Putting mare to sleep... or not?

[vanessakz]

I am currently debating if I should put my 28 year old mare to sleep. My husband is a non-horsey person and comes from a country where horses are used for work, and shot in the head once they can no longer perform their duty. Needless to say that he is not of much help in regards to this decision I will have to make, since his opinion is very one-sided. So here I am, trying to see what other opinions and ideas are out there among other equestrians.

About a year ago I bailed this mare out from the kill pen, where she was advertised as 15 years old, well broke, lesson horse type, yada yada. Since I wasn’t there in person, I had a friend take a look at her and her teeth to confirm age and see how she handles, or if there is anything obviously wrong with her. Friend said the age check out about right, and she handles nicely and seems fine except a little cough, which is common among kill pen horses. So I bailed her out, had her brought to me where I quarantined her for 30 days. After that I went straight to work with her and quickly noticed that she was not well broke, and certainly no lesson type horse… because this lady was actually rather green. Since she was otherwise extremely well behaved and safe to have around my children, I didn’t think much of it since I was able to fill in her gaps. I also scheduled an appointment for her with my vet, so he could look at her overall health, and also give her a chiropractic adjustment. During this appointment it also turned out that this mare is not 15 years old. She is also not 7 years old. Also not 20. No, she is about 28 years old. Now I can’t exactly say that this came as a surprise to me. When my friend checked her teeth she was in barn around midnight, which wasn’t well lit. While I didn’t take a look at her mouth when she arrived, I sure noticed that her teeth don’t look like the ones of a 15 year old horse. I knew she was older… but I sure didn’t expect her to be 28. It was like receiving a bill - thinking that as long as I don’t open it, it won’t be due. Or holding a positive pregnancy test in your hands without looking at it - because as long as you didn’t SEE the two lines, you are not pregnant.

Anyway, I didn’t let this bother me since she is a really great horse otherwise. She did not look her age at all. I may want to say that she looked great. Even the vet complimented on how much younger she looks. But the vet also detected an old stifle injury and while it is unlikely to cause her pain, she would benefit from regular stretching. Her teeth have been floated, her back had been adjusted. Things went really well this summer… until she suddenly turned up lame in the front. I gave her two weeks off on Equioxx and had the farrier check her out, who couldn’t find anything.

Long story short, winter has just started and gone are her great muscles that we worked on during summer, because while she is sound at a walk, she is still off after trotting her for a few rounds. She lost quite some weight because while she was eating her hay fine all summer long, she has now started to quid. As per vet, this was expected to happen eventually since her molars are the ones of an old horse (but surely neither of us expected it to happen so quickly). Although I started supplementing her so she would increase her calorie intake, it is hard for us to bring that lost weight back on her. Despite her age, she loved being in work and I truly believe that every day she isn’t being worked with lets her age by about a week. I can see that she is truly upset about not being worked, and she is clearly jealous when I work with one of the other horses. She does not feel comfortable in her new role as being an old and unused horse.

I now have to consider what to do.

1. I could have the vet come out and take x-rays of her front feet. Assuming I could find a good shoe for her together with my farrier (she is currently barefoot), we could relieve her issues which I would assume are starting ringbone or navicular changes, and bring her back into light work. The feeding issues will remain of course, but I know that she will do much better in spring and summer, once staying warm won’t cost her so much energy. Of course there is also the risk that having her shod will change nothing.

2. I could permanently retire her to the paddock since she is pasture sound, and watch her age at 7 times the speed compared to when she is being worked. (“If you don’t use it, you lose it”) Issues with her old stifle injury will flare up again since she will lose whatever muscles we have built up to help her compensate with it.

3. I could let my vet come and put her to sleep. The only reason I bought her was because she looked like such a kind soul (which she is!), trapped in an unfortunate situation. Getting a horse from the kill pen brings many potential issues, such as lameness, old being a million times older than advertised, behavioral issues etc. I was aware of that, and knew that I may not get what was advertised. After all, she doesn’t owe me anything. She doesn’t need to work until I feel her purchase price has been repaid. I had no expectations and no ambitions.

Sometimes I think putting her to sleep would be the best thing to do. This is obviously not an emergency situation, and I think I could keep her alive for a good while longer… but I am asking myself if I SHOULD simply because I COULD? She has farm brands so I can only assume that she was broke young and worked her entire life sorting cattle and stuff, and I can see how hard it is on her not to be used anymore. On the other hand, she is otherwise in good condition and while she may have some issues keeping weight on in winter, she is otherwise shiny, has good hoof quality, no cushings, no lost teeth or anything like that.

