What am i going to do

Question

my mums just found out our much loved horse has very bad artheritis in both front feet and will probably never be able to be ridden again. i really dont know how to deal with it. he may have to be put down its so bad. we cant stop crying what can we do

Answer 1

Ah, I am so sorry. It's very sad when a beloved horse has to be put down, but you have to remember that you will be removing his pain, the poor creature.

However, I have heard of acupuncture for horses, and if you can find a practitioner near you, it would be worth a try. After all, acupuncture does successfully treat arthritis in humans, so why not horses?  

Answer 2

Do what is best for your horse.  A life of constant pain is not what we want for ourselves, and we have far more purpose in our lives than horses do.  Have a good long cry...it will help you to deal with this.  Then weigh the choices.  If you have trust in your vet's wisdom, then you know what your choices are.  If you aren't sure, get another vet's opinion.  I'm sorry for your sadness....

Answer 3

well just know that if he has to be put down its for the best. you dont want him suffering and going through pain do you???? But to just be safe I would get another vet out there and get a second opinion and also see what your farrier has to say about it. For now give him some bute to help with the pain and just let him enjoy his life in a pasture..... give him treats and groom him every day...

I'm really sorry and I hope everything turns out the best.

Answer 4

I know that feeling when i lost my pet parrot, sylvester, a red headed conure. We would call him the green chicken. My sister would put a blanket over him like a baby, and he would begin to make baby noises! Miss him so! My best good friend.... I hope this will cheer you up. Its a part of life though....

Answer 5

I am so sorry. Just keep him as comfortable as possible, and love every day you have with him. If worst comes to worst get a bunch of pictures and make a tribute of your horse. Have pictures and poems and keep it someplace special. So whenever you or your moms really misses him you can get it out and remember the good times.

Here is something I found to help you:

Somewhere in times own space

There must be some

Sweet pastured place

Where creeks sing on

and tall trees grow

Some paradise where horses  go,

For by the love that guilds my pen

I know great horses live again.

         ~ Stanley Harrison

Don't Cry For The Horses, by Brenda Riley-Seymore

Don't cry for the horses

That life has set free

A million white horses

Forever to be

Don't cry for the horses

Now in God's hands

As they dance and they prance

To a heavenly band

They were ours as a gift

But never to keep

As they close their eyes

Forever to sleep

Their spirits unbound

On silver wings they fly

A million white horses

Against the blue sky

Look up into heaven

You'll see them above

The horses we lost

The horses we loved

Manes and tails flowing

They Gallop through time

They were never yours

They were never mine

Don't cry for the horses

They will be back someday

When our time has come

They will show us the way

On silver wings they will lift us

To the warmth of the sun

When our life is over

And eternity has begun

We will jump the sun

And dance over the moon

A Ballet of horses and riders

on the winds

to a heavenly tune

Do you hear that soft nicker

Close to your ear?

Don't cry for the horses

Love the ones that are here

Don't cry for the horses

Lift up your sad eyes

Can't you see them

As they fly by?

A million white horses

Free from hunger and pain

Their spirits set free

Until we ride again

I hope these will help easy your pain.

Answer 6

you could also do a joint supplement that is what i do for my Senior horse and shes is 28 but is doing fine and is having the best time of her life right now!!!

Answer 7

living on a large racehorse farm i unfortunately see this problem almost on a daily basis. talk to the vet, he/she is the expert and will know what is best for the horse

if worst comes to worst, yes, it is a very hard thing to deal with but you just have to remember all the good times, and what and how you were able to make that horse's life while it lasted so enjoyable

Answer 8

As hard as it is, do not let him suffer... I would highly recommend NOT selling, for he may suffer, or he may prosper. I'm so afraid of selling old horses, and as much as they've given me, I want to give back to them by providing them a good life until the end of their days. If he's suffering, and if you can afford to treat his arthritis (assuming there's a treatment for him), do so... I'm sorry to hear this, I know it's an incredibly difficult situation. *hugs*

Answer 9

I'm sorry some people are being so insensitive on the subject but there are a couple who I agree with. If it turns out there is no way you can take care of him then just remember all the good times you had together. There has to be something obviously because otherwise you wouldn't have such a hard time with this. Also remember that he won't be suffering from any pain anymore either if you do have to put him down after all.

