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Barnyard Buddies:  so sad....we have to put a horse down  |
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cajungal
True Blue Farmgirl
2349 Posts
Catherine Farmgirl Sister #76
Houston Area
Texas
2349 Posts |
 Posted - Jan 15 2011 : 4:21:19 PM
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Shockin' is in his early 20's and had to have surgery for a growth on his hind leg at the pastern. We've been cleaning it and re-bandaging it for a week now. The growth has returned. The vet came out and says it's an aggressive tumor. He's lame now and won't walk.
I've had to put down other animals/pets myself and usually handle it okay. But, never a horse....MY horse. Y'all know how it is....your horse is like a soul mate. This whole thing is so sad.
I just can't decide about having the vet come out and administer medicine or for us to shoot it.
Any advice or experience?
One of the best compliments from one of my daughters: "Moma, you smell good...like dirt." |
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Melina
True Blue Farmgirl
435 Posts
Melina
USA
435 Posts |
Posted - Jan 15 2011 : 4:28:37 PM
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I'm so sorry to hear this. Been there. I think if I had it to do over, I'd have the vet out. We shot, and I can't bear the thought of it now. With the vet, there is no chance the horse or shooter will move, no loud trauma.
I hope it goes well for you.
The morning breeze has secrets to tell you. Do not go back to sleep.
Rumi |
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sherrye
True Blue Farmgirl
3775 Posts
sherry
bend in the high desert
oregon
USA
3775 Posts |
Posted - Jan 15 2011 : 4:34:36 PM
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i had to put my mini jersey down. she had kidney cancer. i shot her. she was down instantly. i felt good about doing it this way you will choose what is best for you. i am so sad for you. it is hard to say ggod bye. i will say a prayer for you. sending love hugs and support for you through this tough time. sherrye
the learn as we go silk purse farm
farm girl #1014
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kristin sherrill
True Blue Farmgirl
11303 Posts
kristin
chickamauga
ga
USA
11303 Posts |
Posted - Jan 15 2011 : 5:02:43 PM
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Catherine, I am so sorry. I will say that we had a dog for years and she was hit by a car. My husband had to put her down and he has never gotten that out of his mind. I don't know, but that's something to think about.
Kris
Happiness is simple. |
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grace gerber
True Blue Farmgirl
2804 Posts
grace
larkspur
colorado
USA
2804 Posts |
Posted - Jan 15 2011 : 5:17:56 PM
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Oh My Catherine, I am so so sorry to read about this, it is never easy to have to say goodbye to someone we have loved, cared for and shared so much with over time. I have had to do both and there is no right or wrong answer. When I have had to be the one to end someone's life here at the farm I know that I had no other choice, I wanted to end their suffering and they where loved each day they where here. It is not to say that at some point I do not replay it in my mind but again I remind myself that I had not other choice. I have also been the one to call a vet and the final decission was to end their life however, each time that happened I requested from the vet that I be the one to give the injection. Again, for me and just speaking for me I figure it this way - I want to make sure your passing is swift and painless and I want you to know I do it out of love. Since I never kill anything here to eat I look at life and death a bit different.
I wished we could make it easier for your but there just is no way to do so. I send comforting prayers your way and just know you have done everything and now you are doing a loving act as well. Blessings to you and your sweet loving four legged family member.
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.artfire.com
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amomfly
True Blue Farmgirl
658 Posts
Angie
LaGrange
IN
USA
658 Posts |
Posted - Jan 16 2011 : 04:55:56 AM
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I had a dog I rescued who just couldnt get over his trauma and turned on a young child. We chose to shot, I never got over it. I am crying right now! The loud noise the look, just not for me.
Now I did put down my beautiful qtr. horse Ruby red beauty!She was a once in a lifetime horse for me, ok balling now! I had the vet come out and put her down, it was a good choice. I laid and cried on her and then said good bye.
Just my thoughts.
Do what is best for you.
