'll know.
For me, thinking about it was worse than actually doing it, ( although I miss him terribly )
kx
 
All these stories of peoples horses being put to sleep made me cry like a baby! :( You will know in your heart when it is the right time, like others have said, he will let you know. When I was younger I had two of my oldies put to sleep, Oscar first then a few months later Sundance had to go :( . They were both shot, my Dad held them whilst it was done. I couldn't be there to see them like that, I wanted to remember both of them as i'd seen them for the years previous, in the field munching away! It was painless for them both and still brings a tear to my eye thinking about them now as they were both amazing in different ways but it was the right time for them before they got too poorly, it would have been worse seeing them in pain than not having them around at all. Good luck with whatever decision you make, and you know it'll be the right one for you and your horse. xxx
 
My last three were all put down by injection. Have to disagree with Clodagh's "noise and blood" comment. The only noise is the horse going down. And there is very little blood at all. I think something may not have been right with the procedure.

Also, the horse needs, if possible, to be already sited in the place where they are to be put down - NOT in the stable. Our are put down on the concrete track outsid, which has direct access to the road, so that when the haulier arrives to collect the body they can back up close.

The one thing that distresses people is that there are involuntary spasms and twitches AFTER death. they are scary the first time you see them, but the horse is already brain dead. The body, whether aniumal or human, does not stop dead, excusing the pun, at the point of death. It goes on for a while with the remains of its programming - e.g. the nails of human dead go on growing for a little while.

It is a very sad time, and you will miss your Rocket greatly ( I feel particularly for you as we had a Rocket too). But just be with him, keep your voice and your demeanour cheerful and calm, feed him all the naughty titbits in bulk that he could wish for - and save your tears, and they will be many, for after. In my experienece both vets and hauliers are hugely sympathetic, and will make averything as good as they can in the circumstances for you and your horse. If you can arrange it, leave your boy once he is gone, and get a kind friend to be there for the 'removal man'. That is the saddest part. All my good wishes are with you - and it may not happen for many moons yet!!
 
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