Preparing for the worse update

[gill]

First of all thankyou for the many replies regarding my question I found them sad but very helpful. Vet has said no more can be done for her and I should think about putting her to sleep. I have spent many hours watching her over the weekend and its not a case that she cant get up after lying down she is actually falling over when she nods off. So I phoned vet and I have to give him a few days notice so will be Monday if I go ahead. However I have to arrange disposal myself !! wasnt expecting to hear that, it will just make it more stressful for me phoning round sorting that out. But I know I have to see this through and I will. Thanks again.

[wabuska]

Gill, I'm sure you'll get lots of sound advice here. I just wanted to put out my hand and say how sorry I am for your loss. Having had a sibling die, I can relate. Hope you get things sorted as smoothly as possible with the mare. Kya.

[julz]

aw.. gill am so sorry... we lost out nephew last summer suddenly.... (((((hugs)))))

as for the mare.. so sorry you are having to think of this and hope it doesnt come to this, not yet.

It will depend on how you want her to go. Shot by vet or hunt, or by injection.

I've no experience of shooting. But injection, everything for S was organised by our vet, including the lorry who took him away after he'd gone, so the whole thing was over and done smoothly. Very kind liveries at the yard stayed away and let us have the whole place, with no interruption.

(((((hugs)))))

[gill]

Thankyou for your kind thoughts !!

[jennyb]

I'm sorry for your loss.

I have never personally experienced a horse pts, but I would say consult with your vet if you are able about the best method for your mare. Injection is normally quick and easy, but if an elderly horse has poor circulation then it can take a while to work and I'm sure there are some horses who would be better with a gun. It depends on what you, or the person who will be with the horse, feel they can cope with too. The gun is noisy but very quick for the horse, and a clean shot won't be gory or leave a lot of mess.

Your vet again should be able to advise on disposal of the body too and will likely have contacts that you can use, again depending on which disposal method you choose. It's an awful subject but I think it pays to think about it before you need to make decisions, if you know what I mean.

[ashleigh]

I have only had experience of the injection, but in both cases it was peaceful and dignified.

I have never been present for the disposal as found the idea of watching the body being winched on to the lorry quite upsetting. The vet organised the lorry, and hubby dealt with that bit for me.

It might be worth phoning your vet and having a chat with them about options and what to expect beforehand. I am sure they won't mind, as if you are well prepared, it makes their job a bit easier too.

Whatever you decide, my thoughts are with you.

[SarahW]

Hi Gill,

I have had horses put down using both methods and the injection was the most peaceful from my point of view. The vet gave her a sedative first so that she was all woozy and then gave her the injection. You need to be aware that it is the back legs that go first and they may react to that with a little rear but my Rosie was gone from this world before she even reached the floor. I felt able to stroke her and talk to her as she died. There used to be lots of horror stories about this procedure going wrong but these days it would be extremely rare.

In her case, I had arranged for her body to be incinerated and the chap who collected her was very respectful of my feelings and gave me time to say goodbye. Her body was winched into his truck.

When a horse is shot, I don't think they have any idea what's coming. However the bang from the gun and as they drop to the floor is quite traumatic for us and if you want to be with your horse, it's a lot to take. There's also quite a bit of blood.

Given what you've been through already, I think I'd go for the first option and maybe ask someone who is friends with the horse to be there either with or instead of you.

[mandal]

Oh Gill I'm too am so sorry to hear of the loss of your sister. What a dreadful time to have to have to think about this. (((hugs)))

I've only had Toby pts and that was by injection. I had Toby in his usual open barn so I knew it was accessable for the tractor afterwards to move his body.
The vet shaved a patch on his neck to be sure of a vein and I held Toby (mini shetland) he crumpled to his knees almost immediately and then onto his side. I had to leave at that point for a few minutes but it had been very quick and effective.
I had arranged for a local Farmer to bury him so when I was able I rang him to come and move his body and bury him.
Being there is one of the most horrible things I've ever had to help with or witness. I know some people just cannot do it and I can entirely understand why. You may decide if you can for someone else the mare knows to be with her if it does become necessary.

I would ask your vet about the body and make all the arrangements before hand. Hope this one experience is of some help.