[Rallycairn]

I’d go for option 1 to see if there is something acute and/or reasonably easy to manage, and see if some diet adjustments might help her in addition to hopefully getting her back into work. If it’s not something easy to manage, then you can euthanize.

Not that I think you’d be wrong to go ahead and put her down at all. But for me, I’d have a vet visit, since she was doing so well recently – why not see if there’s a relatively easy fix? Front feet rads aren’t going to break the bank, and you might find something fixable. Or, if you find a big problem, you’d have more comfort knowing euthing now is the better choice for her.

[Wicky]

I had a 26 year old Dutch (mostly TB) horse which also loved to work and was not happy if he was not doing anything. I rode him at the walk, as he was also lame at the trot. With good walk work, he was kept in good shape. Short steps, forward, all kinds of lateral work. He was a very happy horse until the day he collapsed in the pasture. I didn’t have to make that hard decision, I don’t envy you. But you CAN do good walk work that can build muscles, if you choose to go that route.

[vanessakz]

@Wicky

I had a 26 year old Dutch (mostly TB) horse which also loved to work and was not happy if he was not doing anything. I rode him at the walk, as he was also lame at the trot. With good walk work, he was kept in good shape. Short steps, forward, all kinds of lateral work. He was a very happy horse until the day he collapsed in the pasture. I didn’t have to make that hard decision, I don’t envy you. But you CAN do good walk work that can build muscles, if you choose to go that route.

This is where the fact that she is quite green comes into play. She really has not received much training during the course of her life, so our work at a walk is very limited. She can’t side pass, she can’t half pass, she can’t do renvers, no haunches in etc. She wasn’t even able to properly flex at the poll when I got her, though I have now taught her that which obviously helps tremendously with her training. She can to a half-lived turn on the forehand though but only if I neck rein her. Cavalettis are another thing that is difficult to use since she tends to hit it with the hoof due to the old stifle injury, resulting in her entire outer hoof wall to eventually crumble apart. She generally has little to no idea of what to do with leg aids. The only thing I can currently do is ride her up and down the hill, but even that comes with it’s struggles. Up the hill is doable, but for down the hill she truly needs to step under with her hind legs, which is sometimes prohibited by her stifle. While she can do it down the hill, I can feel how uncomfortable and wobbly she feels.

[vanessakz]

@Rallycairn

I’d go for option 1 to see if there is something acute and/or reasonably easy to manage, and see if some diet adjustments might help her in addition to hopefully getting her back into work. If it’s not something easy to manage, then you can euthanize.

Not that I think you’d be wrong to go ahead and put her down at all. But for me, I’d have a vet visit, since she was doing so well recently – why not see if there’s a relatively easy fix? Front feet rads aren’t going to break the bank, and you might find something fixable. Or, if you find a big problem, you’d have more comfort knowing euthing now is the better choice for her.

That was my very first thought. Naturally. But talking to some other people, many of them questioned why I would start spending a few hundred $ at a 28 year old horse (x-rays are not cheap in my area), eventually raising the monthly maintenance on it due to special shoes, all while she could drop dead in her pasture at any given moment. While I don’t mind spending the money, it did get me thinking if this would be money well spent or rather wasted. Which brings me back to the question if I should, just because I can. My farrier said something about this as well. I told him that x-rays would help to determine how to help her in the long run, to which he asked “you are aware that there is no such thing as a -long run- for a horse of this age?”. Unfortunately, death is unpredictable. I once saved an old unridable Haflinger from slaughter and I was told by my vet that he will perhaps live another year or two. I fed that horse for another 11 years until he finally passed away… And then I had a young Hanoverian mare which dropped dead in her pasture at the young age of 6 due to a stroke.

[WildandWickedWarmblo]

I’d get rid of the husband and keep the animal, but I’ve always done that. It was great of you to take her in. If you cannot keep her and pay for her to be healthy, put her down. I’d love for one of my horses to make it to 28 yoa.

You can always get another man. Finding another good horse is difficult.

[toady123]

You have done a wonderful thing for this mare - you took her in and gave her a great year.

My biggest concern based on the info you have given would be her weight drop with winter setting in - they can go downhill really fast.

I think you would be well within reason to consider euthanasia with this mare, knowing you gave her lots of love and a peaceful end. BUT, I know this is much easier said than done in the moment. If you can afford the money and want to keep her around some rads won’t hurt…but you have to ask yourself how far down that road you want to go (and spend) on this horse.

Good luck, and kudos for what you did to get her to where she is now.

[IronwoodFarm]

Have you considered putting her on Previcox? I know it is the same as Equioxx except it is a pill form, but it is lots cheaper. Basically it is something your mare would get every day. It really did wonders for the last 4 years of my mare’s life. She felt pretty darn good. I ultimately put her down so that she did not have to go through another winter but she had some very good last years. Anyhow, a two week course is not enough. It was a daily dose for her.

