William Barr MRCVS
William Lockhart MRCVS |
(017683) 71359 |
|
 |
| We aim to provide a friendly, helpful
and affordable veterinary service to all our clients. |
|
|
 |
|
|
|
Euthanasia
- saying goodbye
 Back
to Horse Owner's Factsheets Index |
| |
| This
is a very sensitive subject but it is important
for you to be aware of the reasons for euthanasia,
the options available and the possible arrangements
for disposal of the body. Learning about euthanasia
now will enable you, should it become necessary,
to say goodbye to your horse in a dignified and
peaceful way. |
|
![]() |
 |
| What
is euthanasia? |
The
word euthanasia has Greek origins: eu means
'good' and thanatos means 'death'. The aim
of euthanasia is to provide a swift, painless
death for our animals in order to end any
unnecessary suffering. Euthanasia can be referred
to in many ways, for example 'put down', 'put
to sleep' and 'destroy'. It is essential that
you understand that your horse will die as
a result of euthanasia.
top
|
|
![]() |
|
| When
is euthanasia necessary? |
The
quality of your horse's life will always have
been of your highest priority. When horses
become very old or ill, their quality of life
deteriorates, and it is understandable to
want to protect your horse from pain or suffering.
Euthanasia should be considered if your horse:
- Is suffering from untreatable pain.
- Has such severe heart and/or lung disease
that it is unable to breathe properly.
- Is no longer able to eat or drink normally.
- Cannot empty its bowels or bladder without
pain, or is incontinent.
- Is unable to stand or move normally.
- Has become blind and is at risk of injuring
itself.
- Is ill, and the emotional or financial
demands of caring for it are more than
you can manage.
top
|
|
![]() |
|
| How
is euthanasia performed? |
| There
are two methods of euthanasia: injection of
an overdose of drugs and use of a gun.
Lethal injection
The horse may first be given a sedative
injection to calm it. A specific mixture
of drugs is injected via a catheter inserted
into a vein and induces a rapid and pain-free
death. Your horse will fall down and very
quickly lose all consciousness and the ability
to feel pain or fear. Another injection
may be required to stop its heart.
Your horse may make some gasps during the
procedure and this can be distressing for
you to see. But be reassured - these are
only natural reflexes and your horse will
already be dead when they occur.
This method is not appropriate for all
horses, especially those that do not like
injections ('needle shy'). The body of a
horse euthanased in this way cannot be disposed
of by processing (eg through a slaughterhouse
or hunt kennels) and this will substantially
increases the costs of disposal.
Use of a gun
Your horse may be given a sedative to calm
it. Then, the muzzle of the gun is placed
below the forelock. The bullet passes into
the brain, resulting in instantaneous death.
There is a loud noise as the gun goes off,
and your horse will fall very suddenly to
the ground, possibly with some bleeding
from the nose. The horse will not hear or
feel anything. Occasionally, your horse's
limbs will continue to move when it is on
the ground but these are normal reflexes
after death.
The body of a horse euthanased in this
way can be disposed of by processing.
top
|
|
![]() |
|
| Should
I be there at the end? |
You
should discuss with your vet in advance whether
you wish to be with your horse at the end.
Your horse may be less nervous if familiar
people are with it when the vet arrives. However,
if you are frightened or anxious, your horse
may sense this and become nervous. Do not
feel embarrassed or guilty if you do not wish
to be present. Euthanasia of a horse, particularly
when a gun is used, can be distressing to
observers.
top
|
|
![]() |
|
| Who
decides that the time is right for euthanasia? |
Your
vet will be able to advise you on the options
for euthanasia and will answer any questions
you may have, but he/she will not make the
decision to choose euthanasia for you. It
is usually possible to have some time to make
the decision and it may be helpful to discuss
the situation with your family or other horse
owners who perhapshave already experienced
this situation. If your horse is insured and
its death will lead to a claim, it is very
important to inform the insurance company
that euthanasia is being considered and get
their agreement beforehand.
top
|
|
![]() |
|
| What
happens to the body? |
| There
are several options for disposal of your horse's
body but these depend on the method of euthanasia
used. Whichever option for disposal you choose,
it is usually better to have all the arrangements
made in advance (or, perhaps better still,
to ask someone to make them for you) as it
is normal to feel unable to make such decisions
while you are grieving for your horse.
Processing
The body can only be sent for processing
by a slaughterhouse or hunt kennels if the
method of euthanasia was by shooting. When
lethal injection is used, the drug levels
in the horse's body remain very high and
it is not safe to be processed in this way.
Your vet will have all the appropriate details
and will probably make all the arrangements
on your behalf. There is still a cost involved
with this method of disposal but it is considerably
less than for cremation.
Cremation
This is an increasingly popular option
although is it very expensive. Your vet
will be able to provide you with details,
and will probably be able to make all the
necessary arrangements for you.
Burial
Unfortunately, this is not a very realistic
option because burial is limited to specific
sites by law and is controlled by the Ministry
of Agriculture, Fisheries & Food. The
Environment Agency also should be consulted
with regard to appropriate sites.
top
|
|
| |
|
| If your horse has any health problems at all please
do not hesitate to contact us. You can be assured
that everyone at Barr and Lockhart
will do their very best to be of assistance. contact |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
top |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
