Discussing euthanasia with vet

[outside_leg]

I was there with the two I’ve had to put down over the years. My vet handles getting them down ( and I don’t watch that part since it can go wrong). But it was important for me to be there at the end, looking them in the eye, stroking their face. I think it’s important that someone familiar is there. Maybe that’s overly sentimental, but I felt that was my responsibility. It can be incredibly hard ( especially the young horse I had to put down because it felt so unfair and that he should have had more time). But I don’t regret being there at all. They do so much for us, I think it’s only fitting we try to be there for them.

As others have said, I don’t stay for the removal. The cremation company handled that, and they’re pretty adamant that owners shouldn’t stay for it.

[clanter]

@outside_leg

As others have said, I don’t stay for the removal.

the company we use is specifically a pet and horse cemetery, we have a plot of land there for all of our past horses, six so far

Each was horse was handled with great care and dignity, every step of the removal was explained as to why and how (even though the person knew us from previous calls)

[MissusS]

I stayed with my mare until shortly before she went down. My trainer, who she was also quite bonded with, stayed the whole time and arranged for all the logistics afterwards. I don’t regret my decision. The vet and the two vet techs also board at my barn and they said it was very textbook and peaceful. It was a bit of a rainy spring day and the sun came out for our last couple hours together. My one friend (vet tech) said that she saw a rainbow right after.

It is so hard, I’m emotional even now thinking about it (she was PTS this past spring). I am personally at peace with my decision to leave before she went down.

Whatever decision you make will be the right one.

[rulex]

I was present for it, it was hard but I felt it was important to me to be there. It went very smoothly and peacefully. My vet and the vet tech were excellent. Thankfully my trainer took care of the logistics of the removal so I didn’t have to stay for that.

I echo what others have said, do what is right for you. I was grateful to have a lot of emotional support from my trainer, my spouse and barn friends that day.

[TheHunterKid90]

I’ve been there for all of mine and many customers horses. I’ve never regretted it.
But it’s a personal choice, for sure. Do what you feel in your heart will give you peace and closure.

[Alex_and_Bodie_s_Mom]

I have been present for all of mine. I don’t regret it, but honestly, I was the only person who could be there, so it really doesn’t matter. I am able to compartmentalize and deal with things after the fact, though. You may not be able to do that. And that’s fine.

It is a very personal choice. As others have said, the vet will generally take the lead from you after the sedation, and help the horse down. Then, they will administer the final shot. You could leave right after the sedation begins to take effect, if you want - I think by that point, the horse is really unaware if you are there or not.

If you think being there will help, and you can do it, you may want to. If you think your trainer could handle it better, and you find that you simply cannot be there, that’s fine, too. There is no right or wrong in this case.

[drogheda]

I’ve been using Osteo Max and Gut X on a few of my horses for the last two months and I am seeing actual results. These products are probably the first ones that have actually worked. Maybe worth a try?

[MapleBreeze]

Just tell the vet you want it done. If they ask why say the horse is in pain and dangerous. If they give you a hard time call a different one.