When to euth horse, and dog

[Crown_Royal]

I have both a pony and a dog I’m wondering about when to euthanize. I’ve never had to euthanize a horse, and have only had to euthanize small pets when they had issues that were obviously affecting quality of life (cat had progressively worse seizures, dog had congestive heart failure that could no longer be managed).

Dog is a 14.5 year old large mutt I’ve had since he was a puppy. He’s been a GREAT dog- he’s done no wrong past his puppy years. After some strange symptoms, I found out one year ago that he has a tumor on his adrenal gland. Surgery wasn’t a realistic option and I can only manage his symptoms when they flare up (which they really haven’t lately). The reason I’m wondering about when euthanizing may be the right choice is because of some “old dog problems”- I’m wondering if they’re effecting his quality of life. He has trouble getting up sometimes (and he’s at a healthy but lean weight), can’t manage more than a couple steps so he’s stuck in the downstairs part of my split-level home away from his family (he would have to go up and down a lot of steps to go outside if he were on the main floor)- he can see us but he isn’t with us like he always has been, and he pees CONSTANTLY. Not leaking, but sometimes it’s like he has doggy dementia. He’ll go outside, but stare at me and want to come back in when normally he goes out and pees immediately, and then five seconds after coming in just pee A TON?? He always wants to drink but can’t hold any of it. So he’s constantly peeing downstairs. It’s laminate flooring and an area rug I’m going to have to toss after he passes. He’s worn the male dog diapers but pees so much that he floods them. So I’m not sure when to say it’s time for him.

Second is pony. I’ve had him 12 years and he’s in his late 20’s. Kind of mystery start to his life but he had been neglected shortly before we bought him. He’s a nervous type, but very sweet. He has plenty of spunk still, is the boss of the herd, and my pony mare is his girlfriend. He’s never been a piggy eater but I was able to get a good amount of weight on him a few years ago. He just won’t eat/won’t finish if he’s nervous, if the weather is rainy/windy, and sometimes not if he’s in a stall (HATES to be stalled). But at the end of last summer he went to be a babysitter at another farm for a couple months, lost some weight from not getting enough grain, and hasn’t gained much back despite his normal feeding. He just looks kind of OLD now, and is too bony. I’ve upped his feed (senior), he has 24/7 hay, wears good blankets with shelter, but he’s not a great eater. I think he’ll perk back up some in the spring into summer, but at what point with an old horse do you euthanize due to weight alone? Especially if they’re consistently dropping in the winter (he dropped a little last winter despite upping feed, so I’m thinking he’d probably drop again next winter). I’ve seen people keep their old, bony horses around for years until they were too stiff to move around or get up, but I don’t think I’d want to keep him alive a bag of bones despite proper feeding if it got to that point, you know? So for those horses that still have pep, are sound, unmedicated, but are having teeth problems and weight problems, when do you let them go? I’m just thinking ahead for this guy.

Thank you.

[Freespool86]

I can’t add much input on your pup, but I’m in the same boat on my gelding. He’s 21 and has very similar weight issues. Nothing healthwise that we can find that is causing it. He’s also developed an issue with his hind end that is considered neurological at this point. He’s now fully retired from riding, he likes to work but is settling into his new life. However he doesn’t seem happy with the herd, in with just one horse or on his own. We’ve tried multiple configurations for him, we’ve changed up his diet, changed to flat ground thinking he was killing his weight going up and down the hills and no luck. He can’t just be chucked out into a retirement pasture. He has to be supplemented and blanketed with shelter. So I’ve come to the conclusion that I’ll let him go over the rainbow bridge sometime in February. I definitely know he can’t survive another winter. It’s a difficult decision and one I’ve been rolling over in my mind for at least the last month. I love this horse to death, he’s given me confidence and he’s a sweet boy. But he doesn’t owe anyone anything, he competed his heart out for last owners who just threw him to the side when he couldn’t compete at the level they wanted. It’s my duty to give him a dignified end and not let him waste away.

