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Expert
Posts: 1549
  
Location: Southwest Louisiana | So one of my old guys, the 30ish year old gelding that I've had for the last 24 years of my life, is going to be put down soon. He has no teeth left to chew anything(the "dentists" said that the last time I had them out), he is on senior feed, soaked alfalfa pellets, beet pulp that he hates, etc. He is in good health as far as there is nothing wrong with him. He just isn't living anymore. He looks depressed and sad. He's been going down the last year, and it's at the point now where I don't want him going any further or suffering. I have a feeling this winter is going to be really hard, or worse, on him. I've cried, I've shared with my sisters (who were raised learning to ride on him), we've all talked about how great of a life he's had, but all agree it's his time.
My question is, what do I do with the body? We live in a very rural area and there are no regulations that I've seen. We do have a lot of coyotes and wildlife. I don't have access to a backhoe, and I was told renting one for a day is $1500+. What do y'all do in this situation? |
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  Fact Checker
Posts: 16575
Location: Displaced Iowegian | Rocket'sMagicGirl - 2017-08-15 9:41 AM So one of my old guys, the 30ish year old gelding that I've had for the last 24 years of my life, is going to be put down soon. He has no teeth left to chew anything(the "dentists" said that the last time I had them out), he is on senior feed, soaked alfalfa pellets, beet pulp that he hates, etc. He is in good health as far as there is nothing wrong with him. He just isn't living anymore. He looks depressed and sad. He's been going down the last year, and it's at the point now where I don't want him going any further or suffering. I have a feeling this winter is going to be really hard, or worse, on him. I've cried, I've shared with my sisters (who were raised learning to ride on him), we've all talked about how great of a life he's had, but all agree it's his time.
My question is, what do I do with the body? We live in a very rural area and there are no regulations that I've seen. We do have a lot of coyotes and wildlife. I don't have access to a backhoe, and I was told renting one for a day is $1500+. What do y'all do in this situation?
We just had to do this to my horse a couple of weeks ago. We hired a guy with a backhoe and he charged us $300 to dig the hole. Later, our Vet told us that we could have gotten one to do it cheaper and gave us a name for future use. Call your vet and ask if they have someone to do it. He did not have to fill ours in since my husband has a tractor and could push the dirt in.....Just a note...... it cost us $180 for the Vet to give him the shot. I thought THAT was a little excessive! |
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 A Somebody to Everybody
Posts: 41354
Location: Under The Big Sky Of Texas | Look around more or google there are companys that will do livestock disposal if you cant find a backhoe.. |
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 Shelter Dog Lover
Posts: 10277
| I would call a local vet and see what they do. My vet bought a couple of acres that they use to dispose of the bodies. I am not too sentimental about having them buried on my place, they have a place in my heart that will be with me no matter where their body is. |
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A Somebody to Everybody
Posts: 41354
Location: Under The Big Sky Of Texas | Agree with NJJ and Rodeomom ask your vet. they should know who to call.  |
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 Good Grief!
Posts: 6343
Location: Cap'n Joan Rotgut.....alberta | Backhoe cost me 100 bucks and we had to put her down our selves as vets out here wont travel and they are over an hour away even if they would.... i buried my old mare overlooking the arena...m |
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I just read the headlines
Posts: 4483
| rodeomom3 - 2017-08-15 9:57 AM
I would call a local vet and see what they do. My vet bought a couple of acres that they use to dispose of the bodies. I am not too sentimental about having them buried on my place, they have a place in my heart that will be with me no matter where their body is.
This what I do too. In fact, that is the only reason why I use this vet, so I have him do the routine stuff, but use someone else for more complicated things. |
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Veteran
Posts: 286
| At my vet, if you take a horse to them to be put down, they will also "dispose" of the horse for you...for a fee of course. |
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Expert
Posts: 4766
Location: Bandera, TX | I don't want anyone flaming me! So shut up if you can't take nature. If I have to put one down I do it myself with a very humane bullet and I let them lie. The other animals/birds take over from there. I try to get to the bones so I can use them to teach my 4H kids.
I watched as my neighbor's horses went down last winter. It was very tough to see. I know they were dragging their bones for at least a mile to get to water and back to the better side of the pasture on a daily or every other day basis. I was so relieved when I drove by and saw the buzzards and eagles on the one during our third cold front. The other lasted into Jan. then crossed over the rainbow bridge.
I'm a former vet tech; when my close friend had a horse that needed to end it's suffering I had no issue helping the vet I used to work for to put him down. It had been a few years since I've helped in ending a horses life in the traditional veterinary method, I believe my way is faster and less dramatic on the animal. I hope God in Heaven above can keep me at peace with my decisions and dominion over His valued animals. |
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Expert
Posts: 1549
Location: Southwest Louisiana | No flaming here. I just can't go that route because I've got dogs that routinely bring various bones to my front porch. Don't want them bringing anything from my horse...
