Euthanasia -- W/ or W/O Anesthesia

[NCSue]

I've got an oldster who's coffin bones are rotating. He's closer to 30 than 20 so am probably looking at humanely euthanizing. Vet office quotes two different prices. One with anesthesia and one without. Wasn't thinking very clearly and didn't question. Someone want to educate me as to what is the kindest course?

[bugsynskeeter]

With anesthesia is often easier if the owner is present. Sometimes beuthanasia isn't pretty, hence the anesthesia. Some horses will "fight" the beuthanasia, so using the anesthesia completly sedates the horse before the procedure.

[Kementari]

I would ALWAYS go with anesthesia. If the vet didn't do that normally, I would insist. Whether I (the owner) am there or not, I still don't want the horse's last moments to be spent panicking or struggling.

[deltawave]

I would go with anesthesia beforehand, or a bullet. I don't think I could watch the latter, but could handle being there for the former.

[grayarabpony]

Definitely go with anesthesia. Imagine if you were given a drug to stop your heart without anesthesia or a very strong sedative.

[Coobie]

I recently PTS my horse, I did not use anything before hand and everything went just fine. My vet explained to me that the sedation that some uses before hand actually decreases their blood pressure, decreasing circulation which make the euthanasia solution take a lot longer. Without there was no struggle whatsoever, it was peaceful and very fast. I would definetly choose no anesthesia again.

[EqTrainer]

With. Never without :cry: I am sorry.

When we put Killian down, I was able to sedate him so thoroughly that when the vet got here, he was already laying down. What a blessing that was in a time where even the smallest preservation of grace is a gift.

[philosoraptor]

Definitely WITH. I didn't know a vet would suggest doing it without. :confused:

[asanders]

I recently PTS my horse, I did not use anything before hand and everything went just fine. My vet explained to me that the sedation that some uses before hand actually decreases their blood pressure, decreasing circulation which make the euthanasia solution take a lot longer. Without there was no struggle whatsoever, it was peaceful and very fast. I would definetly choose no anesthesia again.

So you are comparing short, possible struggle (seen or unseen), with comfort, possibly longer, in which case I still choose WITH. Really not meant to be personal, as many euthanasia are performed this way and go fine, and I am glad things went well with your horse.

[ChocoMare]

Another vote for "With."

Bless you for doing right by the Old Man :sadsmile:

[Coobie]

Euthanasia solution is actually an overdose of sedation. It actually slows everything down until the animal is "asleep" then continuing to give the euth solution the last step is stopping the heart. Animal is already "gone" by the time the heart stops.

I'm not advising one way or the other. Just stating what worked for me. In the past I have witnessed horses "fighting" the euth solution. I thought for sure that I would use sedation when the time came. After talking with my vet I opted without and I am very happy that I did. I would not have wanted to make it any longer for him then I needed to. He did not struggle, he did not suffer and already awful situation was over a lot faster.

[Kareen]

With. If all goes well it goes smoothly with just a sedation but if things go wrong you don't want to see what happens with the animal not under general anesthesia. Those extra couple-ten bucks are nothing compared to the total cost of entertaining a horse over any given period of time and it eliminates a lot of hazzle, 'what ifs' and 'I wish I hads'.
A well placed bullet will be just as painless but it is more difficult to watch and there has to be de-blooding after the stunning shot which is not pretty either. So if you are going to be present (which I complement you for!) go for a proper general anestesia and I think you'll sleep a lot better before and after. Bless you for thinking about those things beforehand and taking good care of your old boy into this age. Your horse is a lucky one :)

[bludejavu]

I've gone both ways, not for my own personal preferences, but if I have a horse that is needle-phoebic, vet-phoebic, or gets very nervous easily, I sedate beforehand. It makes it easier on me and on the vet administering the euth drugs. But for my steady eddie's as I call them, no sedation was needed, there was never any struggling or fighting, they just went down quickly with the euth drugs and it was all over immediately. We put down the two oldest horses on the farm this March - both were having difficulties due to age and it was time. Neither needed sedation beforehand and all went very quickly and smoothly.

