When / how to make THAT decsision.....

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Ditto Thistle about the insurance. For a vet to declare a horse needing to be PTS and for the insurance to pay out the full value the horse has to be in serious immediate agony. If the horse is vaguely field sound they will not recommend PTS.


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That's not strictly true, our insurance company would pay out if we had our field-bound horse PTS
 
You really have to assess their life if kept on, would they have a LIFE? Would they get depressed with not doing anything, some horses are ok, but others NEED a purpose in life!
Very Tough decision especially with her being so young, but in the long run PTS is the best option. It's a shame really, coz you can't even say that she's leaving on a high note! Just think she'll be completly pain free, arsing around lovely green pastures above surrounded by lots of other horses, my shettie Rupert included!
 
Halfpass I'm really sorry for you, I hope it doesn't come to you having to make the decision. I know it's hard but keep hope. I was facing the decisions you are back in January when my TB was diagnosed with collateral ligament damage. The specialist at Liphook told me he'd never be ridden again (especially as he has previous hind suspensory damage). At 9yrs old I didn't know what to do but luckily he came sound and is back in work albeit not competition work. So keep hope for now, she might amaze you all.
As for the decision... for me it would depend how much pain she was in and how well she'd cope with retirement. I put my 8yr old TB down six years ago with ligament damage - we couldn't keep him pain free and he looked like a hat rack. You need to consider how she'd cope and how you would cope both financially and mentally. Is it worth giving her a year in the field just to see? Whatever you do I'm sure it will be the right thing by her. At least you understand her needs and are giving thought to it.
 
I'm really not sure age has anything to do with it. If the horse (of ANY age) is not even pasture sound and is struggling to get around every day, then there is only one course of action to be taken, in my opinion. It boils down to, will the horse have any quality of life? Will the horse be happy in it's new role? Will the horse have a carer for the rest of it's life? If the answer to these questions is doubtful, then sadly, for me there would be only one decision to be made.

I do hope that the next lot of treatment is successful though; try to remain positive until the results show themselves to you.
 
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That's not strictly true, our insurance company would pay out if we had our field-bound horse PTS

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Wow, I might start looking to change who I insure with. With my insurance company a field-sound horse would be a LOU case, I don't think they would ever support PTS for a horse comfortable in the field. I thought this was the point of LOU?
 
When we had Sammy pts Petplan did eventually pay out but he was not technically field sound and we had a report from both our vets and from New Market saying that this was the only humane option. I think it all depends on what your vets opinion is...
 
Hi, I totally sympathise with your dilemma... I am in a similar situation myself. I am of the opinion if you have done all you can for her to make her sound and all treatment has failed then it would be kinder to put her to sleep. I know some people will disagree with me, that she should be retired to the field but not all horses are happy to do nothing in the field ( i know from personal experience!) this is not financially viable for many people either unless they have a farm or similar of their own! I believe we should take responsibility for our horses and not look to pass them on to loan or companion homes as many turn out to be rogues and bute up your horse and sell on or dont feed them so they end up in worse condition. My 17.1 Tb is at the Last Chance Saloon now, he is injury prone and most of his body parts are now excluded from the insurance. I have spent thousands trying to get and keep him right and he is now at a rehabilitation yard at £135 per week for 8 weeks to see if he improves. If not I will have him put down. It is not a decision i have taken lightly but what choice do i have?
I have bought every magnetic rug, massaging pad and handheld device on the market, supplements, physio, chiropracter, vet, scintigraphy, injections, drugs etc all to no avail. If anyone out there has a miracle cure for chronic sacro illiac problems, and tendon strains in a very spooky nutty thoroughbred please let me know!
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