Lots of love and prayers are being sent your way!
God Bless
Angie-amomfly
#1038 |
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Cari Lynn
Farmgirl in Training
26 Posts
Cari
Rixeyville
Virginia
USA
26 Posts |
Posted - Jan 16 2011 : 07:35:13 AM
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PLEASE have the vet come out and administer the medication to put him down with dignity. Horses are very sensitive sentient beings and I firmly believe they know when it is time. I really feel for you and send prayers and hugs to you, I have 4 horses of my own, love them all to pieces but my one draft mare is truly special to me.
We "sisters" are all here should you need a shoulder.
" Promise me you'll always remember: Your braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think." By Christopher Robins to Pooh
www.goinggreyfarm.com |
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missusprim
True Blue Farmgirl
400 Posts
Karen
Fostoria
Ohio
USA
400 Posts |
Posted - Jan 16 2011 : 09:16:18 AM
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My heart feels for you! I think the bigger the animal the harder it sometimes is to end their life. But horses especially we can have that special bond with them.
My Dad was asked by their neighbor to put down some barn kittens. Although he is a hunter - he said he'd never do that again. It has stayed with him to this day.
Please call the vet! I think unless it's an emergency and the animal is really suffering (being hit by a car, fell down a hole, or some serious injury) it's more humane to have them go gently by injection than being shot and fall to the ground. I'm sorry to be graphic but that is reality.
You're in my thoughts and I will be thinking of you - and Shockin, too!
http://onceinnabluemoon.blogspot.com/
"Never trust a fart." Jack Nicholson in The Bucket List |
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Marybeth
True Blue Farmgirl
6418 Posts
Mary Beth
Stanwood
Wa 98292
USA
6418 Posts |
Posted - Jan 16 2011 : 2:55:28 PM
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Hi Catherine, I had to put down my Paint horse Ambush. She was a koy. She broke her shoulder and I mean the bone was separated and not together so her front leg was hanging. I had the vet come out and do the deed. She save her forelock and braided it and gave it to me. That was nice of her (the vet).
We opted not to bury her on the property.
My youngest daughter had her horse she grew up (From age 12 to 29 my daughter was and so was Pappoose) with cremated when it was time and has the ashes in a wooden chest.
Go with your heart. MaryBeth
http://www.smallcityscenes.blogspot.com
www.day4plus.blogspot.com
"Life may not be the party we hoped for...but while we are here we might as well dance!" |
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RedHoopWoman
True Blue Farmgirl
513 Posts
Kathryn
Yoder
Colorado
USA
513 Posts |
Posted - Jan 16 2011 : 4:37:39 PM
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I had to put down my twenty year old Thoroughbred a few years ago and we elected to shoot him instead of having the vet put him down,our vet fully approved of this way,lethal injection, captive bolt or shooting are approved ways of ending a horse's life by the American Veterinary Association.
I have seen horses put down both medically and shot (including my own) and both are humane methods,I have seen horses sink down to the ground after being given a lethal injection and I have also seen horses dramatically fall over,kick and draw up thier legs after being given a lethal injection,the only difference is that there isn't the loud bang of the gun which is more disturbing to those witnessing than it is to the horse I would imagine,my horse was gone very quickly after being shot,it was really upsetting and disturbing,I won't lie but I have seen horses put down by lethal injection and that was equally disturbing,it isn't quite like them just "going to sleep" as some people envision,big animals usually fall very hard,sometimes not but most of the time they do.
I'm sorry to be so candid but there is really no perfect way to euthanize a horse,the choice lies in what will be humane and what method you feel most comfortable with,I don't fault anyone for the choice they make in this very difficult decision.
I still miss my horse,he was a big beautiful 17.2 HH bay and was worth his weight in gold,we had alot of good years and alot of great rides together.