I'm going to talk to my vet for his ideas on it.
Another question - what's the best way to put them down? I'm thinking vet, but I've heard it doesn't always go peacefully that way. My husband swears with the right gun/bullet it'd be faster, but I don't know.
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 Veteran
Posts: 194
Location: Texas | sometimes your county commissioner will bury them, call your Pct |
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 Undercover Amish Mafia Member
Posts: 9992
Location: Kansas | I've had to put down a few horses the last couple of years. We have the vet come out, put them down, and then my grandpa will dig a hole with a tractor, pick the horse up in the bucket and lower in the hole. We then cover and stick a handmade stone on the top |
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Veteran
Posts: 233
| If a bullet is well placed, it is absolutely the kindest, fastest way for the horse. Got to have a steady hand, though. Sometimes a livestock disposal company will offer a put -down service for a reasonable fee (here it's $25) if you use them for disposal. The last two dead horses we've dealt with have died before it became an issue.
Something important: Before the body goes into rigor, fold the horse up into the fetal position. Back legs up, front legs tucked, head tied round to the back feet, or tucked between the front legs. It makes it much easier to move and bury the body. A standard lead rope and halter gets the job done. Within 10-15 minutes the body will start to stiffen up. |
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Expert
Posts: 4766
Location: Bandera, TX | Rocket'sMagicGirl - 2017-08-15 12:28 PM No flaming here. I just can't go that route because I've got dogs that routinely bring various bones to my front porch. Don't want them bringing anything from my horse...
I'm going to talk to my vet for his ideas on it.
Another question - what's the best way to put them down? I'm thinking vet, but I've heard it doesn't always go peacefully that way. My husband swears with the right gun/bullet it'd be faster, but I don't know.
Go with your husbands idea. However, you can't be queezy when you pull the trigger. You must be close to the animal and on target. Know the landmarks. The other thing you can do is burn the body if you have plenty of brush.
On another note the other day I was at a scene of multiple horses injured-with my vet tech friend and our vet was on the phone with us. I wanted to simply have the trooper shoot the animals he said he couldn't do it. ugh |
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Expert
Posts: 1549
Location: Southwest Louisiana | I thought about burning, but I'm in south Louisiana. We've been getting showers here every afternoon. I'd hate to get a fire going and have to keep re-lighting it for days. |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 418
| Well, it depends on if you can be comfortable with the fact that his soul has gone and all that remains are his physical remains. We have utilized the "viking" funeral before, (burning) (no idea why we call it that) or we do have the land capacity to leave a carcass. It is the natural progression of things, gives back to the earth etc. We have also buried as well. It is a tough choice to make. A backhoe should not be that expensive. Hoping for peace for you all no matter what you do. |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 929
| I've seen both ways be pretty ugly. The last time I had a horse put down the vet sedated him so that he eased to his knees and then we gave the fatal dose. Not sure how many do this, but she said this way was safer for all involved- which I totally agree with.
I'm sure this is not an option in many people's areas nor would some want to contribute to this, but there is a large predator and wolf sanctuary here that some people donate the horses to. They shoot them and then put them out for the animals. Kind of gross to me, but if you're into the "circle of life" thing it works. |
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 Neat Freak
Posts: 11216
Location: Wonderful Wyoming | I've done both and via injection it shouldn't be any uglier than it has to be-just death. My vet always knocks them sleepy first and gently lets they lay down. Then administers the stuff that stops their heart. No struggle, no death thros. Just a peaceful end to suffering.
I have also used a 38 or 357. Personally wouldn't dare try anything smaller. They hit the ground hard and generally never kick or move. Sometimes some blood comes out the nose. Just so you know and hopefully not too much info, it does not leave a gaping hole. Where it enters it is usually just a small indention and I never look to see if it exits. A well placed shot will send the bullet down the neck area. I just hate to be looking them in the eye when I do it. Makes it hard on animal you love. But I despise seeing one suffer among all else and will end it just to end it.
See if you have any ranchers/farmers/ not sure what the oilfield is like in LA, but we have ranchy neighbors that will use their back hoe and dig us a hole. Travel for them is 34 miles both ways and we have been charged anywhere from $150-$300. If you euthenize, a vet should require you to bury as anything that comes along and eats it, can die. Bald Eagles etc. Our vet won't euthenize unless you already have a hole dug and ready to bury. |
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 Go Your Own Way
Posts: 4947
Location: SE KS | the vet comes out - and we have a neighbor with a backhoe and he buried two of my boys last fall for $100.
IF you have farmer friends or a local construction friend with a backhoe - I bet they would do it cheap for you.