[seabreeze]

I’m sorry, Crown Royal. Regarding your dog, I never feel it’s too early when the oldies have multiple issues. Regarding the pony, I think when you start thinking about it, the time is nigh. You mention weight and teeth issues, and we could offer tons of suggestions, but you know your pony and see things about him that lead you to think about euthanasia that we don’t see. I always think that there are much worse things thank a kind, dignified end.

Best wishes with your decisions!

[silverdog]

I put my mid teen cat to sleep today. I knew it was coming but the end came way faster than I expected. My thing is quality of life. He was not interested in eating for 24 hrs and was much weaker than the day before. Hard but easy call. He was not able to easily get himself outside if he wanted to go out and seemed disinterested. My other cats are wigging out. So clingy. Using the quality of life framework has made the decision straightforward every time. Sorry about your oldies.

[JBD]

I’d take the dog to the vet as his conditions could possibly be managed with medication. There are several choices for arthritis and also meds for urinary issues
Same with the pony. 21 is not super old and it seems he was doing well until he lost weight under someone else’s care. Have his teeth checked, more calorie dense feed, multiple feedings, etc

[fordtraktor]

A lot of older ponies and horses can’t eat hay well but thrive if they have something like Alfalfa pellets, soaked, and a good feed. Can you fence him off a temporary area where he can eat in private for a few hours a day? We often put the slow ones in a round pen in their regular field for 2-3 hours…they are still with their friends but have the space and time to eat. Might be worth trying. You need to experiment to find what works. I would do that before euthing a horse with no other real issues but if you think it is time, no judgment.

The dog, I would probably euth. I doubt he is happy not able to be with his family.

[Bellathemustang]

This is the worst part of pet ownership. I had to help my senior dog pass last year. It helped me to use the quality of life scoring tools, many are available online. We used this vet, and they were great, their website has amazing rescources.

https://www.lapoflove.com/Quality-of-Life/Quality-of-Life-Scoring-Tools

I did read, and do think, many people keep pets alive past the animals point of comfort because it is so hard for us to let them go. Once we let Tini go we knew we had made the right choice.

Good luck to you, and much love to your dog and pony. I hope your last days with them are filled with love and cuddles.

[ShotenStar]

@seabreeze

… I think when you start thinking about it, the time is nigh. …

I think seabreeze has identified the “time” well. At some level of subconscious recognition, you know it is approaching the “time”. Your choice now is in the “better a day too soon than an hour too late” range. Having assisted several friends who fell into the “hour too late” range, I can tell you that sooner is better, for everyone. Hard, yes. But definitely better.

star

[Crown_Royal]

Thanks for all of the responses. It’s easier for me from the outside to say “yes it’s time for your animal” than it is to look at your own pet day after day and actually schedule it to be done, when there’s no crisis to warrant it. I never want any of my animals to suffer.

My dog has been to the vet a lot (particularly when we were trying to diagnose him) and she is aware of his issues. He’s been on meds for arthritis, and the peeing issue isn’t one that makes him a good candidate for meds (we had a dog years ago that did well on those) because it’s just like he forgets and goes. He’s always been perfectly house trained (really the perfect dog) and never ever had an accident in the house since he was a puppy. And now he just forgets and goes. A lot. I let him out frequently. I think I’m going to have to make that appointment soon.

To respond to a couple specific posts about the pony-

JBD- my pony is in his late 20’s. Probably 28 or 29. Another poster’s horse is 21. I agree 21 isn’t super old- I have hard keeper TB’s that are 21 and 22 that look good and another pony that is 20 and looks fantastic. But for whatever reason, some horses do not age the same.

My guy is on mostly 24/7 turnout and while he is happiest outside sharing his meal with his girlfriend (I give extra in that case, and she’s submissive to him), I’ve been bringing him in a stall for his meals. It’s a dutch door to the paddock where all the other horses are and his girlfriend hangs her head over his door while he eats so he isn’t lonely. But he can only stand being in there long enough to eat his grain, and will not eat hay or drink while he’s in. He’s getting plenty of senior feed, but next I’m going to start adding beet pulp and the alfalfa cubes and soaking all of it. Just have to pick those things up today. I just hope he actually has interest in finishing it. He currently gets 2 meals a day, and I throw in an extra meal if I am around. But can’t do that while I’m at work. His teeth have been regularly floated. He just has old horse teeth. I think he’ll perk up in weight during the spring and summer but may not want to do another winter if I don’t see a good gain.

