Horse Euthanasia: Help With A Painful Decision

The decision to euthanise, or induce a painless death, should never be made without careful consideration. The right choice is clearly the one that is in the best interest of the horse and the humans who love and care for it.

Your veterinarian can provide medical information and help you understand your horse's prognosis, but you will have the responsibility of determining when the time has come. Consult your veterinarian and consider the following questions:

What is the likelihood of recovery?

Is your horse suffering?

Has he become depressed or despondent?

What kind of special care will he require and can you meet these needs both emotionally and financially?

What are the alternatives?

If you and your veterinarian agree that euthanasia is the best choice, it is important to prepare as best you can. If you are able to make the decision in advance rather than under emergency conditions, making prior arrangements will ease the pain surrounding pet loss.

These guidelines might help:

Location. Decide when and where will be most practical and comfortable for you and your horse. Keep in mind that the body will need to be removed from the site as easily and safely as possible.

Presence. Decide whether you wish to be present during the procedure. Discuss the procedure in advance with your vet so you know what to expect. Only you know what is right for you. For safety reasons, your veterinarian may not allow you to touch or hold the animal when it is put down.Discuss the procedure in advance so you know what to expect.

Arrangements. Make arrangements for the prompt removal and disposal of the body. Check with your veterinarian and/or the city or county health departments. Many municipalities have ordinances prohibiting or restricting burial. Removal to a rendering facility or pet crematory may be required.

Grieve. Allow yourself time to grieve. Finding a support person or group to talk to can help you work through this difficult period.

Insurance. If the horse is insured, notify the insurance company in advance of the euthanasia. While the veterinarian will provide you with the required documentation, the notification, filing, and follow-up are your responsibilities.

Companions. Horses are herd animals and do not like to be alone. If one horse's death will leave another horse alone and bereaved, talk to your vet about helping the surviving horse adjust. Consider bringing in another herd mate ahead of time. In addition to horses, there are many grazing animals that can provide companionship for your horse, including goats and donkeys. Plan ahead to keep survivor stress to a minimum; remember that this will be a loss for the entire herd.

The Procedure

Usually, your veterinarian will administer barbiturates (sedatives) in a dose sufficient to shut down the horse's central nervous system. The drugs will stop the heart, and the animal will stop breathing. The drugs act quickly and effectively. However, not all horses respond in exactly the same way. Keep in mind that your horse may simply drop, or could draw a deep breath, shudder, paddle, or show other signs of distress before succumbing.

Insurance Considerations

If your horse is insured, understand the regulations concerning your policy before you act. Most insurance carriers require that they be kept fully informed from the beginning about a horse's medical condition, especially if death or euthanasia is a potential outcome. Even in an emergency, a reasonable attempt should be made to notify the insurance company. This notification is the owner's responsibility, not the veterinarian's.

If your horse remains healthy and happy into old age and dies a peaceful, natural death, you are lucky indeed. But thinking about what you would do in a difficult situation will prepare you for whatever happens. It may help to make an emotional and stressful time slightly easier and allow you a few extra peaceful moments with your beloved horse.

There are many qualified grief counselors available to help you through the decision and its aftermath. Your veterinarian may also know of area resources that can help you, so don't be afraid to ask.

Sharing your feelings, emotions, fears and hope can help you process your grief. If you'd like to post a tribute to your horse, visit our online memorials. You can upload photos of your horse, share a story or just visit others who have walked the path to healing.