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Expert
Posts: 3147
| uno-dos-tres! - 2017-08-15 1:02 PM
Rocket'sMagicGirl - 2017-08-15 12:28 PM No flaming here. I just can't go that route because I've got dogs that routinely bring various bones to my front porch. Don't want them bringing anything from my horse...
I'm going to talk to my vet for his ideas on it.
Another question - what's the best way to put them down? I'm thinking vet, but I've heard it doesn't always go peacefully that way. My husband swears with the right gun/bullet it'd be faster, but I don't know.
Go with your husbands idea. However, you can't be queezy when you pull the trigger. You must be close to the animal and on target. Know the landmarks. The other thing you can do is burn the body if you have plenty of brush.
On another note the other day I was at a scene of multiple horses injured-with my vet tech friend and our vet was on the phone with us. I wanted to simply have the trooper shoot the animals he said he couldn't do it. ugh
Unfortunately many state troopers, game wardens, etc don't know where to place the bullet. I watched a game warden shoot a deer behind the ear and it took the deer a few minutes to die. A bullet, placed in the proper place, is instantaneous. My husband was called out to put down an ancient, emaciated cow, frozen to the ground. Owner insisted the cow not be shot. After giving the cow over twice what should have euthanized it and waiting for drugs to work-he shot it-cow dead instantly. When they are in such a state as this one, her circulation was bad and organs were already shutting down, the injection was useless. |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 1079
Location: MN | Prayers for you and your family. He sounds very loved!
It is never an easy decision. Personally, I could never do a bullet so injection would be my choice. When I've had to put horses down, a friend of mine who owns his own construction company came out and dug for us for free. He had to dig it big enough for 2 horses so we were very grateful for his graciousness.
Maybe get in touch with a construction business of some sort?
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Expert
Posts: 4766
Location: Bandera, TX | BMW - 2017-08-15 3:58 PM uno-dos-tres! - 2017-08-15 1:02 PM Rocket'sMagicGirl - 2017-08-15 12:28 PM No flaming here. I just can't go that route because I've got dogs that routinely bring various bones to my front porch. Don't want them bringing anything from my horse...
I'm going to talk to my vet for his ideas on it.
Another question - what's the best way to put them down? I'm thinking vet, but I've heard it doesn't always go peacefully that way. My husband swears with the right gun/bullet it'd be faster, but I don't know.
Go with your husbands idea. However, you can't be queezy when you pull the trigger. You must be close to the animal and on target. Know the landmarks. The other thing you can do is burn the body if you have plenty of brush.
On another note the other day I was at a scene of multiple horses injured-with my vet tech friend and our vet was on the phone with us. I wanted to simply have the trooper shoot the animals he said he couldn't do it. ugh Unfortunately many state troopers, game wardens, etc don't know where to place the bullet. I watched a game warden shoot a deer behind the ear and it took the deer a few minutes to die. A bullet, placed in the proper place, is instantaneous. My husband was called out to put down an ancient, emaciated cow, frozen to the ground. Owner insisted the cow not be shot. After giving the cow over twice what should have euthanized it and waiting for drugs to work-he shot it-cow dead instantly. When they are in such a state as this one, her circulation was bad and organs were already shutting down, the injection was useless.
I need to talk to our sheriff and fix this "problem". We had several military guys at the scene that would have cut jugulars and that would have been more effective than us putting the meds into these broken horses. They all died from exsanguination some faster than the others. This is what I taught college boys to do if they ever got into a pickle due to the fact they couldn't have guns on school grounds. There was a true human safety issue at this scene for a few minutes.
OP, my heart goes out to you I had to make this decsion twice in the past two weeks its always a hard one. Hugs. |
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 The Vaccinator
Posts: 3810
Location: Slipping down the slope of old age. Boo hoo. | I've only put down horses with the injection -- by my vet. The farmer who farms our land graciously provides a back-hoe to dig the graves. We have an area at the back of our place where they are buried. There are many there since I've owned horses well over 50 years.
Years and years ago when I was just out of college, I contacted the man who "opens and closes" graves at the local cemeteries. He came out and dug a grave for a very reasonable cost(they don't like to be called grave diggers). As I recall it was less than $100. So - you might ask around about who digs graves for the local cemeteries in your area. |
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Addicted to Baseball
Location: Where the stars at night are big and bright, TX | We are able to bury them at the ranch, but we also for years just had the vet meet us to put them down in one of the meadows or tree stands and let nature take it's course after that. |
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 My Heart Be Happy
Posts: 9159
Location: Arkansas | Prayers for you and this decision you have to make. We have never had to do it, but when the time comes we will have the vet out (that would be the plan), and bury them in their fave place in the pasture. |
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 Extreme Veteran
Posts: 403
Location: Armuchee, GA, NW section of Ga | If you have local septic tank or plumbers in the area, they usually have backhoes. When I had to put one of mine down, I called my local septic guy and he came over at a agreed upon time after the vet left. He charged me about $200. |
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 Take a Picture
Posts: 12842
| Had a friend have the vet out to euthanize one. He peacefully laid over. Friend was just going to leave him in the pasture. Hours later she looked down in the pasture sand he was happily grazing. She decided it wasn't his time and left him alone.
