Old Arthritic Horse-Any Advice?

[Jakes Mum]

We have an old (32ish) arthritic horse on our yard, who, unfortunately, looks like his owner has got a heartbreaking decision to make :(

Over the last few weeks he keeps getting down and not being able to get up again. He just doesn't seem to have the strength and energy to get back on his feet. It is heartbreaking to see him. He got down for a roll yesterday evening and couldn't get back up again and it took over 1 hour to get him back on his feet. :(

Once he is up, apart from the clicking of his joints, he seems fine, and soon trots across the field nickering when he sees his feed bowl.

His owner is contacting the vets today, but I just wondered if anybody can offer any advice on how to get him back on his feet when he is down, or any other suggestions that might help?
:( :( :(

[Mehitabel]

to be honest, i suspect that if he is having that much trouble and it is taking so long to get him up, then it *might* be best to let him go. we have an arthritic mare who sometimes has trouble getting up when the weather is bad, but by putting her on deep litter (warmer and grippier) intead of rubber mats and with magnetic boots it has pretty much disappeared. at her worst it took her about three goes to get up, with a person holding headcollar but not pulling or helping her. we kept her in so she wouldn't get stuck on the floor outside overnight.

mentally, it is very distressing for a horse to be stuck on the floor - all their prey instincts are against it and it makes them very vulnerable. if it happens to him in the night and he is stuck there for a few hours before anyone sees him in the morning he will be very very distressed.

i presume he hasn't suddenly got like this - it has been progressing? what medication is he on at the minute - i hope the owner hasn't let it get this bad without doing anything at all for him.

[Jakes Mum]

I think it would be best to let him go as well Mehitabel, it is a very hard decision to have to make, but you do have to think about the horses quality of life. He has dropped alot of condition over the last 12 months. The getting stuck has been progressive over the last couple of years, he is stabled between November-end April normally, and he always seems to get worse around this time of year. He was getting down in his stable very close to the wall, so wasn't able to use his legs properly to get to his feet, so for the last week he has been kept outside 24/7.

Up until this last month he would keep trying with great effort to get up and succeed, but now he doesn't really try, he just seems drained of energy and can't muster up enough strength.

He was on bute, as recommended by the vet a couple of years ago, but I am not sure if he is still on it or on any other medication.

When he was in the same field as Jake (they were best buddies), when he got down, Jake would go over to him, paw him a couple of times, and help get him up with his head, then they would go cantering off up the field together, but he has deteriorated over this last few weeks.

Unfortunately, I think his time has come ............ :(

[Mehitabel]

if he were mine i think i would be having a good cry and calling the vet. i hope i will be brave enough to do the right thing for the old git when it is his time.

[cvb]

One of ours was like this. Luckily he was on a farm so if it got really bad they could use a loader and a sling to help him up.

The trouble was that if he was down for any length of time, he got "dead legs" and v.tired so it was even harder for him to get up. You really need to be able to help them up quite quickly - which means being on site. But at teh same time, sometimes you could see him settling down for a kip, and we'd hoist him up again :rolleyes:

He had been going down now and then for a couple of years. He finally went over the rainbow bridge a couple of weeks ago - he was going down more often and getting "bedsores" - it was his time.

However - before that, his quality of life WAS reviewed regularly and he just kept coming back every time you thought it was the end. he had bute to help him. yes bute in the long term is a problem for their health - but at 33, the long term wasn't a consideration... He had to have his weight carefully controlled - he didn't hold weight very well but if you got his weight too high it also made it worse for his legs. So there was a very narrow range to try and keep him in.

Not sure if that helps or not.

[Jakes Mum]

Mehitabel - we thought it had come to that last night when we couldn't get him up, it was awful and alot of tears were shed. It really hit home that one day I will be in the same position having to make 'the decision', just can't imagine the thought.
My heart went out to his owner, her heart must be in her mouth everytime she pulls into the yard.

cvb - thanks for the reply, of course you have been of help. Sorry to hear you have recently been through the same thing, very brave decision for which I have great admiration for you.