"Today's Mighty Oak is just Yesterday's Nut" |
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rough start farmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
3331 Posts
marianne
The Beautiful Pacific NW
Washington State
USA
3331 Posts |
Posted - Jan 19 2011 : 4:23:32 PM
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Catherine,
My daughter has two quarter horses and we have spoken about this subject. I appreciate you opening this discussion so that I could learn of others experience. I have no idea what we will choose to do when the time comes. I am praying for you at this difficult time. I am so sorry for your pain.
Marianne |
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cajungal
True Blue Farmgirl
2349 Posts
Catherine Farmgirl Sister #76
Houston Area
Texas
2349 Posts |
Posted - Jan 19 2011 : 4:59:13 PM
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Update....We just can't do it right now. Other than this leg wound his health is great. His spirit is still really high, he's eating, he's limping around a bit more and he's even picking fights with his horse friends. I'm thinking I'll just keep re-dressing the bandages and just wait until it's just really bad, or when he looks like he'll stop eating.
Is that bad of me to want to wait? Am I hurting him by waiting?
One of the best compliments from one of my daughters: "Moma, you smell good...like dirt." |
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GoddessintheGroove
True Blue Farmgirl
265 Posts
Heike
Sacramento
CA
265 Posts |
Posted - Jan 22 2011 : 03:45:58 AM
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Catherine,
I am sorry, this is a hard decision.
I had my Caesar, a husky/shepard mix, for 17years. He was my soulmate, partner in crime :)...and saved me from burglers, twice. In the end, he became lethargic, could not hold his bowels (this was the worst thing for HIM)...but he was not sick. Every time I made the decision to put him down, he sprang up and began running around like a puppy :)...I always said that I wished he would just go in his sleep, and spare me this decision.
Finally, I had to let him go. We had a wonderful last day, then took him to the vet who put him down in my arms. I still cry when I write this, and it has been 2 years.
After a few weeks, I looked at the pictures we took, and I could see the suffering in his eyes. I did not see it then. He would have held on even longer, as it was his job to protect us.
I don't know what your beliefs are, mine are that loved ones stay with us. That helps us miss him less.
It is not bad to wait, but really respect him as the proud animal he is. I waited over a year, but it was because "I" was not ready to let my dog companion go. Later, I realized that I may have waited too long.
Holding your hand...
Heike
FarmGirl Sister #2245
"A journey back to the roots..."
http://www.herbmagik.com
"Women with opinions, pendants, & KitchenWitches...all in one."
http://www.goddessinthegroove.com
Find me on FB: http://www.facebook.com/theGoddessintheGroove |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22944 Posts
22944 Posts |
Posted - Jan 22 2011 : 07:17:48 AM
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Heike- Caesar sounds like he was a wonderful dog- much like my dog Seanee. We had to put her down a few days before my wedding. My mom and I still cry together missing her, but she too was at the point where we had to say goodbye.
Catherine- I think you know your animal the best. I encourage you to keep a very close eye on his comfort level which I know you are doing. *hugs* I know that no matter what this will be a sad time for you. *hugs*
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com
www.allergyjourneys.blogspot.com
Put your pin on the farmgirl map! www.farmgirlmap.blogspot.com |
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rschaaf
True Blue Farmgirl
174 Posts
Renee
Wooster
Ohio
USA
174 Posts |
Posted - Jan 30 2011 : 7:54:03 PM
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Catherine,
I had to make the decision to put my horse down afew years ago. It was the hardest decision to make and still is when faced with it. Cranky was a once in a lifetime horse and the vet (who I used to work for) said that they (the animal) will tell you when they are ready to go. I kept waiting and waiting, but Cranky never "told" me. I just came to the realization that I was fighting a losing battle and that he body would give up before his spirit would (crying now...) I had seen horses put down before and if they are fighters it wasn't pretty. So I asked the vet to sedate him first. That was nice. He was calm and sleeping when we gave him the Euthasol and he quietly slipped away. (really crying now...) A part of me died that day too. It's a day you'll always remember, so be comfortable with your decision.