[clara81]

I have had two ponies pts sleep by injection. The most important thing to think about is to do it where the truck can get to the body easily as you don't want the trauma of sorting that out afterwards. The injection was so peaceful. The first time my pony was very old and was down in the field so we decided to just do it where he was and he just closed his eyes and it was over. The second time my horse had cancer and was in agony and we were all very distressed but it was over so quickly and peacefully for him that it was a massive relief. Our vets will arrange for disposal if owners find it too difficult but both times I saw the body winched into the truck and it didn't bother me as I just saw it as a body, not my horse. I think that depends on your beliefs and perceptions. All the best.

[Liz]

I'm so sorry, Gill. I can relate to your feelings having lost my twin sister. It was a long time ago now but I still miss her.

I've lost several horses over many years and usually asked the hunt to depatch them. The huntsman was very experienced in this job and the deed was done at home very quickly and efficiently and the carcase taken to the kennels. Not all hunts can offer this service and they do charge now since they have had to install/upgrade incinerators. Most of my horses were used for hunting and, inded, a couple were ex-hunt horses and they simply loved their work. It seemed to me to be completing the circle for them to go to the hunt. Like Clara81, once they are dead, the beloved horse has gone and only the wrapping remains.

I wish you and your mare peace, whatever happens.

[gordo]

Hi Gill, I am really sorry for your very recent and painful loss. I don't know how your mare is but am wondering if the dreaded can be put off for a while until you are in a stronger place? Not being flippant, just know wondering if you can spare yourself any further pain for now.
My exp of having horse put to sleep was very dignified: vet came to shoot pony, she adviced it so trusted her on her opinion. She sedated him first althugh I knew he knew what was coming and was very calm. Fed him lots of polos and held his lead rope, vet stepped up and bang, all over. He didn't bleed much at all but was 'dropped' onto bed of hay to make it less messy. He looked very peaceful. Disposal chap turned up, very lovely old chap, and winched Bertie aboard and I just kept out of way talking to vet for this. It was just his body, the lovely part of Bert was wisked away the minute the gun went off (or before in my opinion) and so that wasn't hard. The worse bit was leading upto it, feeling the enormity of what was ultimately my decision albeit for the right reason. Who wants to be responsible for ending a life but it is the most gracious thing we can do for our animals after all. A tough thing to do but when done for the right reasons, a good thing. Look after yourself Gill xxx

[jackiedo]

i believe that the cost is dependant on the size of the horse, I have researched this myself recently. To be shot at home, and the body taken away is £170 for a 16hh horse. I hope I don't need them, but I have asked just incase

[jill]

And remember for a horse they don't seem to have all the hang ups we have about death - it is often a sought for release for them. My old mare told me quite clearly she wanted to go, after a winter of struggling with Cushings and lammi and abcesses (before the days of Pergolide) and I always remember that, she actually wanted to go.
She was injected and removed by the local crematorium people, and if they and the vet are experienced and sensitive they will make it as easy as they can for you and her. Trust the people with the experience, they deal with this situation daily and do know how you will be feeling.
Making the call is the hardest part IME - once you have done that events kind of take over, but maybe discuss it wth your vet?

[sandy]

I'm so sorry for your loss.

I held my friends horse while he was put to sleep with an injection. He was a very old lad and the end was incredibly calm and peaceful.

I had to have my own horse put to sleep in August this year. She had gone to hospital due to colic and was already under the anaesthetic so I didnt have make any decision about injection or shooting. However I would have chosen the injection. I had her body cremated and the ashes are in my garden. Just my way of coping. If you need any more details of individual cremation please Pm me.

[touchstone]

Gill, I'm so sorry to hear that you may be facing this in the near future, especially after losing your sister.

I've been with a few as they were pts, always with shooting though and I have always found it very quick, it may be slightly more traumatic for you than an injection would be, although my mare hates needles so I think that would influence my choice. Another point is to go with what the vet prefers doing if you use a vet as chances are he is more confident with that particular method.

All the times I've been with horses the vet or local knackerman/hunt have organised transport.

I think once the decision is made it is actually a bit of relief if you've had to watch them deteriorate or start to suffer.

The professionals on the scene will probably take control and keep everything running smoothly, so try not to worry about it too much, you won't be expected to be in control of things as such.

Hoping all goes well if you do have to take this step. xxx