We are on a farm, and it had crossed my mind if the JCB could be used in some way to help lift him up, but I guess you can't be there 24hours a day to rescue him every time he gets down.

Same as you, we have kept saying for the last 4 years 'He won't make it through the winter' but the little devil kept bouncing back. Was really hoping that with the warmer weather and the spring grass he would perk up and have his last Summer.

Hard to believe that 6 years ago he was 'top dog' in the field, when I first got Jake, he chased Jake into an empty field on his own and stood across the gate way and wouldn't let him out to be with the others, after that they became best buddies and he looked out for Jake (who is the biggest wimp) and then these last couple of years Jake has returned the compliment.

[cvb]

Jake's Mum - it was my big sis who had to make the decision, and she was devastated. We worked out he'd been with us for 31 years.

We went to a comp the weekend after (which she got a 1st and a 3rd at, which helped a lot - she hasn't competed for ages) - and she saw a chestnut prancing about and had to look away. And when she found out she'd won her class she was in tears too. She's still quite wobbly.

Goldie was a lovely chap - he and Fi had a summer love affair over the fence when he came down to us (next door farm) when my sis was on hols. Thats my memory of him - this old chap suddenly transforming into a stallion and looking all gorgeous and my mare just being bowled over.

I went up and said goodbye to him that morning - he was out on the grass in the sun. Its kind of tough not to get upset - and you know he won't have a clue what all the emotion is for. So he got fed lots of nice stuff and we had a hug.

The deciding factor was really when one of his legs pretty much gave up the ghost. On 4 legs we could help him to get up - but on 3, he wouldn't really have any ability to get about at all.

There was a distinct knack to getting him up - you could give him something to lean on if you had his headcollar on and "pulled" from the right angle. Then he would lean on the rope and get himself up. It was worse when he had a coat on as he would get tangled up in it.

[Jakes Mum]

cvb - you have just made me cry reading that :( Silly old beggar that I am :p

That's a lovely parting image to be left with, I can just imagine it was like something out of Love Story :)

Wow, 31 years !! That is a long time! You just think that they are going to be around forever don't you.


Just out of interest, how did Fi cope with the loss? Did it affect her in any way?

(Just thought, I can imagine this thread is bringing back memories for you, I really do sincerely appologise if I have brought it all back and upset you, sorry :o )

[cvb]

No - don't worry. I wouldn't have posted if it was a problem to share it.

It hasn't affected our guys as they are on a different farm and Goldie was just a summer visitor for 2 weeks when my big sis was on hols.

But she had Goldie, plus her Highland (gelding), and two mares (one 15.3, one pony).

And they are certainly missing him. I'm not sure if they (the horses) were there when the vet came.

My mum lost a mare (and a foal) a few years back and our chaps did see the body. In some weird way it seemed to help.

The mare and foal are buried on our field. It sounds silly but I don't like to drive the tractor over her :( I know its dumb.

I know I have to face this sometime myself, as Red (my old chap) is only one year younger than Goldie was. His legs are fine (but stiff) - but he has had COPD/RAO for years and if he eats too much his breathing is bad - or when its hot etc.

Bu then I went to fetch them in last night and he and Duds (18) were dancing about in our school :rolleyes:

[Jessey]

Thats the day I dread, I have promised myself and my old boy that the day he can't scratch his ear with a back foot or have a roll and get up again will be the day we say goodbye.

[chestnut-mare]

