Bushy Equine Vets



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Euthanasia – Making the right decision

Euthanasia, regardless of the circumstances, is always a difficult subject to think about, but, if you are informed of the options available and costs involved, you will be better able to make the right decision for you and your horse, when this choice has to be faced.

Where?

Unless it is an emergency situation you can decide on the location for euthanasia.

At Home

This will involve the least disturbance to the horse as he will remain in familiar surroundings but it is not always a feasible option. If you decide to have your horse euthanased at home, and there is time to plan, there are things to consider:-

  1. Access – we will need to be able to get the collection vehicle to the designated area and out again.
  2. If there are other people at the yard they will need to be warned what is happening and when.
  3. If you do not wish to be present, you will need to organise a friend to hold the horse or with prior arrangement when booking the appointment, a nurse from the clinic will need to accompany the vet.

At the Clinic

This obviously requires the horse to be transported. When you arrive, you will be asked to sign a consent form to state your wishes regarding euthanasia and disposal. If you are not going to be present for the euthanasia your horse will then be admitted into a stable where you will be welcome to stay with him for a while and we will carry out the procedure after you have left. If you want to stay for the euthanasia we will have booked you in for a specific appointment and a vet will carry out the procedure within a short time after your arrival.

In either location, you can request to stay while the euthanasia is carried out or you can arrange for a friend / nurse to hold the horse. Many owners are not sure whether they should stay with their horse during euthanasia – it is a very distressing time for the owner – and this decision can only be made by the individual.

It is important to ensure that the welfare of the horse always comes first.

Method – there are two choices

  1. Lethal Injection – the horse is injected into the vein with a lethal overdose of anaesthetic drugs. A sedative may be given before the injection. The horse behaves as if anaesthetised and loses consciousness before collapsing to the ground.
  2. Shooting – this must be specifically booked if required. Nowadays not all vets within the clinic are licensed to use a gun and nobody is permitted to carry it routinely. Sedation may be given before shooting. After death there will be some violent, involuntary movements of the legs and bleeding from the head/nose, which you should be prepared for, and which is normal.

Either method is quick and painless for the horse, but there is a different level of stress for those attending.

Disposal

The local Hunt Kennels offer an efficient service to our clinic and our clients and we are able to co-ordinate with them to ensure that the whole process is taken care of before we leave your premises if we have visited you. However, some people would prefer not to use the Kennels and if that is the case we can arrange for a different company to carry out the service for you.

You can also choose to have individual cremation with the ashes back and we can arrange this for you. If you require this service, you need to consider that it is going to cost in the region of £800.00 + VAT + mileage, as there are only a limited number of companies offering this since new legislation was brought in, in January of 2008. (Price correct as of April 08).

Some people would like to bury their horse/pony at home. This has been made much more difficult nowadays. The correct procedure is to contact your area council office and ask them if you will be permitted to carry out the burial.

In Conclusion

The death of your horse is not a subject that most people like to think about, however it is important to consider what you will do and plan ahead so that you will be able to cope with any eventuality. Please talk to a vet, a nurse or the reception staff at the clinic if you require any further information. They will also be able to help you by making all the necessary arrangements should euthanasia be required, co-ordinating the vet and the collection service.