[fizzyfuzzybuzzy]

Are they wanting to sedate first, or actually use the drugs that are used to induce anesthesia? We ALWAYS sedated first, made them relaxed and more comfortable, but still able to stand/walk. Made giving the solution easier and it seemed to amplify the effects of the euth solution. I'm not sure you would want to use induction drugs (which would make him unconcious), unless you had a place where you could lay him down safely.

[bt]

I'm all for making it as peaceful for the animal as possible, but either way they are being given drugs that they may be nervous about having administered, have some unexpected reaction to or anything else. Unfortunately there is no way to garuntee whatever method you choose will go smoothly. I think the most important factor is the attitude and professional skill of the people involved.

[Blinkers On]

I've seen a few too many go badly, I've witnessed and been on heart attack victims. I've seen plenty, and I would not do it without sedation. They are sedated, they drop fairly gently, it's over. Not even anything to be scared of or look back on as a really bad experience. It is so peaceful and kind. A very sad moment that wasn't made worse by a "heartattack"type reaction..and that is ugly.
Sedate. It makes it a whole lot easier.

[Milocalwinnings]

I won't ever go the 'without anesthesia' route again. It was not a pleasant experience.

[Coobie]

With. If all goes well it goes smoothly with just a sedation but if things go wrong you don't want to see what happens with the animal not under general anesthesia.

I'm not trying to be argumentive or anything but it's not general anesthesia. General is what someone has when having surgery. For euth it's just sedation, not anesthesia.

[Coreene]

With. Absolutely. And blessings for giving this horse the passing her deserves. Because nothing is scarier than someone with a foundering Real Oldster who does the bullshit heroics.

And sorry that you have to do it.

[Watermark Farm]

If you horse's circulatory system is not already compromised (as with a colicking horse, etc.), I ALWAYS have the vet sedate the horse, wait for it to kick in well, then give the final euthanasia injection(s). Once your vet has given the euth. solution, have them grab the halter with both hands and rock your horse backward to assist them with going down, then hold the head hard with the lead rope to keep it from hitting the ground. Pick a soft spot, like an arena.

Some people actually administer anesthesia and lay the horse down prior (the way you would with a castration or field surgery), then euthanize the horse.

Bless you for making such a kind choice for your horse. I am so sorry.

[grayarabpony]

I'm not trying to be argumentive or anything but it's not general anesthesia. General is what someone has when having surgery. For euth it's just sedation, not anesthesia.

Ketamine is anesthesia, and what is often used with euthanasia.

[cloudyandcallie]

For the sake of the horse and yourself, pay for the ketamine.

It puts them quietly unconscious, and then the euthanol kills them.

It's worth the extra expense, and makes a necessary death peaceful.

I've had to do it, and I wouldn't do it any other way.:(

[deltawave]

It is technically "general anesthesia" but taken to an even deeper level.

Barbiturates can occasionally cause a very distressing trip "down", which as far as I'm aware is idiosyncratic and hard to predict. This may be why some animals (and people) struggle when getting barbiturates. I never use them any more for deep sedation--too many better options and I hate seeing people go down or come up crying and struggling.

[eventchic33]

I was on hand when we had to euthanize a foal. Said foal was unconscious and already on the ground. He was, essentially, brain dead. He had spinal fluid leaking from his ear. He had been kicked in the head. This foal still struggled and flopped and made noises when the euthanasia was administered. No anesthesia before hand. This was something you do not want to experience. GO WITH ANESTHESIA don't even question or think about it.

[deltawave]

Poor foal, he might have been seizing or any other horrible thing and the timing with the euthanasia was incidental. But I still agree that sedation beforehand (assuming the horse is not in shock and the cardiac output compromised) is desirable.

[Coobie]

Ketamine is anesthesia, and what is often used with euthanasia.

It is a paralytic/disassociative drug. Meaning(in laymans terms) that it paralyzes the body, "disconnects" brain from the body. Meanwhile the brain is completely aware of what is going on.

