The logistics of euthanasia

[IrishMilo]

I’ve posted before about my six year old Connemara. Unfortunately after vet investigations, he turned out to have chronic osteoarthritis, plus behavioural issues under saddle and in the field (running through fences when stressed about bad weather) which mean realistically he is just not cut out to be a field ornament.

I’m in pieces but have decided the best thing is euthanasia. He is absolutely needle and vet phobic so I have decided to go with the pistol. I want him to know nothing but love and his favourite treats in his last moments, not fear and stress.

I’ve been wondering whether I should have him sedated before hand, or is it not necessary? I have no experience with this.

Thanks in advance.

[Obsidian_Fire]

You can administer oral sedation yourself - such as Dormosedan gel - then when he’s droopy the vet could approach and finish via IV.
That would be my approach.

((hugs)) and so sorry you have to do this.

[McGurk]

I am so sorry you are going through this!

And also sorry to be so gruesome. Euthanasia with a pistol, if done by a skilled or experienced person, is quick and should not require sedation.

Two methods -

1.) Rub and scratch the horse’s head with the pistol in hand until the horse relaxes and drops their head slightly, then bring the pistol muzzle forward.

Easier method, that doesn’t require good timing like method 1. - Place a bucket or pan of grain and treats in front of horse. Wait until horse’s head is in the bucket, nomming away, bring pistol out. (slowly, so they don’t raise their head) The last thing the horse will know is a mouth full of treats.

Make sure the person doing the deed knows exactly where to place the shot (Google if unsure), and knows that the pistol needs to be VERY close, if not touching. A short barrel or snub nosed pistol is preferable.

I assisted in a couple of euths this way. It is very tough to witness, but absolutely humane. The horse has no idea, and is dead before they hit the ground. Harder on the human handlers than euth with a needle, but easier on the horses.

[Gainer]

I personally would go with the dorm ahead of time, then have the vet administer the final meds. It’s less gruesome and more peaceful for everyone involved.

[IrishMilo]

Thank you. There are many ‘cremation’ services around me who have people highly skilled and qualified to euth via pistol, they do it day in, day out so know exactly what they’re doing. Unfortunately even with prior sedation he won’t let a vet near with a needle - we’ve tried twice for meds and both time ended in disaster.

[NancyM]

The gun is the preferred method, IMO. If you have local experienced people especially. It’s devastatingly sad for you, whichever method is used, but that is not the important thing right now, what is important is what is best for the horse, and your sensibilities are secondary. You know that, obviously. If not using drugs to put the horse down, burial is more possible, since the body is not poisoned. Or, use as feed for carnivores, if that option is available. Use of a gun is far more environmentally friendly.

You know your horse, and have the best idea about what preparation may be the most useful to him. Even feeding some acepromazine may be helpful, calming, reduce any tension he may feel with a stranger coming around. The bucket of grain on the ground is the classic approach, but some people simply cradle the horse’s head gently with one arm, and place the gun accurately with the other hand. With your access to skilled people, they will have their preferences and usual routine. Consult the person you recruit in advance, so you know what to expect. Explain any of your horse’s idiosyncracies in advance that you feel may be a problem for the the person doing the job, if he’s head shy, or nervous of strangers etc.

It’s often not necessary for you to be present for this. Excess emotion on your part can be unsettling for your horse, the opposite of what you want for him. After working so hard to keep them alive for the extent of their lives, it is not necessary that you be present for their death, unless you want to be. Your call.

Sorry.

[wsmoak]

I am so sorry to hear this. I think you’ve gotten good advice and you know your horse best.

In case it helps someone else who comes along, I remembered a thread we had a long time ago because I still have the “Emergency Euthanasia of Horses” document from UC Davis printed out in my Farm Manual binder. (I’m an hour from veterinary assistance so I made DH (who is experienced with firearms) study this.)

[barngirl]

@IrishMilo … I don’t have anything really to add but I wanted to thank you for being open about this process for you and your equine. I had to make a similar decision reverently and have felt immense guilt at times, but know in my heart that it was the right decision. My mare had gotten quite unsafe. She wasn’t running into fences, but running me over, knocking me to the ground and then bolting, often in an un-fenced area.
I was lucky enough that she didn’t mind shots so it was a very peaceful and quick passing. The hardest part for me was not loosing it before she had passed.
Thank you for having the courage to share your experience, concerns and I hope and pray for a swift passing your pony. I have come to realize it was the kindest thing I could do for her and that now she is truly at peace.

[BoyleHeightsKid]

Hugs to you and Godspeed to your boy… you are doing the right thing :sadsmile:

[cheektwocheek]

Hugs…

I had my 6 yr old homebred euthanized this year due to complications from DSLD. He was becoming increasingly spooky & agitated by not being sound. His natural flight response was definitely kicking in. We did sedate him before hand and he went peacefully.

[jawa]

Just a side note on sedating and then using drugs to euth…the sedation can cause the drugs to not work as quickly. I have personal experience with this when I had a dog PTS. I had used a different vet for the previous dog, no sedation and the process went much more smoothly.

I choose to have my equine PTS with a pistol by someone who had helped many equines over the rainbow bridge. I have a 36 year old pony who is doing well for his age, but when the time comes he will go with a bullet rather than drugs.

Honestly, if small animal vets would euth with a bullet, I’d choose that for my small animals as well.

[bingbingbing]

So sorry OP. It’s never easy, even when it is the right thing to do.
I had a neurologic mare that was very afraid of the vet. I had no option but to have her shot. I fed her carrots while I chatted with the guy. She quickly became comfortable. It was over so fast. Yes, the gun shot can be startling to the person. But there was zero stress for my horse and it was over so fast, it seemed like before she even went down.

[Lunabear1988]

OP, I can’t add anything about this method. But I just wanted to say I’m so sorry that you have had to make such a decision. I’ve had to do it with two young horses and it is very hard-but I know I did the right thing

Sending you peace and strength during this time.