Well I'm sitting with tears rolling down my cheeks as this thread brings it all back to me. I had my mare put down between xmas and new year. She was only 25 so you are very lucky to have had your friend to the ripe old age of 32. I had my mare for 21 years and so having to make the decision was probably the hardest thing I've had to do in my life! She had been arthritic for 6 years - it came on very suddenly and didnt really get much better. I took her off bute after 2 years. Spent over £1000 on injections to spead up the fusing process which helped in the first couple of years. I know how hard it can be as there were days when my mare would 'almost' gallop round the field but for as long as I can remember (at least 4 years) she hasn't laid down. She often went down for a roll but never ever slept lying down - can you imagine how tough that must have been on her legs. I'd go out in the moonlight night to watch her and her head would drop to nearly the ground then she would stumble and wake up and the cycle would start again. Anyway getting back to the thread, my advice would be when you do make the decision just be very very prepared on the day as to how/what/where/when. I made the decision and was in tears over and over again but on the day the adrenalin was so high that I managed to deal with the 'event' which astonished me. I didnt cry as the needle went in and she fell to the ground. I even made a joke at one point!! but my god did it hit home 10 minutes later as she was buried. I cried my heart out for days and still do from time to time. I felt sick and suicidal and the regret/guilt will always be there. My only problem with the day was it felt a bit rushed. I spent time with my old girl, had a JCB come in to dig a hole then called the vet. I just wish I'd sent the JCB away for a while so I could have spent some time with her after she died. I still have visions that she maybe was not fully dead before she was buried and that haunts me - even though my partner assures my 100% that she was dead. Her pair bond went ballistic for a couple of days then seemed to go completely the opposite way. She's okay now and has settled with new friends. My heart goes out to all that have to go through this. Just be strong and do the right thing for the horse not for you. If the time has come, and from reading the situation I would say the time has definately come then make the decision but do all the preparations in your head. You'll be surprised at how strong you can be when your stress levels are at their highest. Good luck - I'm off to get a tissue!

[Jakes Mum]

cvb - thanks again for the info, I had read that when a horse loses its best buddy then to let them see them to help with the grieving process. A few years ago (we cross graze with sheep in the summer sometimes) a fox had got into the field and killed a sheep, the owner of the farm went into the field in his truck and took the sheep away, and not long after all the sheep formed a big circle round the area the dead sheep had been, all the horses in the adjacent field came and stood by the fence looking, it lasted for quite some time and then slowly they all moved away. It was just like they were having there own little ceremony, one of those things you have to see to believe it. I also recently read an article in a magazine with a similar situation with a horse.
It doesn't sound silly at all that you won't drive the tractor over her, I would be exactly the same.

Jessey - I agree totally, as much as you love them and it is a heartbreaking decision and all the other emotions that go along with it, you just can't let them suffer, we all owe them that much after all the years of pleasure they have given us.

chestnut-mare - I had to go grab a tissue as well, feel awful for upsetting you so much, but thanks very much for sharing your experience. Really am sorry about your loss. I do appreciate all your advice you have given, the horse in question isn't mine but I love him to bits and I have been fortunate enough not to have to experience the death of a horse so it is all new to me.
I saw his owner last night and she looked dreadful, it is breaking her heart, and she just can't cope anymore with the sleepless nights, the constant worry and not knowing what she is going to find everytime she pulls onto the yard. I think in her heart she knows what she has got to do and at least let her lovely boy die with a bit of dignity. I will pass your advice onto her which I am certain will be of help. It was her birthday yesterday, and I couldn't bring myself to say 'Happy Birthday' to her, it just didn't seem right somehow :(

[Tybaz]

