By Vet Charlotte Pennington
As vets we deal with euthanasia on a regular basis and although for us it is a necessary part of the job, I don't think there is any member of the veterinary profession who can say that each individual animal euthanasia doesn't affect them in some way. But it is also our professional responsibility to look after the horse’s welfare and help owners navigate the emotional whirlwind of euthanasia.
Sometimes the decision that euthanasia is necessary is obvious, such as a catastrophic limb injury. More often than not, however, the circumstances around the decision making may not be as clear cut.
A range of factors should be considered such as the horse's age, disease process, prognosis and treatment options and costs. But ultimately the main priority for consideration is the horse's quality of life and the prevention of unnecessary pain and suffering.
With advances in medicines horses are living longer, sometimes into their 40s, and these geriatric animals are often a worry for owners in deciding when the correct time for euthanasia is. Specifically, older horses usually carry a poorer prognosis for recovering from diseases and surgeries and may have ongoing diseases such as Cushings or EMS that require monitoring and managing.
Wear on the teeth can also cause problems eating and maintaining weight. Winter brings with it colder weather and management changes, leading to problems keeping warm and mobility issues e.g. exacerbating arthritis. A pre-winter health check is a good idea for these older animals to ensure they have everything under control before the extra stresses of winter.
Although a sad topic it is worth thinking ahead about euthanasia to better prepare you for when the time comes. Consider options for disposal of your horse following the procedure. There are a variety of options such as cremation or stock collection and disposal services with varying practicalities and costs.
No matter how well prepared you are, it is an upsetting time. Think about if you would like to be present during the procedure. Also think if there is a friend or family member who can be there with you for support.
So, what to expect during the procedure? Firstly, as a vet we do have to legally obtain permission prior to elective euthanasia. Once consent has been given, your vet will usually talk you through the procedure, what to expect and if you are staying how to stay safe. There are different methods of euthanasia however the most common is heavy sedation followed by an injection with an overdose of anaesthetic drugs. This causes the horse to become unconscious and shut down the body systems. Following injection, we try to guide the horse safely to the ground and monitor the horse until the heart is stopped.
We always hope that things go to plan, however exact reactions of horses to these drugs are unpredictable and there are many reactions that the horse might have which can look alarming but are considered a normal reaction. Your vet will advise you of this. Once the procedure is complete, and before the horse is collected or buried, it is worth considering if you would like to remove any shoes or collect a bit of mane or tail hair for a keepsake.
The choice to euthanize a beloved friend and companion is never an easy decision to make. Knowing ahead of time what happens and the options you have afterwards, can take some of the worry and anxiety out of the situation. As vets we are always happy to help and advise, to make the process as easy as possible and help you reach the correct decision for both you and your horse.