Whilst this is a tough subject for us to think about, it’s important to be aware of the euthanasia options for horses, so that owners are prepared practically and mentally for when the time comes.
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How is it done? What are the options?
Because horses are so big, euthanasia is usually carried out in the area where the horse is living; at the livery yard, at home, or in the field. The horse is generally taken to a safe area, away from other horses or disturbances. This is to try and ensure that the whole occasion is kept as calm as possible. It’s also important to make sure that the area is appropriate in terms of other people that may be around. So a screened area or indoor arena with wide door access for a vehicle might be suitable. Safety is a really important consideration, as well as making sure the horse and owner are as well looked after as possible.
When it comes to putting the horse to sleep, owners have a couple of options and your vet will be able to talk through these with you to help you decide which is the right course of action for the individual horse.
The first option is a lethal injection
This is similar in many ways to the injection that you might be familiar with in dogs and cats and may only be carried out by a vet. It is a concentrated anaesthetic drug, which is given to the horse via the large vein in their neck. This causes them to rapidly lose consciousness, and then their heart to stop beating. Often, a plastic cannula will be placed into the vein before the injection, and some sedation might be administered too, to help the horse feel relaxed before the final injection is given. The vet will double check that the horse has passed away before anything further happens.
Rarely, there can be complications (for example, in horses with poor circulation or heart disease). But in most cases, this is peaceful and straightforward.
The second option is euthanasia with a free bullet
This may be more suitable for some horses. There are some health and safety considerations with this method. And it must be carried out by a suitably trained and licenced person, who will ensure that the area around the horse is safe for the procedure to be carried out. During this procedure, the horse may or may not be sedated beforehand, and the gun is quietly placed against the forehead of the horse. The person carrying out the procedure will be the only person handling the horse at the time. And they will calmly discharge the bullet into the forehead of the horse. It is important to understand that there will be a noise from the firearm when this happens. The horse will immediately fall onto the floor, because death is instantaneous once the firearm is discharged.
How should an owner choose between the two methods?
This is entirely a personal decision.
Euthanasia with a free bullet
For some horses, a firearm may be the most appropriate method of euthanasia. It is instant and completely pain-free. And it may be suitable for horses that are extremely reactive to, or fearful of, needles going into their vein. It may also be a more affordable option for some owners. This is because it is often carried out by local hunt staff or equine euthanasia professionals.
However, it is important to remember that for some owners, this method can feel shocking. Hearing a bang can add to the distress that an owner might already be feeling. On occasion, there may be some twitching of the limbs, or a trickle of blood from the forehead or nostrils of the horse. It is important to remember that the twitching is not a conscious movement; instead it can be thought of as the body’s mechanical processes switching off after the horse has passed away.
Lethal injection
Euthanasia by injection may feel like a quieter and calmer way. However, some horses may find the cannula placement upsetting or as mentioned above, may react strongly to the cannula and needle. Sometimes, horses may move backwards or throw up their head after the injection. This may be upsetting or shocking for the owner, but this is not under conscious control of the horse.
With both methods, but especially with use of a firearm, owners are usually asked to stand away from the horse in the interest of safety. This is not only linked to safety around the firearm, but is also related to the fact that a falling horse may cause injury to the owner.
Both methods are humane, quick, and painless. Therefore they are equally valid. Whether one is right or wrong is simply a matter of what is most suitable for the individual horse and their owner.
Should I be there when my horse is put to sleep?
Again, this is a completely personal decision. Your vet will be able to talk through the planned process with you, and help you decide if staying is the right choice. As horses are so big, and are usually standing when euthanasia takes place. It is important to consider that the horse falling onto the floor might be distressing. Some owners choose to stay if the horse is sedated and say their goodbyes, then leave whilst the procedure is carried out, returning afterwards to spend some time with their horse. Other owners feel OK to remain in the area during the procedure. And for other owners, not being there at all is the right choice. The horse will have no memory of the event, so the mental wellbeing of the owner is essential; and no one will judge any owner, regardless of their decision.
Conclusion
Whilst this blog seems like a very sad one, it’s really important to remember what we mean by euthanasia. This term literally means ‘good death’. It is an act that we carry out in order to relieve suffering. It’s very selfless and is the very last kind thing we do for our horses. Although the decision and process can be incredibly hard, it’s important to take comfort from knowing that, regardless of the method chosen, the horse was unaware and that the process was quick and painless. It is also very important to remember that your vet will have supported you in coming to this decision knowing that it was the right one, regardless of the method chosen to carry out the procedure.
If you need to talk to someone about losing your horse (or pet), or are struggling with anticipatory grief, the Blue Cross provide a service where you can access support.
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