Deciding if I have to put our Arabian Mare Down?

[COWBOYSURVIVAL]

It's been a long 2 days our Mare Colic'd and the vet said she will probably need to be put down after more than 24 hrs. she won't drink. The vet came out and did all he could and left telling me I may have to put her down. During the night she would get up and go back down repeatedly. This was not fun as she was on alot of pain killers, she eventually impaled herself and now has a wound about 6" long and 2" wide. She is still getting up and finally urinated and took a sip or 2 of water. She just gets up and then back down. My wife is very attached to her and will have the decision. I think she is in alot of pain and the vet said he has done all he can do. Now i am waiting for a something to tell us it is absolutely required. I think were waiting untill she won't get up..But I am struggling with the amount of time she has been in pain. She is 20 yrs. old. I have dressed the wound after flushing it with hydrogen peroxide. It is the least of the worries. Please only serious response on this one she is like a child to us.

[Ken]

Cowboy, I'm really sorry to hear about this. My dogs have always been part of the family. I understand how you feel.

Is there another vet that can look at her? Maybe try something different? So long as the pain is manageable, it may be the way to go.

Years ago, my first beagle got quite sick, couldn't walk, wasn't eating......... Two vets told us to put him to sleep. I found a third vet who recommended that we take him to a large hospital up in Boston. We did, and he needed two surgeries and was there for 10 days. Six months later, he chased down and caught a rabbit in the back yard.

It'll probably cost you quite a bit, but no matter how it turns out, you'll know that you did everything you could.

[2dumb2kwit]

Sorry to hear that, cowboy. We're thinking about y'all.

[Ken]

Cowboy, check out this article: http://equestrianink.blogspot.com/2009/02/colic.html

[Winnie]

You have my sympathies CS, I had to make that decision for my old boy, his was old age though, but it's still tough. I agree with Ken though, a second opinion may be a good idea ASAP. However if she's been colicking that long there's a real danger that she may have necrosis on some part of her intestine.Once again very sorry.

[COWBOYSURVIVAL]

Thanks Ken, I have a good amount of faith in this vet. A horse vet in a rural area is the best I can do. She can't be trailered unless put to sleep. Part of me says to take your advice the other part of me knows this will not end even if we make it this time. We made it through this same thing about a month ago and here we are again. The vet said it is age related and basically she is not efficient at processing food. Our thoughts change by the minute as we try and do the best we can for her. As it stands the vets last words at dark last night were I had 2 hrs. to call him to put her down or I would have to do it. My wife has been up all night and so have I wer'e hanging in there. I took off work this morning. Helps to type my thoughts and receive caring response! Thanks I'll be back in forth today on here if I can.

[pocomoonskyeyes]

CS I am so sorry to hear of your plight.I know just how attached to them you can/do get. I think there is a surgery that can be done but it is very expensive, @ $10,000 if I recall correctly. I know you are facing a very tough decision and my heart goes out to you and your family, You are like a brother I've never met to me. My prayers and hope are with you my friend.

[WildHog]

My sympathy goes out to you. Been there done that. She is part of the family. Let me relay what the vet told me in my time of grief and indecision. The mare has lived a good life, don't make a decision selfishly. Keeping her alive will only increase the days of misery for your dear friend. Tell her Good Bye, thank her for being part of your life and let her find peace. Hard choice and I hope I did not offend you with this post.

[COWBOYSURVIVAL]

I have just put her down, I did it, It was the only respectful thing I could do for her for the wonderful years she gave us. She isn't in pain anymore. I am OK with my decision.

[Winnie]

I'm really sorry the outcome couldn't have been more positive CS, but Wildhog is right, she had a long and happy life as part of your family. It's the last dignity we can give to our animals, and I know how upset you all must feel.

[pocomoonskyeyes]

I'm sorry to hear that. But I really believe you did the right thing. Words fail me CS. I'm Sorry I really am, Dottie will be too when she hears of it. I know she will want to PM Mrs.Cowboy with her condolences. Dottie really likes her and looks forward to PM's from her.

[2dumb2kwit]

You did the right thing, Cowboy. I'm sure that she thanks you for it, and I know that we respect you for it.

[Ken]

Cowboy, I'm really sorry. You did the right thing, and nobody cared about her more than you and the Mrs. I'm sure that she had a great life with you, and your memories will last forever.

[COWBOYSURVIVAL]

You guys are great...I appreciate this more than you know..A little comradery has gone a very long way..even accross the world..Thank You all for being here for me...

[pocomoonskyeyes]

Anytime my friend.Anytime.

[Rick]

It's often hardest to do the right thing. But it sounds like you did your horse a favor and did the humane thing. I'm sorry you had to make that kind of decision and sorry you had to do it. I'm also sorry that your wife and daughter lost an animal that meant a lot to them.

[Pal334]

Cowboy,, condolences. May your horse RIP

[nell67]

So very sorry for the loss of your friend,may you find peace that she is now in peace.

[pocomoonskyeyes]

I'm Truly sorry it has come to this,She was a beautiful mare. CS I don't know how you are planning to dispose of the remains. If it is like it is here, where the "dead wagon" comes and picks up the carcass, you will not want to be there when they come. Nor any of your family. Some state laws require burial of a certain depth,location,etc. I know this is hard, Believe me I do,been there,done that. Several of my "Horse friends" have lost horses, and on some I had to step in and do what had to be done. This part is worse than putting one down, I know it ain't easy. My heart really goes out to you. I hated even telling Dottie. She also sends her Condolences. I'm sure she will be sending a PM to Mrs.Cowboy,if not tonight then the next few days,so as to allow her some time to grieve.

[Winnie]

I know things are still very raw at the moment and I suppose the last thing you want to think about is moving her but Poco has brought up a point. I had my horse cremated and he's buried on my land under the shade of an oak. Is there something like a pet crematorium that takes large animals over there?