|
|
 Veteran
Posts: 262
 
| We have an older pony the vet estimates is in late 20's. He didn't have enough teeth for the vet to float. He also has uveitis and on a seperate disease gets eye tumors that periodically fall off and grow back. He would not survive without wet senior grain 2x a day. He chews hay but balls it up and drops it. He recently attacked our mini horse while waiting for his grain. This is very uncharacteristic of him. I thought he was going to drive the mini through the fence. It was very wild and aggressive. Ive since seperated them. He's fine with my barrel horse. Recently while putting his feed out he got so excited and didn't see me that he ran me over and knocked me to the ground. He has been ridden this year with no issues. My question is how do I know his quality of life is not good with all his issues and know when to make the decision to put him down? Has anyone had an older horse start to act senile? He is my young daughters pony and I hate to break their hearts but I want to make sure he's not suffering. And not losing his mind.Unfortunately with eye diseases it's not as obvious as lameness to tell if it's causing pain. What are your thoughts or experiences that let you know when it was time to let go? |
|
| |
|
 Shelter Dog Lover
Posts: 10277
| Sometimes you have to weigh that one or two more years they might have had with the issues or problems they are having or causing. That said, if he is eating good, maintains his weight, etc. he is probably ok. It is such an emotional decision to make. I was in the same spot a few years ago with our first family dog. He was 16, would pee in the house right in front of you, would not be crated or confined in any matter, he would continually cry, bark and try to get out, so he had to stay outside. I had him a heater for the winter and he did ok, but I was so worried about him. The next winter he started to not be as active so we made the decision to let him go, I was so worried about him being outside for the winter again. I guess in my mind it is not a wrong decision to humanely out one down when you know the end is near anyway. |
|
| |
|
Good Ole Boys just Fine with Me
Posts: 2869
 
Location: SE Missouri | Never an easy decision. I think it's The greatest responsibility we have, if given the opportunity, for those that have done their job for us.
I'll second the quality of life. We have, in the last two year, lost three older horses. Two we made the decision the other we did not (he had either a heart attack or aneurism). Neither were easy but it was the right thing to do. We have 3 more that are entering their season of life that we have to be more sensitive to their needs. 2-24 year old mares and a 29 year old pony. Just thankful the two mares made it back to the farm after taking care of some other little girls for a few years :) |
|
| |
|
 Off the Wall Wacky
Posts: 2981
Location: Louisiana | In the past, we have tried to do it before they really lose their quality of life. Easier said than done.
I tried really hard to convince my husband to put down his old mare this time last year but he refused. She did briefly gain a little weight back (enough to not look like we're starving her).
But a couple days ago he looked at her and mentioned she won't make the winter.
In his mind, he would have her lay down in the field and go peacefully, he says she deserves to go when she's ready.
In my mind, I don't want to see my best friend skin and bones and in pain. I'd rather remember them as they were. But maybe that's selfish on my part.
Either way, it's never an easy decision. Hugs to you! |
|
| |
|
"Heck's Coming With Me"
Posts: 10797
Location: Kansas | When they reach a level of misery..........you just know and you just do it.
|
|
| |
|
Veteran
Posts: 262
| Thank you everyone. It is such a hard decision. He coliced last spring but came out of it with banamine. He has done so well over the summer with the senior feed. I think we'll wait and see how he does as winter approaches. :( |
|
| |
|
 Miss Laundry Misshap
Posts: 5271
| It sucks, but you have to do what's right by them. If they are in too much pain, can't handle daily tasks, or are simply done, you know it.
Had a mare that I'd had for 20 years. She had Laminitis and Foundered, and had a rotated coffin bone. Body wise, eating wise, she was fine, but I put her down in the month of Oct because I didn't want her to go through the rough winter months on her feet. That was several years ago. I knew it was right because she didn't need to suffer. |
|
| |
|
 Cute Little Imp
Posts: 2747
Location: N Texas | I always say that as long as they have the will to live and are not suffering, it's not time. When they are either in constant pain or are miserable and just don't care about life, then it's time. When you think they'd be happier dead than alive, it's definitely time.
