Hi all, we are meeting tomorrow with the head of our vet practice to discuss quality of life for a chronically-lame but otherwise happy horse.
What questions would you have ready to ask the vet to ensure all bases are covered? Essentially, the meeting will cover any alternative therapies and euthanasia.
How much pain is the horse in now?
Is that a happy life?
Can we do anything more to make his life happier?
Are those avenues within the budget of the owner?
Can the horse potentially recover?
If so, what is the timeline?
If not, should we euth now while he still has some happy times?
If not euth now, what signs should we look for?
Whenever having one of these hospice type vet appointments, I always ask this:
What, specifically, do I need to watch for that indicates the downturn? And by that, I mean what signals the point of no return, where things are just going to get worse?
I always want to make the call at that point, at the latest. Sometimes they have brief rallies, and it sure is hard. But when you know things are just going to get worse, it’s such a kindness to let them go when things are still good, before they get bad, before the animal wants to die. Missing that point just sucks so much 
I really applaud you for having this conversation with the vet and thinking ahead. It’s so hard. I’m so sorry.
You could give everyone present a copy of that, or the appropiate paragraphs, to read up front, then go from that:
https://aaep.org/horsehealth/euthana…icult-decision
Those guidelines cover most everything, other than examining the individual in person, which is the determining factor.
If you have to make the final decision, it is always better too soon than too late, horse in a crisis and unecessarily stressed by it.
Sorry you are there now, it is a hard time for all.
Good link. I did find this surprising though: “A horse should not have to receive continuous analgesic medication for the relief of pain for the rest of its life.”
I know a few retired horses that were/are on lifetime pain meds. And as long as they weren’t getting ulcers as a result, they were fine.
I wanted to come back and thank you all for your input and provide an update. Unfortunately, the diagnosis was 100% definitive that euthanasia is the only option in this case. It is a sad relief to have such a strong answer, but there is no pain management that will help in this case and euthanasia is the best course of action.
Jo thanks for the update. At least it was clear cut. A small blessing
This is partially recognition of the cost to the owner, both financial and opportunity. There are way more horses in need of good owners than there are owners in need of horses. The horse that is on “lifetime” pain meds may be taking up a spot that could be given to a healthy horse in need of a good home.
I’ve had to make this choice twice with ottbs that I tried to rehab and move onto second career. I have a small farm, and could absolutely “retire” a race horse or two. But then I would not have the room or money to help any more ottbs. Twice horses did not sound up enough for a new home, but they absolutely would have lived years in a small paddock situation. For me, each “permanent” horse takes up 2 ottb slots each year, so each year that I would keep a permanent horse, 2 ottbs don’t get the opportunity to retire from racing and find a second career. It’s hard.
@Jo sorry for your loss.
Thank you for your kind words, all. It’s not my horse but another COTHers who I know is reading this thread and appreciates the love.
By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. You may also receive promotional emails from The Chronicle of the Horse. You can opt out at any time.
For Customers
Company
Terms of Use