[frugalannie]

Such a difficult decision. First of all, you are an angel to have brought her home and attended to her. What a lovey gift you gave her. And now you’re caring about her and worrying: another gift.

You didn’t mention if you are in an area where winters are harsh. If so, that changes the whole equation in my mind and it’s part of the reason I put one of my mares down in her mid 20s. We get icy winters here. Mare wasn’t comfortable due to dropped fetlocks (don’t know the clinical name for it, but that was what it looked like) even on pain meds. Nostrils flared all of the time, happy enough to eat grass in the field, but when the rest took off running, she would barely totter along behind. I simply couldn’t stand the idea of her going down in a winter storm and becoming an emergency euthanasia. So on a lovely November day, she was slowly walked out to the apple orchard where she was allowed to have her fill and then put to sleep. Yes, we all cried, but I slept well that night. I read somewhere on this board “Better a week to soon than a day too late”, and I have to say it informs my choices.

One question: you mentioned that you thought she was a ranch horse, but she’s green. Does she neck rein? And best of luck in your decision making. Difficult as it is, it’s a privilege to be able to make it.

[phantomhorse]

I also wonder what type of winter weather you experience, as that would be a big factor for me. If you live in a place where winter is harsh, I would put her down now. You have already given her a wonderful end to her days, so there is no shame in letting her go before winter really sets in.

[Guilherme]

You are in a bad spot. You can spend a LOT of money on a horse that might, MIGHT, give you 12 months of honest riding and then will be just a walking vet bill.

The question is do you want to spend your money for that or do you want a horse you can actually ride and work with? If the answer is “yes” then euthanasia is reasonable. A dollar spent on Horse A is a dollar you don’t have to spend on Horse B.

IMO there is no shame or dishonor in euthanasia of a horse whose useful life is at an end and is likely suffering from other issues as well (as noted by weight loss).

Put her down, learn from the experience, and spend you money on a better horse.

Sorry to be blunt, but that’s where your are.

G.

[Sugarwells]

You did buy an auction horse sight unseen. I think even if she can’t do renvers or walk over cavletti, or she has trouble doing those things, don’t do them. As Wicky suggested try just some simple walk work.

[buck22]

I’d get rid of the husband and keep the animal,

Well, I’ve done that several times.

I have a 37 yr old that could pass for 24. I’ll be celebrating 23 years of him in my life this Christmas. He hasn’t been riding sound for over a decade, but he’s pasture sound (some days better than others).

I board, so schleppling a useless oldster through life for such a long time hasn’t been easy, and he’s probably the biggest money pit I could beg for - but as you can image, I’ve got tremendous history with him, he’s my heart and soul, and I hope he goes another 10 years.

My golden oldie thrives on attention, he strongly resents he’s not in work any more. Other than tricks for treats (he’s a spanish-walking fool) there isn’t much those old bones can actually do any more - so he accompanies me when I have chores. Which is frequent enough, so it passes as a “job” for him.

When the horses in the field need a change of blankets, he’s my walking clothes hores, packing the new blankets out, standing by while each is changed, packing the worn ones back to the barn. We walk the lanes in the woods to pick up sticks and clear the way for my carriage. He’ll go with me to re-hang a swinging gate or fix the hinges - he grazes, I fix. When I’m stripping the run-in, fixing the footing, moving wheelbarrows of compost, washing the carriage, moving round bales, he’s in tow. When I walk the fence lines, doing repairs, clipping branches, he wears a surcingle with buckets hanging off each side carrying my tools (and treats). When a horse in training is nervous about something (ie taking a walk on the trafficed roads), he’s herd boss and leads with confidence.

Basically, any chore I have to do that a) doesn’t require two hands at all times, b) isn’t dangerous to be around, and c) isn’t super time sensitive, he’s gamely ambling along by my side, enjoying his “special time” away from the herd and occupying my attention, free to snuffle every single pocket looking for well-earned treats (every pocket holds a treat and he knows it).

There is something extremely special about the old ones. I don’t quite know how to put it into words, but there’s a wisdom, character, and sense of humor that only comes with age and experience.

f the old gal is happy to be alive, and its not costing you anything you resent spending to keep her happy, and it doesn’t put a strain on your life… senior citizens have a way of warming your soul I’ve not found otherwise. They’re pretty special.

Of course as soon as my old guy says its enough, life is too hard, it’ll be my honor to take away his pain, but for now, he’s still bouncing around enjoying giving the young’ins what fer, and sharing war stories with the oldsters, and being my best buddy on earth.

[buck22]

While I don’t mind spending the money, it did get me thinking if this would be money well spent or rather wasted.

