Difficult though it may be to contemplate, there may come a time when, for humane or other reasons, you need to consider euthanasia for your horse. Choosing whether, or when, to end a beloved animal's life may be the hardest decision you ever have to make regarding your horse's welfare. However, it may be one of the most responsible and compassionate things we can do for our horses.
When you love your horse
Veterinarians with experience in this area will tell you that animal owners who have contemplated the question of euthanasia and settled upon solution in advance of the need to act have a much easier time. Name
One of the unfortunate aspects of our lives is that we often outlive the animals with whom we share intimate friendships. Frequently, their death comes dramatically and with certainty. Severe illness or tragic accident provides no alternative to the end of life.
More commonly, however, these matters are not so clear cut. Illness and debilitation, particularly in the older animal, may come gradually over an extended period, accompanied by a subtle rise in suffering. During this period of time, we may be so caught up in saving the life of our beloved friend that we find it difficult to recognize the intersection of progressive medical treatment and the humane relief of suffering.
Euthanasia is a gift that we give to our suffering animals. When properly chosen and applied, it is one of the most humane acts a person can accomplish. Unfortunately, there is no one—no veterinarian, animal expert or friend—who can give you a precise answer as to when such a gift should be given. It is a personal decision that each of us has to make based upon our own values under difficult circumstances.
The decision is rarely made easily but often comes less painfully to those who have thought about it ahead of time. Veterinarians with experience in this area will tell you that animal owners who have contemplated the question of euthanasia and settled upon solution well in advance of the need to act have a much easier time.
It is recommended that animal owners, particularly those with aged animals, establish a close relationship with their attending veterinarians. They should discuss the subject of euthanasia with those caregivers and come to an understanding of how the events surrounding the loss of their animals should be handled—not just if, when and how euthanasia should be performed, but who should be present, where should it occur and what is to be done with the animal afterward.
Preplanning for these circumstances will certainly minimize the unpleasantness that accompanies them.
While it is easier to avoid thinking about the subject, we know that life for all living creatures comes to an end. We, as humans, have the ability to make that end lovingly easy for many of our animal friends. It would be a shame not to be ready to show them that one last gesture of loving devotion.
By Gregory L. Ferraro
UC Davis Center for Equine Health - The Horse Report
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