Hoofprints on our hearts
‘Tailor’ – age 28. Loved by Andrea Goodall. Photo by Andrea Blair of Paper Horse Photography
We pride ourselves in our commitment to provide compassionate veterinary care for all ages and stages of equine life.
Euthanasia: Guidance for a Difficult Decision
An excerpt from the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) website.
There are a wide range of circumstances under which euthanasia is a reasonable and responsible choice. Among the most common are these:
- Incurable, progressive disease
- Incurable, transmissible disease
- Chronic severe lameness
- Inoperable colic
- Foals born with serious defects
- Debilitation in old age
- Severe traumatic injury
- Dangerous behavioural traits
- Undue financial burden of caring for a sick or incapacitated horse
- Undue suffering for any reason
Every case is unique. Even in similar situations, the decision to euthanize an animal is highly individual. For example, in the case of a severe traumatic injury, such as a broken leg, the animal’s psychological makeup can influence the outcome. Some horses may respond better to treatment than others; some are more co-operative than others, and some have a higher pain tolerance than others.
Please feel free to contact us, to assist you in making an informed decision, and click here to read an article about euthanasia.