Should I consider euthanasia? UPDATE post 25

Reading the comments I think I’m in the minority, but I’d at least want a second opinion. If the horse has had several different soft tissue injuries, I’d look into a Cushing’s test as there is literature showing a correlation between cushings and soft tissue injuries where they produce more cortisol and thereby don’t clear inflammation from the body as well. It’s a relatively cheap test and might explain some things. You’ve clearly exhausted time and money into the horse and care for him; whatever decision you make would be fair to both you and the horse.

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As I expected, you all have confirmed what I already knew to be the right path. My horse is scheduled to be euthanized on Monday. We are going to put him down in his favorite pasture alongside his friends. I’m heartbroken, but I know it is the best possible decision for him…and me. As one poster said above, you never know where your path is supposed to take you. It is my hope that there are better things ahead and a wonderful new horse is out there just waiting for me to come and pick him up. But I will always be grateful for the time I had with this horse even though it was way shorter than either of us wanted. He was perfect in so many ways.

If you posted, thank you for your insight. You all definitely helped me make sense of a very emotional and sad situation.

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I’m so sorry. You are doing a very brave thing allowing him to become free from his broken Earth suit. Hugs to you. It’s always so hard no matter the reasons.

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Good on you for making the hard decision. Being pasture sound sucks.

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/many many gentle hugs

And thank you for doing right by him. He sounds like a lovely horse whose time has come.

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I’m so sorry to hear the vet update. I think you are making the right decision to let him go, as incredibly hard as it is. I will give my horses an extra kiss on the nose for him today. :heart:

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I’m wishing you comfort and peace in the midst of your heartbreak.

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Will be thinking of you over the weekend and especially over next week. :two_hearts:

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It’s heartbreaking, but you are doing right by your boy. Hugs to you :heart:

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I will be thinking of you. ((( HUG ))) :heart:

Hugs, @Dreamwarmbloods. I, too, think you are doing the incredibly difficult but right thing. I was in your position just a few years ago but with different issues. I kept trying “one more thing because he is the perfect horse” longer than I probably would do again. Feel free to reach out to any of us for a hand to hold if you need to and spoil him rotten this weekend. Prayers from VA.

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Thinking of you. {{{{{Hugs}}}}} from Colorado.

You are doing the right thing, I did the bilateral suspensory surgery with a horse with a good prognosis for future soundness, and he had the side effect of the dropped fetlocks and I just had to put him down after 6 years of retirement anyway. :frowning: hugs to you, it’s never easy but that’s how you know you’re doing the right thing

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I have done this with 2 of mine.
The vets & staff were more than caring.
I was allowed to be with both horses thru the euth process, even holding one’s head in my lap after he was sedated & techs layed him down.
One vet remembered me more than 10yrs after he’d treated my WB (who did not survive) when I came back with a friend & his horse.
Both horses were donated for research as both had complicated dx that could help students learn.

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“His broken earth suit” is just the very best way of saying this. :blue_heart: I hope all horses crossing the bridge know that their next suit will be snazzy and stylin’ and will not fail them.

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I remind mine when they’re going that they should leave the broken pieces behind. That’s not who they were. :cry:

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You are in my heart. Remember that you will meet again and cross the bridge together. :two_hearts:

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A little late (sorry!), but hugs and prayers for you today, @Dreamwarmbloods.

I’m so sorry, but I really believe “This, it be right.” Hugs to you and jingles for a peaceful crossing.

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I’m so sorry but it sounds like you’re absolutely doing the right thing. Hugs to you, we are here for you on COTH.

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