"There is beauty, there is grace, in my peaceful country place!"
See what I'm up to at: http://www.lifeonctfarm.blogspot.com |
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walkinwalkoutcattle
True Blue Farmgirl
1675 Posts
Megan
Paint Lick
KY
USA
1675 Posts |
Posted - Jan 31 2011 : 03:29:23 AM
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I had to put down my horse back in 03 due to him breaking his cannon bone in 6 different spots. Like rschaaf, I asked for him to be sedated before being put down. The vet came out and did it in the field, since we couldn't get him into the barn since he wouldn't walk. I remember how sunny and pretty it was, and I remember him quietly laying down and breathing very calmly before he was put fully to sleep. I still miss him, and it still makes me cry. We were inseparable, and a piece of my heart will always belong to him. I kept a chunk of his tail hair and have made a bracelet out of it-I did this back before there were many companies that offered to do it for you, so, since I didn't do as good of a job as the pros, I may have it re-done soon. I don't wear it often, but have it hanging in my jewelry box and take it out to wear every once in awhile. There are many places who can make you a keychain, bracelet, etc.
Starbucks and sushi to green fried tomatoes and corn pudding-I wouldn't change it for the world.
www.cattleandcupcakes.blogspot.com |
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Bensgrandma
True Blue Farmgirl
228 Posts
Alexis
White Oak
PA
USA
228 Posts |
Posted - Jan 31 2011 : 06:14:08 AM
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We had to have our 30 year old mare put down in September. We came home from dinner and she was down and could not get up. The vet came and said she had a tumor pressing on her spine.
W ehad her 26 years. It was a sad by very calm for her. I held her head in my lap and we all told her how much we loved her.The vet sedated her and I kept stroking her neck and talking to her. She died very peacefully and I was thankful for that. We always worried about what would happen at the end because we knew we would have to face it sometime. I was glad it was in September and not in January. It would have been difficult to have her buried at this time of year in Pennsylvania. I did not want to have someone come and take her away from a home she had most of her life.
We still miss her and for a long time it was hard at feeding time or when we would come home and she would always greet us at the fence.
Every once in a while the dog goes nuts looking out back and barking. I wondered if perhaps she came by for a visit and only he could sense her presence.
She will be the last horse we had because we are getting old and I don't want to take the chance on having an animal that needs to find a home after we are gone.
Alexis
http://www.etsy.com/shop/HugsandStitches |
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Windsong
True Blue Farmgirl
309 Posts
LaVonna
Decatur
Tx
309 Posts |
Posted - Feb 01 2011 : 7:45:48 PM
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Last year one of my dogs got sick. Coughing, throwing up, and then eating NOTHING for 5 weeks. I took her to the vet and they could find nothing. Her gums turned the color of Liver, the whites of her eyes were gold colored, her skin turned yellow. I told her we would have to go to the vet that I could not let her suffer. After that she would run hide under the bed when she saw me coming. Like I said this went on for 5 weeks. I did smear some peanut butter on her gums a few times but had to catch her to do it. Then I came home one day and she met me at the door wanting to eat. Starved to eat. She was well for then on. I am trying to say I believe they know and when they are not ready to give up I honor that spirit. I have had the vet come before and all I can say is there is a look in the eye that says it is time to go. I honor that spirit then too.
I am sorry because I know it is heartbreaking. Just for myself I could never do anything but call the vet. For me the last thing an animal that I have nurtured will see is me slobbering over them bawling. Not me pulling the trigger. And I could not watch that without it haunting me. But I am not judging you or anyone else. Just saying I could not.
Farmgirl Sister #758
www.windsongwellnessandtherapyshoppe.com
http://sadiesfarm.blogspot.com/
http://healthtalkcafe.blogspot.com/ |
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Barnyard Buddies: so sad....we have to put a horse down |
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so sad....we have to put a horse down