Not entirely related, but i can really sympathise with your friend. My friend has been by my side for nearly 11 years now. He saw me through some of the most hardest times in my life and gave me the courage to keep picking myself up and carry on. Ty is a long haired G.S.D, he has protected my house, my family and my sanity for as long as i can remember. He was 6 when diagnosed with having CDRM and has gradually got worse. For the oast 3 days he has layed in my living room warm and comfortable with his pillow and teddy. He can barely lift his head up to eat and has to be spoon fed. He can still get up and around if i fashion a harness to fit over his back end-bit like a big hairy handbag!. Despite his problems, his bedsores and muscle wastage he still retains the spark in his eye that has been there since the day i collected him when he was only 9 months old. He still remains the most protective dog i have ever had the pleasure to own, barking whenever he hears the oven timer going off!. He still rolls on his side and lifts his leg up to get a tummy rub an still plays with his teddy, but i know this is not the life that was intended for him. After all the tears his fur has collected and the cuddles he has never been short of providing i know i have to let my friend rest at peace with his dignity and pride intact. His spirit shall remain with me and i know he wont be far away when i need him most, infact he will only ever be a few inches away- in my heart. I have the only vet ever to get near to him without him growling or getting upset, coming tomorrow. He has the most amazing placid nature with animals-a true gift rarely seen. Ty shall fall asleep tomorrow with his family at his side safe in the knowledge that his house and family are secure. His bed will be extra fluffy tonight, his dinner extra special, his cuddles extra long and the tears extra painful. He shall pass quietly and peacefully onto rainbow bridge where someone very special to me shall meet him and care for him until i can be with him once more. I have decided to bury him in my garden and plant a yellow Rose bush with him. Originally i wanted hm cremated so i could scatter his ashes at his favourite beach, but i would prefer he left this world looking as he did when he was born. The roots of the bush shall grown into the soil of where he is buried and Ty's spirit shall forever more be encased in that Rose bush. Should i ever leave my home, i shant have any worries about leaving him behind because i shall take my Rose bush with me that Ty has helped to grow and flourish.
Saying goodbye to a friend that has been so dear and so faithful to you has been likened to the loss of a child, as a mother it horrifies me to even think about it so it must be true. Every night this week i have gone to bed and prayed that Ty would fall asleep and that the decision was his, life unfortunately is not that kind. I know that when i look at him i am doing the right thing by him,i am easing his suffering and mine. I do not want to remember my dog lame, i want to remember him as the proud animal he is.
This decsion has sapped me of all my strength and faith, but i know i shall be fine before long, because my friend you see, is always going to be with me.
Please pass my regards to your friend,she is amongst the brave.
Thoughts to her and her friend.
Tybaz.

[Jakes Mum]

Tybaz, what a heart wrenching story, I need the tissues again :( You are so very very brave to have made that final decision.
Nobody will ever be able to take away all those special times and memories that will always be so close to your heart.
I will pass your regards onto my friend, thank you.
You and Ty will be in my thoughts tomorrow :(
Give him an extra big cuddle from me and Jake.
Big hugs coming your way too at this very sad time :(
Take Care x

[chubbypony]

I bawled my way through this whole thread. I have a pile of snotty tissues and a very red face.

Putting an animal down is one of THE saddest thing a person can go through. Our family cat-the first animal that I got to pick out as a kid-ended up being the first animal that I had to watch being put down.

Missy was in perfect health and was still pulling strong when she got cancer. She had mouth cancer and it was the worst kind. When a cat-or any animal- gets mouth cancer the animal don't just get sick and die. They are perfectly health EXCEPT for the growing cancer cuts off their ability to eat. So, they starve. It was the hardest thing I've ever had to do. My mom didn't want to put her to sleep and kept trying to help her eat. She tried everything. Tuna, milk, mushy cat food. Missy just couldn't swallow. She could still cuddle. She could still purr. But, she was getting weaker and weaker. At this point I begged my mom to have her put to sleep. Watching that cat WANT to live was so heartwrenching. She was just suffering so much. I prayed that she would die. I've never prayed for that before. But, she NEEDED to die. But, how do you put an animal down when you NEED them to live?
When we finally brought her to vet of course I was strong. But, when needle went in and I saw the life leave her...I saw her pain go with her life, then my heart broke.

Death is not meant to be understood by me.

What will I do when my horse dies?

I will come here and tell you all...

...and...

cry.

[Jakes Mum]

Chubbypony - thanks for sharing your story about your cat, and I am so sorry that you have had to go through such a heartbreaking experience.:(

This thread has turned into quite a tear jerker hasn't it, I have shed quite a few tears reading all your replies.

The old horse is still with us, he does seem a bit more perky at the moment. I was talking to his owner last night and she is hoping he can just go through one more summer and get a bit of sun on his back and some nice juicy grass in him before his time comes. Her friend (who is a vet who now lectures at a vet school) recommended rubbing peppermint udder cream into his legs, this does seem to help him get up easier when he is down, unless it is just the rubbing on its own that gets the circulation going again.

[chubbypony]

Feeding Apple Cider Vinger with their feed is suppose to help. Some people sware by it. Use 1/4 cup per feeding.

Works with humans too.

He might be beyond that helping though.

I'll be praying for the poor old guy.