I think it goes without question it will be money thrown after a horse that is near or at the end of its useable life, but whether its a waste only you can answer.

If keeping the company of the mare, having her last days be in comfort, and enjoying her for who she is brings you joy - only you can put a dollar figure on it.

I absolutely hemmorage thousands of dollars and hundreds of hours on a completely useless animal - those gobs of time and money could absolutely be better spent - but its my choice, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

[vanessakz]

I think you missed the point of why this was mentioned. I would generally not care if she can perform those things or not, but they would be more than helpful to keep her body in good condition, and her mind in a sane state.

[vanessakz]

@Guilherme

You are in a bad spot. You can spend a LOT of money on a horse that might, MIGHT, give you 12 months of honest riding and then will be just a walking vet bill.

The question is do you want to spend your money for that or do you want a horse you can actually ride and work with? If the answer is “yes” then euthanasia is reasonable. A dollar spent on Horse A is a dollar you don’t have to spend on Horse B.

IMO there is no shame or dishonor in euthanasia of a horse whose useful life is at an end and is likely suffering from other issues as well (as noted by weight loss).

Put her down, learn from the experience, and spend you money on a better horse.

Sorry to be blunt, but that’s where your are.

G.

I don’t find it blunt at all, and I certainly share your way of thinking. I am known for taking in horses from cases of neglect or young horses from the slaughter pipeline, bring them back to health, train them and find them permanent homes. This 28 year old mare is sitting pretty much on the spot that will eventually be filled by another poor soul.

[fordtraktor]

This is totally up to you. If you want to retire her, great. I would probably do the X-rays and get her comfy if possible. But if not, that is fine too— No judgment here. Skip the X rays if you want and try meds. Or euth…whatever you feel is appropriate.

I wouldn’t expect to ride her any more. She is 28! It is great if you can ride one that age, but a rarity. If she is lame at the trot I wouldn’t ride her at the walk, though, without meds so she is comfy.

have you tried daily bute? A lot of people worry about ulcers but if it is a choice between putting one down and giving t daily bute, I opt for the bute first and don’t borrow trouble. It is cheap and often buys a couple years. If she can’t tolerate it you are no worse off.

[vanessakz]

@IronwoodFarm

Have you considered putting her on Previcox? I know it is the same as Equioxx except it is a pill form, but it is lots cheaper. Basically it is something your mare would get every day. It really did wonders for the last 4 years of my mare’s life. She felt pretty darn good. I ultimately put her down so that she did not have to go through another winter but she had some very good last years. Anyhow, a two week course is not enough. It was a daily dose for her.

The vet wanted to put her permanently on Equioxx due to her old stifle injury, so she would walk smoother. However, it gave her the runs after a few weeks and I put gastric health above all else, so I stopped using it on her. It didn’t make a difference in her stifle anyway, which is why I decided to stretch her stifle every day instead. A very hard job btw if I may mention that I gave her Equioxx for about 2 weeks after she came up lame, but it made no difference whatsoever. I am giving the pill type btw, very much comparable to Previcox, but approved for equines.

[vanessakz]

@fordtraktor

This is totally up to you. If you want to retire her, great. I would probably do the X-rays and get her comfy if possible. But if not, that is fine too— No judgment here. Skip the X rays if you want and try meds. Or euth…whatever you feel is appropriate.

I wouldn’t expect to ride her any more. She is 28! It is great if you can ride one that age, but a rarity. If she is lame at the trot I wouldn’t ride her at the walk, though, without meds so she is comfy.

have you tried daily bute? A lot of people worry about ulcers but if it is a choice between putting one down and giving t daily bute, I opt for the bute first and don’t borrow trouble. It is cheap and often buys a couple years. If she can’t tolerate it you are no worse off.

I had her on Equioxx which vets like to prescribe as a long term medication, instead of giving bute. It gave her the runs however (and terrible gas!), and I decided to stop using it. I was giving her a 14 day treatment with it after she came up lame, but there was no improvement whatsoever.

[vanessakz]

@phantomhorse

I also wonder what type of winter weather you experience, as that would be a big factor for me. If you live in a place where winter is harsh, I would put her down now. You have already given her a wonderful end to her days, so there is no shame in letting her go before winter really sets in.

I want to say that it is freaking cold here… but that would be a lie. I am just a sissy when it comes to cold.
We live in the coastal VA area, so winters are relatively mild. But nevertheless, it is obviously costing her quite some energy to stay warm. I have already decided to stall her at night with a warm blanket in order to conserve some energy. I also realized today that she didn’t roll since the weather has gotten significantly colder. During the warmer seasons she would ALWAYS roll after every meal, but not now.