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Euthanizing the sick horse; how do you know when?
Topic Started: Jan 16 2007, 07:56 AM (1,157 Views)
Fish Cheeks
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I know, I know, people say "you just know". But what if you don't? What if you miss a sign? What if they are ready to go and you're just not sure?

My Old Man has been colicking since last night. The vet came out and administered Banamine IV, warm water via tube, and mineral oil via tube. Since then (over 12 hours ago), he's passed three small piles of manure. I can't tell their consistency, though, because they're frozen!! He did just let out a big fart when I was up there a few minutes ago, and his gut sounds were better, but he's still obviously in pain - shallow breathing, shaking, kicking at his belly or just not moving.

My Old Man is estimated to be 30 years old or so, and is not a candidate for surgery. So how do I know if this is his time? I don't want him to suffer and it is so cold outside (although warming up *a bit*), I fear his inability to eat right now (per Drs. orders) is preventing him from warming up. He's not drinking at all, despite my trips to the house to fetch him warm water.

Sigh. How do I know?

I'm going to work to pick up some stuff I can bring home so that I can continue to check on him. I'll call the vet again, too. Mr. Fishy is in the Bay Area for business - do I ask him to come home (which he could easily do)?

Help!!!

:,(
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2hsmommy
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Awww Fish :hug: I've never been in your position. But I would think it's a gut feeling when you look in their eyes. I wish I had an answer for you. :hug:
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nhwr
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Hugs Fishy :,(

I have only had to put a horse down once. She was a beautiful 3 year old I'd bred who was servicably sound after breaking her sesmoid as a yearling. I sent her out to be started under saddle and she came back (unbeknowst to me) with a belly full of sand. She coliced badly. My (human) son had just been diagnosed with a serious neurological condition. Given her past and my future, I couldn't justify surgery. We worked on her for 12 plus hours. The vet had to make another emergency call and gave me a shot of super strong painkiller to give her while he was gone. He said it should last for 2 to 3 hours. It lasted for 20 minutes :,(

I put her down when the vet got back. I donated her body to a program for vet residents. They told me surgery probably wouldn't have helped her because so much of her bowel had died off.

To answer your question about how you know, well I can't say more than if you are thinking about it, that means something.

:hug: :,( :hug:
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SnackPack
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Ah, Fish. Whatever you do, I know it will be the best thing for the old man. He hit the jackpot when you bought his farm, not only because you have taken care of him in his life, but because you are responsible enough to make the decision of when he is better off over the rainbow bridge. There's no need to second guess yourself. If your gut is telling you life is too hard for him right now, it probably is.
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Coreene
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Oh Fish. That sucks. All I can add to these wise words of advice that you've already gotten is the thing I always say: better a week too soon than one minute too late.

Giant hugs. :hug:

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Jessi P
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Shunnnnn the unbeliever. Shunnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn.
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Big hugs Fishy - I feel your pain. I have wondered the exact same thing myself - we lost THREE last year. :jaw: THREE. :,(

As Correne said - better a week too soon than an hour too late.

Do what you need to do in order to be able to sleep well with your decision. We are here for you. :) :hug:
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Little Diva
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:hug: Big hugs coming from Canada. I feel what you are going through, having gone through it a few years back with an old guy who had congestive heart failure. You will know when it is time. Trust me. I knew the day we had to send our old campaigner to my grandfather to look after. There is something in their eyes that you can see and something that speaks to your heart that tells you.

Know that when it is time, you are doing the right thing. You are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
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Black Tack
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:hug: :hug: hugs to you Fishy, what a rough time for you! I can't offer any great words of wisdom as I've not been through it yet, but will one of these days with my old retired girl. Thinking about you guys :hug:
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Fish Cheeks
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He's gone. His body is laying in my pasture waiting to be picked up by the renderer tomorrow. I held his lead rope until the very end when the vet took over so she could "direct" his fall. He was in such distress, such pain - he tried to be stoic but it seemed he did not want to go on any longer. He gave me a nod and so I thought "yes, you DO know". I cut his tail and we took him out into the sunshine. Paddy whinnied goodbye and then it was over.

I could not stomach the thought of him suffering for another night. Last night was terrible for him, I think, and the vet thought that today he was doing worse.

He was 30-ish. I don't know what his life was like before I came along, but I like to think it was better with me in it.

Posted Image

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seal harbor
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I'm so sorry. :hug: It's tough and we are all going to have to go through it sometime with someone or another that we love. He was a very handsome boy.

I really am sorry. I lost my last one three years ago, after doing this for nearly 40 years I'd never had to put one of my own down. It's still tough.

I love the picture of him reaching over the fence. Remember all the good things.

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Black Tack
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I'm so sorry for your loss, but it sure sounds like you made the kindest, best decision. The hardest one for us horse lovers, for sure. Lots of hugs as I'm sure there is a large hole in your heart right now :hug:

What gorgeous pictures. He sure was a beauty.
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macmtn
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{{HUGS}}} Been there...done that. I know he is over the rainbow bridge...kicking up his heels and thanking you for doing what was needed. It was NOT a easy decision- but you did it for the love of your horse. Im gonna go hug my NOT!! Spoiled !!Arabian...knowing his day is coming...(he has gray horse growths) :,( :,( :,(
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nhwr
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:,( :,( :sigh: :hug:
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SadiesMom
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Oh, Fish Cheeks, I am so sorry :,( :,( I am shedding tears into my keyboard for you. What a beautiful on guy he was and I know for sure, he is happy and loving his new life on the other side of the bridge. Hugs to you!
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Trialbyfire
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I am so sorry. :,( :,(

I have tears in my eyes and I didn't even know him. I am afraid of the day I need to make those decisions myself. I'm not sure how you know when it is THE time, but I think the "better a week too soon than a minute too late" is absolutely true.

It sounds to me that you made the best decision by relieving his pain and letting him go with dignity. I'm sure it wasn't easy for you, though.

Big hugs to you. :hug:
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