| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| gossy |
Posted - 13 Sep 2014 : 7:49:02 PM
I'm just wondering when that time inevitably comes, what is more humane to put your horse to sleep, the gun or injection? |
| 14 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| FireLight |
Posted - 14 Sep 2014 : 3:49:14 PM
Having had one shot and one by injection the latter was much calmer and less distressing for both me and my other horses. If you choose injection though you must trust your vet to give the correct dosage as some of the younger vets administer a lesser dose and that is when the horse fights the injection according to my vet. Also if your horse is needle phobic, as mine was, my vet gave me a very strong sedation paste to give orally 20 mins before the injection is given and he was already out of it. |
| barbara.gregory |
Posted - 14 Sep 2014 : 3:34:14 PM
I have only had to have 3 of my horses pts over the years. The first two were a planned decision on old horses for humane reasons and were done at a prearranged time by the hunt. A very good friend who the horses knew held them and they died eating carrots.
The third one was for my old gelding who was collicking badly and didn't respond to treatment. The vet knew he might have to be pts but didn't have his gun so it was injection. It was horrific as he couldn't get a vein and seemed to take forever although I don't suppose it was that long. It was really traumatic for me and the horse. Gun every time from now on and if I thought it was a possibilty I would try and remember to ask the vet to bring his gun.
Barbara |
| rosie |
Posted - 14 Sep 2014 : 11:18:12 AM
I always thought that I would opt for the gun, but when we had an emergency (broken leg) and the vet came out, he didn't have the gun with him, so gave the injection. In the circumstances, it couldn't have gone better. Totally calm and stress free.
He explained what would happen and it went like clockwork. I would maybe opt for a gun over horses that are not very good with injections? |
| heathermcbreen |
Posted - 14 Sep 2014 : 11:13:03 AM
A long time ago I had to have a 10 month old filly put down. She had cut her leg badly and her tendon sheath got infected... it was flushed and she was treated for 3 weeks with antibiotics but it was not healing and she was badly lame. Vet said we had tried but it was not going to be fixed. We injected her as she was in a field with her mum and we did not want either to be too distressed but did want the dam to know she had passed away. It was the wrong decision in this case. The poor filly fought the sedation .. was rearing and in a complete panic. She was only a little part bred arab but she put up a huge fight. I was very upset and the poor dam was upset. It was unusual for the filly because she was used to being treated and injected for her injury and had been really good. Whether she picked up something amiss... I really dont know. 25 yrs ago I had a mare with a broken leg and she was shot... I actually think injection may have been better in that case. More recently I had to have my lovely old riding mare put down, she was shot and it was instant and she did not suffer or know any stress. I was with her and it was hard but I did not want to let her worry about being with a different person. I had a good friend with me and she took me away when they winched my mare away. I would not have wanted my last image of her to be that sight. I think it must depend on the circumstances, but its a tricky one because the reaction to the sedative is unpredictable.
A sad subject. |
| sab2 |
Posted - 14 Sep 2014 : 09:33:23 AM
I have held horses to be shot and injected and would pick gun over the two. The two i held for injection were very distressed, one had a broken leg the other a very bad injury, both fought the injection and the vets struggled , very upsetting to see. I did have a youngster injected up at the Royal Dick , she was sedated anyway to be x rayed so very sleepy when she was injected and died with me giving her a cuddle . The ones i have held for the gun were instant, the first time he took me by total surprise , the second time i knew what to expect. Neither horse were upset or distressed he was such a kind man and gave the both a lovely scratch and i gave carrots/mints on their way out of the stable. By choice mine will be shot at home but as we know sometimes the choice is taken out of our hands and they may end up having an injection. |
| Quarabian |
Posted - 13 Sep 2014 : 11:24:53 PM
As this is very topical I must have my say.
Mistral was put to sleep by injection only last week. I too decided against the gun for the sake of the other horses. The end was quick, although she crashed to the ground I am sure she was dead before she landed. There was a breif period after sedation that she seemed like her old self, no pain and alert. The vet said she had given enough sedation to do a cesarian on a cow. But when the injection was put in she dropped like a stone.
I think what is important is that you have a good relationship with your vet. Rachel exlained the process to me and took her time. Throughout the ordeal (ordeal for me not Mistral) she was compassionate and professional. I will always be grateful for her patience and kindness. Also I was very aware that Mistral was so close to me that she could practically read my mind so I was strong and soothing up to the end trying not to let her know how much I was hurting. I think I got away with it. Taking her headcollar off was the sad thing, "run free" I said and let her go.
Dont forget though that if you want to donate your horse to the hunt kennel it must be the gun. |
| DianaSC |
Posted - 13 Sep 2014 : 10:55:58 PM
I lost Shan, my PBA after colic 21 years ago now. She was pts with an injection and died with her head in my lap (I can feel tears coming at the memory). I was devastated, even the young vet was in tears but I remember it as a sad but gentle moment. I could not have coped with a gun. I totally agree with Pinkyboots re winching onto the lorry. When the guy who had come to collect her knocked at the YO's door, I started to get distressed again as I couldn't bear to see that but he had already quietly taken her on board.