[AnastasiaBeaverhousen]

Have you had a vet out to check your pony?
It may be teeth, metabolic disorder, parasitic.
Also, the vet can help you determine what the proper weight should be for your pony.
It might be better for your pony to be a little underweight. Note that I said a little. Not talking about starving the poor thing. Underweight is preferable to overweight if the pony is otherwise healthy.
it is a tough decision to make about when to euthanize.
if the pony seems to content and without pain and healthy otherwise you may want to consult an Equine nutritionist about what to feed.
Good luck. Hope this helps.

[Guilherme]

The short answer is that when an animal is in unmitigated, unremitting pain and you can not provide relief with assets available to you then it’s time.

If you are wealthy you have more options than if you are not. Otherwise there really is no “school” answer.

Nor is there an easy answer to the question “this is hard for me; how do I get over emotional hump?” This is something each owner must decide for themselves.

Life comes with joy and sadness, not always in equal measure. We all have to deal with it in our own way.

G.

[pologirl27]

From what you write, your dog seems to be in a much worse place than your pony. Other than the weight, the pony seems good? I would see what you can do this summer to get him looking good (soaking feed, maybe alfalfa? powdered fat is very cheap) and then if he’s not improved by next Oct/Nov put him down before going through another winter.

[Horsecare101]

My heart hurts for you. I definitely agree with the other posts - as hard as it is, it sounds like it may be time for your pup. Not being able to be with the family is probably hard on him and if he’s in pain and can’t move around, euthanasia may be the right answer. As his owner, you’ll know. I’m so sorry.

As for the pony, I would definitely get started with the beet pulp and soaking alfalfa cubes. My old guy drops weight in the winter and our vet said it is probably due to old horse teeth and lower quality hay in the winter months. He can eat it, but isn’t masticating well. He recommended senior without molasses, soaked alfalfa cubes, and a beet pulp/rice bran mix. I would give that a shot if hes peppy and seems happy. If it doesn’t help and he gets to the point where he seems like he’s in pain or unhappy - then maybe euthanasia is the way to go.

I’m not sure if this is any help, but I was an equine vet assistant for a few years and as such, I was at the head of every horse we put down. As difficult as it is, it’s a beautiful thing to be able to take your animal’s pain away and honestly the best gift you can give them when they are suffering. Hope that helps your heart feel at peace with whatever decision you make.

[walktrot]

I had a cat with an infection in his face that started in a tooth. He appeared to do well on treatment with anitbiotics, then went downhill a bit. Vet prescribed another round of treatment with vitamins added because I figured the kitty would perk up and be okay. It was quite clear I was wrong within about 24 hours. I still feel a bit guilty because I should have said goodbye rather than push more treatment on him. The vet supplies lovely handmade ceramic urns, and I have 6 of them in the bay window. I swore then, and do now, that I will never do that again, including my horse. Too early is always better than too late.

[Kottbulle]

Lots of good advice… I would say keep on keeping on with the pony, sounds like a lot has to do with the winter. I have an older gelding(25) and i have found i have to play around with his feed. He seems to get disinterested in the grain after awhile, so i have to change it up… currently he gets alfalfa pellets added to the regular grain to keep his interest. Last winter it was beet pulp.He hasn’t been losing weight which i keep an eye on, but he has also never been a horse you can make fat… 1/2 TB 1/2 Hanoverian. So I try my best to keep his teeth in order and make sure everything is up to date and honestly hope for the best. I also have a list in my head of things that I know unless easily resolved will be things that signal its time to let him go. Like colic surgery, he hates stall rest so even if he made it thru surgery doubt we would have good recovery results. Also i may consider letting him if he has another severe choke that needs vet intervention, he is a gray and has lots of melanomas, so odds are he next severe choke would be related to that, and the recovery for him from choke is very hard to follow as he hates soaked hay cubes and being inside, separated from others. But he seems pretty hearty if not just normal senior arthritic horse, but I would much rather make the decision when he isn’t stressed or in crisis if I can.

