When to call it a day?

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mrsbloggett

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19 yo NF mare history of laminitis, pedal bone rotation but several years of remidal trimming. Gradual then accute left fore lameness. X-rayed and scanned poll/ neck to hoof but no significant reason for lameness.

Little response to bute therapy and Physio.

Vet advises he has done as much investigation as possible and suggests referal to Newmarket for MIR scans, but advises that I may just get told pony is lame and no medical resolution. Pony not insured, I do not have a bottomless pit of dosh.

Question: do I just admit defeat and accept pony is no longer ridable?

Please in your responses accept I do not have a bottomless pit of money. I envy those who would give their last dime to the veterinary profession but I have to be realistic (proverbially) in flogging a dead donkey.

I love this mare to bits and we have had a long amazing relationship. She will be the 1st horse I have had to say goodbye to. I have to be realistic as I do not have a couple of acres at the bottom of the garden to retire.her to. I work long hours and pay a handsome sum for her to be on assisted livery, local grass/ DIY is not available.

Respectful thoughts and / or suggestions welcomed please. ( btw i have tried just about every supplement /combination on the market)😢
 
Gosh, what an awful and frustrating place to be in.

If you trust and respect your Vet then I would call it a day on investigations - I would turn away and re assess at the end of the summer, and then if she is still lame then I would consider pts.

You would assume that it is related to her feet, what does your farrier think, is she barefoot or shod?
 
Having been through all of this myself, I wish I'd had mine pts the summer before I actually did. All the time, money, referrals, supplements etc etc made no difference in the end. As hard as it is to do, I swore I'd never do it again and I'd pts earlier.
Really sorry you're in this situation, one I'd never wish in anyone.
 
Have you tried the turmeric regime? Global Herbs turmeric which includes black pepper fed in increasing quantities (mine all get a heaped 50ml scoop) daily along with a mug if micronised linseed. If your horse has any kind of arthritic changes going on this may well help as it is a heavy anti oxidant and anti inflammatory. It really works for mine and is a cheap thing to try. I would say you would see some improvement within a couple of weeks.good luck op.
 
No advice but just warned to offer my sympathies - what a horrible situation to be in.

Hoping you make the best decision for her.
 
I am so sorry. The old adage - better a day too soon than a day too late is true. But I think most of us wait a day too late. You are facing a horrendous choice with courage and I hope I have the same courage should it come to me. We were facing that choice with our Cushings SecA a couple of years ago when he coliced and took the decision away from us.

Only you are inside your head an know your emotional response to the suggestions. But for me - I would say don't opt for further investigations. Whether you PTS now, turn away for the summer or try another supplement regime is up to you - and dependent on what her quality of life is now. You say she is acutely lame. If she is non weight bearing or so lame she cannot be turned out comfortably then I would say the time has come. If she has a good quality of life then the ball is back in your court and what you can take - both emotionally and financially. When we faced this I wasn't sure I could look at him, day in day out, knowing what was coming and would have opted for PTS sooner had he not made the decision for us. But that is me. Whatever decision you make it will be the right one because you care. Good luck.
 
Sometimes you do just have to call it a day. I have an oldie as well and he luckily is sound and happy, but if he was lame constantly and no response to bute etc then I'm afraid he would get a summer if he was comfy in the field then I would PTS

If he wasn't field sound to just be turned out 24/7 or he deteriorated then I would call it sooner.

So sorry for you but I'm the same no longer insured for long term stuff and not a bottomless piggy bank either.
 
this is easier said than done, but...........imagine if this was a horse of a friend. they had tried all the routes you have and asked the same question, you know the horse, can see the horse and see how lame etc the horse is and it doesn't respond to treatment (remember on this forum we can not see the horse).
as you are now a little removed what would the truthful answer be to your friend?

sorry to be so straightforward with my language in my reply
 
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I feel for you OP. I'm in a similarish situation with my ex racer. He's had coming up to 10k worth of diagnostics and vet treatment and a big part of me wishes I'd put him down months ago but the ****** keeps getting better before something going wrong againe! It's a hard decision to make and I think if you are not in a financial situation to turn her away then it's best to PTS. I am lucky in that I could afford to get a second horse to bring on whilst T had the time he needed, but had this not been the case I would have probably but him down. Sounds selfish though I know!
 
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