Ketamine is the ingredient in Special K, the date rape drug. The victims report not being able to move, while completely aware.

[deltawave]

Yes, but in combination with the barbiturate it causes sedation AND diminishes awareness/struggle. Given in isolation, ketamine can be a frightening thing, but in combination with other sedatives it's marvelous.

[grayarabpony]

It is a paralytic/disassociative drug. Meaning(in laymans terms) that it paralyzes the body, "disconnects" brain from the body. Meanwhile the brain is completely aware of what is going on.

Ketamine is the ingredient in Special K, the date rape drug. The victims report not being able to move, while completely aware.

Not really true. You're making it sound as though the body is paralyzed, while the patient still feels everything. Ketamine, if properly used, is also an analgesic.

Yes, ketamine is usually used with a sedative, but the two together put the animal under anesthesia.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ketamine

[Ritazza]

I am voting for WITH anesthesia. My last gelding I put to sleep when he was still healthy and on his feet - he was a cripple with epilepsy and there was no way he was ever going to be even remotely pasture sound again, and I didn't want him to be on stall rest for the rest of eternity and suffering and having the occasional dangerous seizure - and we didn't do anesthesia. He was a huge, sweet and kind of dopey guy, so it caught me way off guard when the needle went in and he FREAKED. He ripped away from the vet tech, bolted sideways, made it about three sideways strides before collapsing and flipping end over end, groaning and twitching until the vet made it over to give him another syringe of the euth solution. It was horrible tramatic to watch and I wouldn't want to go through it again.

[Blinkers On]

If you horse's circulatory system is not already compromised (as with a colicking horse, etc.), I ALWAYS have the vet sedate the horse, wait for it to kick in well, then give the final euthanasia injection(s). Once your vet has given the euth. solution, have them grab the halter with both hands and rock your horse backward to assist them with going down, then hold the head hard with the lead rope to keep it from hitting the ground. Pick a soft spot, like an arena.

Some people actually administer anesthesia and lay the horse down prior (the way you would with a castration or field surgery), then euthanize the horse.

Bless you for making such a kind choice for your horse. I am so sorry.


And even if your horse is a colic, chances are the horse is already sedated.
I personally wouldn't be grabbing anthing as they go down. Euthanasia isn't like anethesia. They go down or up and over (without tranq.) and you don't want to be caught trying to guide something that gravity has control of. Maybe I am too racetrack, but I do know vet techs that have been quite clocked in the head by a swinging leg as the horse goes over. That is NO fun for anyone!

Edited to add:
Upon reading this thread beginning to end...... it IS Rompun that is commonly used as the pre euth sedation.

[Eyemadonkee]

I watched a sick horse (a completely crippled horse that hadn't moved faster than a crawl in several months) be euthanized without sedating her first. The horse freaked out, ran backwards, and flipped over before the vet was able to administer the full dose... the horse was seizing on the ground by the time the vet was able to get to her and she was flailing about so bad that he had a hard time finishing the euthanasia.

Please sedate your horse first... that was such a traumatizing experience for me... I can only imagine how much more upset I would have been if that had been my horse.

[Etoile]

We always sedate the horses with Xylazine. And we usually don't charge (at least I don't think so...I overheard some ladies in billing talking one day, and that was my understanding).

[pegasus209]

I just wanted to say I'm sorry NCSue.. :( Hopefully it goes peacefully for you both.

[SLW]

I've got an oldster who's coffin bones are rotating. He's closer to 30 than 20 so am probably looking at humanely euthanizing. Vet office quotes two different prices. One with anesthesia and one without. Wasn't thinking very clearly and didn't question. Someone want to educate me as to what is the kindest course?

The goal is to provide a painless death and the anesthesia is one step in the process. Whether we are letting a companion animal go or a horse, we always sedate, wait for it to take effect then give the barbiturate. In addition to providing comfort for the animal, anesthesia allows Doc to have a docile animal in which to complete the proceedure on re: no struggle, the needle connects on the first try and so forth.

((Hugs)) to you and your horse.