As for the dog, i would go sooner than later. I really think dogs hang on for us more than we realize. And part of our job as a good owner is be able to let go. They give us so much and don’t think about themselves.
We recently had a cat pass, and it was horrible. My boyfriend couldn’t bring himself to take her to the vet and she just kept getting worse. Since it was his cat i really couldn’t jus take her in on my own. I was basically force feeding her formula to try to get something in her system. I live with the guilt of not pushing for her to go in and be put down, and with knowing that I most likely caused her to have a heart attack or something when she got really irritated during one of my attempts to give her formula and caused her to die. In the end, I try not to beat myself up because i knew she was not going to make it much longer, but I have vowed that going forward I will not do that to any of my animals, dogs, cats or horses. Its just not fair to them.

[candyappy]

One of our dogs was 14 and having mobility issues. She could still get up and get herself out to potty and ate fine and seemed happy. The day she could not get up, but had to be carried out to do her business was the day we euthanized her.

As far as your horse, it is up to you, is all I can say. If he isn’t in pain then you have time to see what Spring and grass brings. Looking at a walking skeleton day in and out is difficult and I would try to objectively evaluate his quality of life.

If he were mine and a skeleton I would most likely euthanize before something bad happens.

[Crown_Royal]

Thank you everyone, for the outside perspective.

One day a couple weeks ago my dog slipped getting up on the laminate and couldn’t get his feet under him. I had to carry him halfway out. But then he was on his feet and okay, and most days can get up, just slowly. But I don’t want to keep him going if that’s a regular thing. It’s just hard when other days he’s so perky and moves pretty well. I’ll probably give him a little bit more time with plenty of extra treats and homecooked meals, then let him go.

The pony is impossible to get fat- he’s not a typical pony- and has always been that way. But he’s not a skeleton now, I just don’t like the weight I see and I’m used to him being on the lean side (he’s Arab x QH and lightly built anyway). I still would like more weight on him, and him at a “normal” weight for himself wouldn’t be hurting his joints to carry that. He never appears stiff, off, and the farrier frequently compliments the flexibility of his leg joints (compared to my 21yr old TB with arthritis in his knee) so there’s that. I’m fortunate for that. I’ll let him have the summer, I can’t see him getting any worse when it warms up, but reevaluate in the fall depending on how much he’s picked up. I just wondered the consensus on putting down an old horse when you see their weight decline from previous years (despite good feeding) vs. keeping a very very thin horse with life in their eyes, until they look REALLY depressed. My relative let her old horses live in their 30’s but they were SO skinny for years (despite big mash meals- they had almost no teeth) and had no spunk. She only euthanized when one couldn’t get up in the winter, and the other coliced. I don’t want my old guys to go because of some crisis, after walking around looking that skinny for years.

[Hopeless]

I really think everything comes down to quality of life. What kind of quality of life do they have? Are they finding joy in life still, or are they spending most of their days just existing.

[Heinz_57]

I feel you, I really do. I’m in a very similar situation with my retired horse not holding weight and not having a huge appetite - mostly due to being attached to my other horse - although he has other physical issues, has a difficult time with the farrier, and I think may have developed headshaking syndrome in the last year or two. But he seems otherwise bright-eyed, and I’ve spent hours bending the ears of friends, COTH’ers, and my poor husband trying to figure out the “right” answer and see his condition objectively.

It’s a bit of a pickle - you want to do the best you can and consider all the factors. I would not judge anyone for euthanizing a horse that keeps losing weight despite reasonable/routine veterinary care. Like you, I won’t be letting my guy drop to a rack of bones, I’d rather put him to rest before it gets to that point.