Oh evanflein - I've just logged on and seen this thread. I am so sad for you as I know how heartbreaking this is. My old and much loved horse was diagnosed with a heart murmur quite unexpectedly during a routine check-up and died of a heart attack in his field 4 weeks later, aged 21 - not old for a TB X connemara. That was six years ago and although I have another horse now (called Kimble!) I still think of him every day.

I don't want to tell you what to do as this is your decision, hard though it may be. I quite understand your wanting your horse to have a summer at grass - it's what we all want for our horses. I can only give you my opinion, which is that you should be governed by whether your horse is in untreatable pain. All the signs you've mentioned indicate that she isn't - she's still interested in her food, still pleased to see you - and your vet has said that she isn't, but that she's not very mobile. Does she have laminitis right now, or is it just something you are worried might happen? Same with the skin infection. If she doesn't have these right now then you are worrying about something that may not ever happen. She may for all you know adjust her gait herself so that she can walk better. I know what you're asking me and I think if it was me if she can move around and is not in pain I would let her have her summer. You don't mention how long she has had this injury. I think I would at least wait a while anyway to see how she recovers and if it improves. The important thing is that she can have some quality of life - if she can get around, even slowly, and is not in pain, still enjoying her food etc then I would wait and see.

I hope I've been able to say at least *some*thing that is of comfort to you, and I can imagine how awful you must be feeling. ((((evanflein)))) I'm so sorry your DH is out of town at the moment. Isn't that always the way when you need them? Post if you want to talk. I'll watch this thread or if I'm not here, then I always post on the Newbie thread.

Hugs

Kimble

Ah, just jumping in here because I, too, am the owner of 4 geriatric horses. I question these things all the time. I have one so arthritic that it costs a fortune to keep him out of pain. I'm ready to put him down, but the rest of the family is not. I spent $3000 a few years ago to save our 30 year old arabian, which made so much sense way back then....now I question this....but today she is quite well and totally enjoying her well deserved retirement in the pasture. Wish I could help, but we horse people (well, all animal lovers) struggle with this. You're the only one who can decide when it is time. Don't feel guily no matter what your decision is. A horse is your best friend. Good luck. alison

Hello again!

Your vet sounds really good - and it's early days. He wouldn't say she might stabilize if it wasn't a real possibility. Hey - we're all thinking of you and rooting for your horse! Follow up all the suggestions - she's still calling for you and wanting her food, and if she's a strong-willed mare she'll be wanting to go out in the field when it's time! She isn't giving up! If she's difficult to medicate, does she have a favourite food you can put the meds in if and when she needs them?

Hope you can get some sleep and hope things will improve for your mare.

Hugs

Kimble

evanflein
So glad to hear your girl was just as pleased to see you this morning. As far as administering the bute, my mare is a tinker for taking it and I have to cut an apple in half, scoop out the flesh, pour in some black treacle (heated up on the hob to liquidise it), pour in the bute and mix with treacle. Put some bits of apple on top and give it to her. The treacle disguises the bitter taste of the bute and she takes it everytime. Good luck with your special girl and keep us posted.

quote:<HR>Originally posted by Elaine3112:
evanflein
So glad to hear your girl was just as pleased to see you this morning. As far as administering the bute, my mare is a tinker for taking it and I have to cut an apple in half, scoop out the flesh, pour in some black treacle (heated up on the hob to liquidise it), pour in the bute and mix with treacle. Put some bits of apple on top and give it to her. The treacle disguises the bitter taste of the bute and she takes it everytime. Good luck with your special girl and keep us posted.<HR>

Elaine - that is devious! But what a great idea! Pony will eat *any*thing, but my horse can sniff out any meds!