When Kalli was about 2, one of the other horses at the yard had to be pts. Kal was on box rest and unfortunately saw him being shot. She was very distressed for some time afterwards. Luckily I arrived soon after and was able to stay with her. I was surprised at the strength of her reaction.
After that I feel that shooting a horse in front of others would be very cruel. |
| SuziQ |
Posted - 13 Sep 2014 : 9:39:20 PM
I think the gun vs injection suit different situations and individuals. My daughters pony was shot, following a short and incredibly distressing eye condition, the injection would have stressed her beyond belief. She was grazing quietly on a sunny morning with a very sympathetic and sweet huntsman. Another friend opted for the Gun for her chronically ill pony..vets stressed her too.
I was with Lisa as her elderly pony was put down by injection in the field with her companions near by it was calm and stress free. I was with the same friend as we fought to get an ancient pony to her feet in the rain, couldn't get hold of the owner in america and the vet couldn't get a vein and had forgotten the bloody gun, she fought the injection the whole way..the gun would have spared us all a dreadful end.
Knowing what the options are and the how each works can make it easier to choose the least stressful when the time comes, right to the end we try to make the right choices for our animals as well as ourselves. |
| Ari |
Posted - 13 Sep 2014 : 9:30:33 PM
Can only speak from experience, I held a horse with kidney failure when he was shot, had an apple in his mouth and was gone before he fell to the ground. We had a horse with broken leg and in shock so vet struggled with finding the vein for injection and it really wasn't the best end for him.
Another pal whose horse broke its leg fought the sedation and drugs, really horrific.
To be honest I don't think there is much difference for an old ill horse being tranquilized then injected but I chose the gun for my old lady as I knew it would be instant and I didn't want her to have any fear of going down. Cost was not a factor.
The gun is more traumatic for us because we want them to "go to sleep" but for me the kindest for the horse is the instant brain dead bolt.
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| pinkvboots |
Posted - 13 Sep 2014 : 9:07:58 PM
I had my mare pts by injection it was 10pm and the vet had been treating her all evening for colic it was just easier to ring him and get him back she needed to go, it was really peaceful and instant she just fell to the ground and was gone.
I have seen quite a few shot none of my own though, I have dealt with a few who's owners didn't want to be there, I remember the first one I ever saw I was so scared but it was not as bad as I thought it was going to be, I think you have to go wit what you feel comfortable with there is no right or wrong way its your choice, I never think its a good idea for an owner to watch there beloved horse being winched on the lorry though I was not at the yard when they picked my mare up its just not necessary to have to see that. |
| ali bali |
Posted - 13 Sep 2014 : 8:59:26 PM
I had to have my old boy put down this summer. He was king of his field and I wanted his pals (aka subjects!) nearby for his sake and theirs so I requested injection as it wouldn't have been possible or wise using the gun.
He was sedated first then quietly slipped away.
His two field companions had had him as their leader since they were weanling and 2 year old respectively (both now 7 year olds) and he really was the centre of their world. They were interested but unconcerned while the vet was there and afterwards coped with his death incredibly well with no loss of confidence or pining.
So for my situation it was definitely the right decision and resulted in a very peaceful and dignified end for a very special horse.
Hopefully I'll not be in that situation again for a long time but next time I would certainly opt for injection (unless there is good reason not to eg. needle phobic horse, emergency with no alternative etc) |
| Vik1 |
Posted - 13 Sep 2014 : 8:54:11 PM
Ive used the injection on both occasions with my old horses. I would use it again. They get sedated, then injected very quickly. They are gone before they really know anything is happening...unless the vet takes forever!
I know it takes a few mins for them to actually pass away but they unconscious so they are unaware.
Friend of mine had the gun on one of hers. She found it very traumatic too but it was the cheaper option. |
| gossy |
Posted - 13 Sep 2014 : 8:24:01 PM
Sorry I know it's sad, but I just want other peoples views, as someone at our yard had their horse shot yesterday and then the hunt wagon came and took body away, it made me think what I will do when that awful day arrives, I'm sorry if it brings it all back and upsets you. |
| cmj |
Posted - 13 Sep 2014 : 8:14:11 PM
I think if the horse is in a lot of pain the gun is the way. The injection is less traumatic for the owner, unfortunately I speak from experience. My view is that my horse had had to be sedated for his teeth to be done, and a couple of minor ops in the past, so that was nothing new. Then the actual stuff was injected when he was sedated and I was able to soothe him as he gradually went to the ground (typing this has tears rolling down my face). Then an injection into the heart to be sure.
The gun is instant, they were not worried. I found it very traumatic and you have to hide all your upset before they are shot so they are calm. It is all horrible but it is sensible to think about it in advance :( Sad post :( |
