|
Post by portiabuzz on Jan 3, 2010 1:01:50 GMT 1
just passing on my best wishes to you at this horrible time xxxxx
|
|
|
Post by gwenoakes on Jan 3, 2010 17:50:17 GMT 1
I am sorry you are having to think of this after your recent sad loss Gill.
We have had two pts by the gun. Both were heavily sedated, both had a carrot in their mouths as it was done, there was very little blood and they were both in Rainbow Bridge before they hit the ground. The noise is quite loud, but the result was very, very quick and neither knew it was coming. We stayed with both talking to them right through.
We chose not to stay and see them taken away and we kept both their tails which some may find bizarre, but I used to smell the tails for months after they had gone and it gave me a lot of comfort for some reason.
Clare my daughter has been with two horses that were not hers who were pts by injection. One was very, very quick and peaceful the other not so peaceful.
I hope if you have to go down this road it will be as peaceful for everyone concerned as it can possibly be. My thoughts are with you. XX
Just wanted to add that ours were pts by two different vets/surgeries and they arranged for the disposal too.
|
|
|
Post by michelles on Jan 3, 2010 18:14:41 GMT 1
So sorry about your sister. I had a horse pts last year, my vet was so nice, they basically talked me through all the options and I opted for the injection and will say it was very peaceful the vet looked after her until her last breath. He also arranged for the removal of her body, and suggested I went out or hid in the house (it happened at home) whilst the men took her away. Then I was contacted to collect the ashes from the surgery. It will depend on what treatment the horse has had as to how they can be disposed of, some people like the idea of the hunt taking the horse, I opted for group cremation as it was considerable cheaper.
|
|
|
Post by lisap on Jan 3, 2010 18:20:53 GMT 1
May I add my condolences for the loss of your sister, Gill.
We have had 11 beloved horses pts over the years, all bar one was by injection.
My advice to you would be to make sure that the vet who comes is the very best in the practice as far as putting to sleep is concerned. We are lucky in that one of the partners in our practice is a complete genius with a needle and 8 of our horses have gone to their rest in his care. In every case it was peaceful, dignified and gentle. Two others were looked after by another practice, and although the injection was quick, there was a bit of fumbling and it was not such a calm experience. One horse was shot, and this was extremely quick, but quite traumatic for the owner.
In every case the vet practice can organise the disposal of the body, and again we have found our disposal company to be very respectful of the body. I would advise the owner to be at the end of their horse's life only if they can be calm and reassuring, otherwise it would be best for the horse if it was in the care of a known friend who can force themselves to be calm and peaceful.
Once the horse is gone, get someone else to be there when the body is removed. It is not the most pleasant of sights and not necessary for the owner to be present to witness it.
|
|
|
Post by Diane D on Jan 3, 2010 19:09:49 GMT 1
I would just like to say how sorry I am to hear about the loss of your sister Gill. I lost my dad 7 months ago and not a day goes by when I dont think about him. Sending you (((hugs))). xxx
|
|
Ann NF
Grand Prix Poster
Grand Prix Poster
Posts: 4,495
|
Post by Ann NF on Jan 3, 2010 19:57:47 GMT 1
Can I also add sympathy and condolences for the recent loss of your sister. I had to have a much loved horse PTS within weeks of losing my Dad. It was hard, but by that time I almost felt numb when the day came.
I have had two PTS by injection. The vets arranged disposal and everything was done with kindness and compassion, both times. Rufus and Hamlet both went to sleep with the taste of a Polo in their mouths....
I have only ever seen NF ponies being shot by the Agister. Technically fine. Very quick and with no suffering, but the aftermath was messy and more unpleasant.
|
|
Kayti
Advanced Poster
Posts: 314
|
Post by Kayti on Jan 4, 2010 13:55:14 GMT 1
I knew that the day was approaching for my 2 old ladies about 4 months before. I had gotten to the point where I had started to discuss this with friends more and more frequently. I had even started to think about the "best day" knowing I would need time to myself to grieve
On a Tues in Sept I was at the National Hunter Championships with my 2 yr old, the next morning at 7am I looked at Belle and knew it was today. Just like that. It was today. An incredibly happy day followed by one of the hardest days of my life.
Waiting for the vet to open was the worst time, I was in floods, I wept all over the phone call. And they were marvellous. The appointment was made for 11am. The collection, the cremation, the return of the ashes, all smoothly arranged after one hysterical call.
Both Belle and Brigid (the elderly companion I had had for a little over a year, she was due to be PTS the autumn before), were stuffed with carrots, apples and malt loaf. They both looked fabulous, shining, content, wanting to be with us. Both were lame, elderly and in the last bloom from a lovely summer.
My favourite vet arrived early, in the field away from the stables, sedated Brigid the pony as she waited, then gave Belle the injection as she munched on a malt loaf. She fell quickly and quietly, elegant to then end. I was crying, unable to believe I was doing this but I was going to see her out to the end, be there with her. A few moments later I went to Brigid and we did the same thing, calm, quiet and composed.
I was given all the time I needed. When I was ready, with locks of mane from both of them, I turn to the man and he took them away.
I felt no guilt, incredible sadness and loss but it was the right thing. Every day this winter when the weather has been bad I have given my thanks that neither of them have had to go through this.
And the next time.. I would do exactly the same, prepare myself and then when the day felt right, make the call. I couldn't have a date in advance, it would tear me apart waiting.
They are with Katie now, in the garden we made at the bottom of the field. Belle and Katie are planted under twin copper beeches and Brigid, the hand me down pony, has a beautiful hand me down magnolia given by a friend. There are lots of bulbs planted so this spring should look wonderul in bloom.
It is hard to wait than the actual event. truly.
|
|
gill
Grand Prix Poster
Posts: 1,036
|
Post by gill on Jan 6, 2010 16:57:03 GMT 1
Dont think I have posted this properly but here goes.
|
|
|
Post by portiabuzz on Jan 6, 2010 21:40:43 GMT 1
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. My thoughts are with you at such a difficult time, you are doing the best for her xxxxxx
|
|
|
Post by touchstone on Jan 7, 2010 15:20:47 GMT 1
It certainly sounds like the right time for her, I'm a big believer in better a day too soon than a day too late.
I am surprised that you've been expected to organise the removal part though, but I'm sure that your vet will be able to give you numbers if you need them. I don't know whereabouts you are but if you are in the York area there is a chap called Cooper Wilson who does removal and will come out on an emergency call. He also pts if needed. His website may be worth a look.
I hope all goes well for you and your mare xxxx
mta;- just checked and he covers the whole country if you needed him.
|
|