Another friend had one break his shoulder and she had her son come shoot him between the eyes. She said it was much more humane than the vet.
No matter what you decide to do, it is not an easy decision but it is the best. Just remember that.
Edited by streakysox 2017-08-15 11:30 PM
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Industrial Srength Barrel Racer
Posts: 7268
| We had a friend come over with a large tractor and buried my pony when he died last February - our tractor wasn't big enough to get the hole deep enough.
We have a rendering truck that you can call but some times it takes days to arrive and I couldn't bear to see his body that long.
I am so very sorry that you have to make this difficult decision but always know you do it out of love. |
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 Expert
Posts: 1718
Location: Southeast Louisiana | You're pretty close to Delta Downs. I'd call the race track and ask them who they use.
The stable I rented at when I was a kid handled that sort of thing for the Fair Grounds race track in New Orleans and he was quite a good distance away from New Orleans. Something to keep in mind, even if you're not close to Vinton.
If no luck with the race track, call down to the coliseum at the college. In that area, I can't imagine there isn't someone near you with a back hoe. You probably just don't know anybody personally. It should not be hard to find someone, at all. And, that price to rent a back hoe is ridiculous. Just call around. Good luck, I know it's hard to even think about.
Edited by Nita 2017-08-16 1:13 PM
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 Expert
Posts: 2128
| I had a horse suffering from collic once and a vet came out. He told me if he continued to suffer to "draw an X from the right eye to left ear and vice versa" and that was the proper place to shoot. I didnt end up having to do it but good info to have I guess. |
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 Living on the edge of common sense
Posts: 24139
Location: Carpenter, WY | we buried Dan's old rope horse next to and facing the arena with a rope . Teehaha is 34 and we'll do the same for her when her time comes. Slim died at CSU we had cremated and buried his ashes under the barn window he spent hours looking out of. It was right next to the driveway and he was the official greeter. |
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| Rocket'sMagicGirl - 2017-08-15 7:41 AM
So one of my old guys, the 30ish year old gelding that I've had for the last 24 years of my life, is going to be put down soon. He has no teeth left to chew anything(the "dentists" said that the last time I had them out), he is on senior feed, soaked alfalfa pellets, beet pulp that he hates, etc. He is in good health as far as there is nothing wrong with him. He just isn't living anymore. He looks depressed and sad. He's been going down the last year, and it's at the point now where I don't want him going any further or suffering. I have a feeling this winter is going to be really hard, or worse, on him. I've cried, I've shared with my sisters (who were raised learning to ride on him), we've all talked about how great of a life he's had, but all agree it's his time.
My question is, what do I do with the body? We live in a very rural area and there are no regulations that I've seen. We do have a lot of coyotes and wildlife. I don't have access to a backhoe, and I was told renting one for a day is $1500+. What do y'all do in this situation?
Firstly, I am so sorry you are having to make this decision, it is never fun and I understand your apprehension in what is best to do.
Secondly, you said you live in a rural area with no regulations. That means it is completely your call on how to dispose of the carcass, and an informed decision is the best one to make.
My husband has had to shoot horses because owners wanted to give back to the wildlife in the area, and he said it is instantaneous- more so than the euthanasia solution, and he has euthanized hundreds of horses in his career as an equine vet. If you know of someone hat is capable (or have the ability yourself), that is an extremely financially feasible option, and there is no hole to dig.
If the idea of other animals eating your equine friend doesn't sit right, then start asking friends, or like others mentioned, calling the local cemetery to see who digs their holes, and having a vet euthanize or shoot your horse and burying it is the next option.
We had one client who had her horse euthanized and she then processed the entire thing, saving the bones and hide for various projects and made some beautiful art pieces (and even gave my husband the wired-back-together problem leg that caused this horses' demise).
I have looked into cremation for various clients and it is really expensive, plus there aren't many places around here (in the PNW), so the added cost of transportation should be factored in as well.
There are certain places, like big cat rescues and zoos, that will take live horses to feed their animals- this is an option some people are not comfortable with, but it is an option nonetheless.
Hopefully these options help you make an informed decision, and please know that having a plan in place before that fateful day comes is the best thing you can do. It is never fun when the temps are below zero or it's storming, your horse is suffering and you are guilt-ridden.
Be prepared, have a plan, and when your horse is no longer happy being a horse- that's when you will know, and have peace in your heart knowing he will be knee deep in grass with his teeth back before long! |
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Putting a horse down - then what?