Answer 10

I'm assuming it is not an option for you're family to continue to love and shelter the animal. He will have as good of a life as you and your family give him and if for your family that means death, then that is what will happen. I'm sorry that you might have to come to terms with euthanasia than you're ready, but this is life.

Answer 11

talk to your vet

Answer 12

awww:( im sorry, the best thing you can do is care for him and make him comfortable and happy, and if worst comes to worst i'll bet he's had an amazing life, you wouldnt want him to suffer, i wish you all the best of luck for him/her, its gunna be ok:)

Answer 13

All you can do for him is make him feel as comfortable as possible. Give him lots of tender loving care and keep a good eye on him. You should call the vet asap to get him checked thoroughly too. Do both these things and you will be the perfect friend for your dear horse. My horse had artheritis too. Sadly she did have to be put down because she lay down and couldn't get up again. I was extremely upset but i was very glad she was out of pain. I mean you don't want her to suffer do you? So yeah, all you can do is give him lots of love, and get a professionals opinion on your horses artheritis. If the worst comes to the worst and he does have to be put down, then even though its very hard and i understand that it is because i've been through the same, just try and look on the bright side and from the horses prespective because you would of put him out of his misery.

I'm so sorry to hear about him. It sounds like you love him very much, so if i were you i would follow my advice because you know it's the right thing to do. Good luck and i hope he's ok. I hope i've helped you too. Much sympathy to you and your family and ofcourse your horse.  

Answer 14

If you can make him comfortable, he can still be a companion and friend to you even if you can't ride him anymore. Your vet may be able to put together some treatment options for you that can range anywhere from daily pain medication to cutting the nerves to the front feet for pain relief. Your vet should also be able to help you decide how much to do for him and when to stop.

Also, it never hurts to get a second opinion.

Answer 15

I think you should take your horse to a vet. It would be very sad for you if to put down your horse. Try getting a different vet and see if that one can help or search the internet for an experienced vet and find some ways to keep your horse living also pray. Jesus will help.

Answer 16

im so sorry about that is there any why you can keep him  

Answer 17

First off, do not give up yet.  See if there is a way to retire your horse and let him live out his days as a pet.  Also, see about long term pain killers you can give him to make him comfortable.  If your horse can live out his life without pain, you have done all you can do.  If he can't, then you have some very hard decisions to make.

Answer 18

where is my gun

Answer 19

I am sorry and thinking about you this evening.  My heart goes out to your family and your horse.  

I also report mean answers - it takes more time than a thumbs down, but it is the only way to bump those guys off here!

I agree that not all hope is lost.  There is so much more that can be done medically these days.  Get a second opinion before you do anything too drastic.  If your vet is worth his salt he will not be insulted.  Please hang in there, as there are a lot more kind people here than mean.  I'd like to know how things turn out for you.

Answer 20

Has your vet suggested a regimen of bute and /or isoprosin ? DMSO,glucosimin and hyluronic acid can  help too. Make sure you have the correct trim for his feet so you alleviate strains and pressure points. If he's a very old horse and this is degenerative , the best you can hope for is to give him some relief. This is a very hard decision to make and we all feel for you.Turn your love for this horse into the strength to do what's best for him if nothing else can be done

Answer 21

so sorry :( i agree with most of the REASONABLE answers. Also im putting thumbs down and reporting abuse for all thee usless answers it would be good if every1 else helped me out here and did too quite frankly im sick of these kind of people

Answer 22

turn him into glue then redecorate with it.he'll always be around then

Answer 23

If the vet says he's been suffering for years, I'd take his word for it. I'm sure you've noticed your horse having difficulty moving for a long time now, anyway.

Please try and remember that putting him down is the nicest, kindest thing you can do for him.  If you really love him, you will do what's best for him - which would be to put him down.  It will be hard, but it is by far and away the kindest thing.  You'll be comforted by knowing that you ended his suffering and pain in a painless, dignified way.