Am I doing the right think with Sonny? - Health & Supplements - Health & Supplements - Horse Community, Horse Pictures, Horse Forum and Information

Posted : 10/1/2010 1:17:26 AM

Sonny is 33 years old. He has lost a lot of weight. He has terrible diarrhea and isn't eating like he used. He is hungry but can only eat a small amount. His stomach is making a lot of noise.
We have had two different vets look at him but nothing they have given me is working. They said he might have cancer. My husband feels he will never survive the winter and we should put him down. I have to agree with him, but I am hoping for a miracle, that isn't coming. He is getting weaker by the day.
I emailed the vet to come either tomorrow or Monday to put him down. Do you think I'm doing the right thing? I am so upset but I don't want him to suffer. I have never put a horse down before and don't know what to expect. Can someone help me get through this because I can't stop crying. I am going to miss him so much. Am I doing the right thing for him?

TanyaC97

Posted : 10/1/2010 2:32:52 PM

He is 33, has lived a life longer than many. If 2 vets are telling you that it is not looking good then it is time. Doing it now when you can say good-bye and not be stressed is better than having a critical issue this winter that forces you into it.

Brush him up, love him, cry on his shoulder (that is why we have horses). Braid a piece of his mane/tail and cut it for you to keep with you if you want.

PLEASE try to have someone there with you who has gone through it before. If not have the vet explain it out to you so you know what to expect.

danastark

Posted : 10/2/2010 3:31:24 AM

So sorry you are having to make this agonizing choice but it really does sound like it is time. Be sure to have someone there with you and make sure you have a plan for afterward, how you will take care of his remains so that it is done beforehand and you can spend time with him saying goodbye. I'm sure he knows you love him and are doing right by him. ((Hugs))

hunterseat

Posted : 10/2/2010 10:57:37 AM

Bless you for being a good horse Mom. It's part of horse ownership I'm not looking forward to. Let us know how you do. HUGS (There are many here who have been there done that.)

luvhorses

Posted : 10/2/2010 5:02:17 PM

That you so much for your concern. I will take your advice and do appreciate the hugs. I really need them. I am going out to the barn in a few minutes to clean him off. The vet wants to come 9:45 am on Monday. I guess I have to email her back to confirm.
Again, thank you. Donna

hunterseat

Posted : 10/3/2010 12:59:55 AM

I'll be thinking of you and Sonny on Monday. Be strong for him. He trusts you and loves you and knows you'll do what's best for him. He'll be in heaven waiting for you. [ ':)'

]

luvhorses

Posted : 10/9/2010 12:42:07 AM

Well, Sonny is in heaven. On Sunday morning, he was grazing and ate most of his grain. By the afternoon he was standing on the side of the barn and did not look well at all. He ate a little grain. I cut up an apple and carrot but he didn't want it. His diarrhea was just liquid. He was skin and bones.
I knew I was doing the right thing come Monday morning but it was still very upsetting. The vet said she thought he had cancer. Odd that his vitals were normal. You would think one of the vets that cared for him would have taken blood or something.

One of my other horses was very upset for a few days. All of Sonny's pasture pals (Five mini donkeys and two horses) were very upset when he was taken out of the gate.

I want to thank everyone again for taking the time to reply to my post. I miss my gentle giant but I am happy he is at peace now. He was very special to me.

hunterseat

Posted : 10/9/2010 4:15:16 AM

Big hugs to you and your herd. Godspeed Sonny, you wonderful equine.

danastark

Posted : 10/9/2010 4:54:22 AM

Sigh..... so sorry for your loss but you did the right thing and he's young and carefree again. You'll meet again someday ':)'