As far as mentally, if he becomes a danger to himself and others and is acting uncharacteristically bad, then it's time to consider doing something. I personally would give him a little longer, but if his attitude doesn't improve and you start resenting him, it's probably best to let him go before something bad happens. |
|
| |
|
 My Heart Be Happy
Posts: 9159
Location: Arkansas | dashnlotti - 2016-10-24 8:22 AM
In the past, we have tried to do it before they really lose their quality of life. Easier said than done.
I tried really hard to convince my husband to put down his old mare this time last year but he refused. She did briefly gain a little weight back (enough to not look like we're starving her).
But a couple days ago he looked at her and mentioned she won't make the winter.
In his mind, he would have her lay down in the field and go peacefully, he says she deserves to go when she's ready.
In my mind, I don't want to see my best friend skin and bones and in pain. I'd rather remember them as they were. But maybe that's selfish on my part.
Either way, it's never an easy decision. Hugs to you!
Your husband's heart and mine are on the same wavelength. . . But I also know realistically things don't usually work that way. And I have a responsibility to do what's right by them even when it breaks my heart into a thousand pieces. So I see both your sides on this.
To the OP, I would give him a little more time and see how things work out. Hugs and best wishes for your four legged baby. |
|
| |
|
 Extreme Veteran
Posts: 338
Location: NE TX | I had to put down my older gelding last year. He was eat. 32-33 he didn't have enough teeth to make it worth the dentist to charge to float just to make him comfortable. I wet his food, multiple weight supplements, and all kinds of stuff to keep him healthy and happy.
I waited too long probably cause he'd had diarrhea for a few weeks and I went to a work conference and a friend took him to the vet cause he took a downhill turn and vet took one look and said he was in system failure. I put him down the next day when I was able to get home and make burial arrangements. I'd known for a few months it was close but it was still hard to make the decisions and phone calls.
All that to say: when quality of life surpasses a point where you feel like it's time. You'll know.
Good luck to you and your baby and I'll be praying for peace and knowledge for you. |
|
| |
|
Expert
Posts: 1586
Location: west of East Texas | In my experience... I usually wait way too long. Looking back, I always wish I had made the call when I first started feeling like I "probably" should. When you start looking at them with pity and get a really, emotionally, wishy-washy feeling when you think of them... that time is not far off. I was prolonging their misery in order to pospone mine. |
|
| |
|
My Heart Be Happy
Posts: 9159
Location: Arkansas | chasendacash - 2016-10-25 12:32 AM
In my experience... I usually wait way too long. Looking back, I always wish I had made the call when I first started feeling like I "probably" should. When you start looking at them with pity and get a really, emotionally, wishy-washy feeling when you think of them... that time is not far off. I was prolonging their misery in order to pospone mine.
That last sentence sums up my fear to a "T". . . . |
|
| |
|
  Fact Checker
Posts: 16575
Location: Displaced Iowegian | Frodo - 2016-10-24 8:40 AM When they reach a level of misery..........you just know and you just do it.
I asked my Vet the same question and he said the same thing....You will know ! My old guy was 33 and the days came when he lost weight, was very lethargic and didn't really want to eat or move that we made the decision. I am reasonably sure that he wasn't in pain but had just lost the will to live. |
|
| |
|
 Extreme Veteran
Posts: 460
| I'm so sorry you are going through this and having this decision to make...you will be in my prayers. I second what everyone else is saying about quality of life. I had to put down my 9 year old this spring due to a poor quality of life from laminitis. If you think he is happy, and he is keeping weight easily, then I don't see the harm. But if he is miserable, then there will be some thinking. It's so hard making that decision, but you are the only one who can make that decision for him. I wish you all the best! We will all support you no matter what you decide! |
|
| |
Folks on-line