[RiverBendPol]

2 years ago, when I put Mikey down, we had to lead him 500 yards from barn to grave site (NO, the hole was not dug yet). At that point, Mikey was nearly impossible to lead as he would rip the lead away and take off-He did this daily and people were getting hurt-long story. Point being that we gave him a cocktail to help us get him safely down the hill. He was dopey but still quite able to get from here to there. Imagine the same amount of drowziness as for teeth floating or suturing a wound in the barn. When the deadly Blue Juice was injected-and keep this in mind, bc I didn't know it at the time and got quite fretful-nothing happened. The dormosedan cocktail slowed the blood pressure and hence slowed the action of the euthanol. 120 ccs in and the horse was still standing, blinking, breathing. The only euths I had been involved in up until Mikey's had not been tranqued ahead of time and all had gone DOWN with a CRASH so I was ...shall we say...anxious when I saw all of the euth juice was in and the horse was still up...When he did go down, it was in slow motion, quietly as though he was curling up for a little nap in the sun.

So, long story short, go for the tranque. If it helps at all, I'll be doing the same thing on Friday morning. My dearest old campaigner will be crossing The Bridge. I guess he was missing Mikey. Good for you, too, NCSue, to help your old guy go before he is miserable. Nobody who's almost 30 needs to live with rotated coffin bones. Good luck.

[ljc]

I'm definitely in the "with" camp. Have had to put two horses down in the last couple of years and honestly, if it hadn't been "peaceful" for them, I don't think I'd have made it. In both instances, the horse's sedation kept everything calm and gentle. I've never even heard there was an option of NOT using a sedative.

My sympathies to you on the decision you have to make. I had to have my foundered rescue pony put down this summer. I think the first moment of pain-free peace he ever knew was when the sedative hit.

Good luck.

[username]

very tender subject for me (RIP, my dear old boy - October 24, 2008) and I vote for anesthesia. why would you not want it? it was so easy for such a hard thing. we went to his favorite spot in his pasture, he was sedated and went comfortably down, then the medication was administered and he left us. he was fine - I was a wreck. suggest you ask your doc for something for yourself as well. my vet was wonderful, btw, and that surely helped us both.

[Kareen]

Sedation is absolutely mandatory. Anything else is plain and simple abusive gamble. I thought we were discussing whether or not general anesthesia was advisable or not. I'd say it is. I have euthanized few horses with just the tranq beforehand and no ketamine given. Those were already recumbent and all went smoothly. An animal that is standing I want to always be safely recumbent and unconscious before the eutha-solution is applied.
Another thing that's mandatory is a properly applied and secured IV-Katheter.
The colleagues I know who only sedate and not do general anestesia befor the final administration all do it with a Heidelberg extension thus in case the animal moves there is more flexibility and the administration can still be finished.
Ketamine and Xylazine (the latter administered first) still is the most frequently used combination for shortterm general anesthesia and in my experience works very well to prepare a smooth euthanizing. The euthanizin solution I use is a combination of several barbiturates that will cause a sudden drop of bloodpressure in both carotic arteries which instantly affects blood supply to the brain even before the heart has stopped beating. Excitations and deep terminal breathing which is the most unsightly and shocking undesirable effect of euthanasia to the attending human(s) are significantly reduced if not completely eliminated by proper premedication. Therefor to not administer any sedatives or/and anesthesia is considered malpractice here. The only cases where our pharmacology experts deem it acceptable is in small animals where intraperitoneal administration of specific solutions results in a slow onset deep anesthesia that is simply overdose and will render the animal sliding over rather softly.

[EqTrainer]

Having a catheter is nice, indeed.

Just have to remember to flush it immediately :yes:, something that can easily be forgotten in the moment.

I am realizing reading this thread that perhaps a lot of the scary euth's that people have seen, have been because the horse was not sedated first. Very sad for all involved.

I wish, when the time comes, that someone would sedate ME and put me out of my misery. No such luck.

[sid]

"With"...always.

[ReeseTheBeast]

1. NCSue, I am so sorry, but thank you for doing right by your horse.

2. I vote "with." I've been present for several euth's (even one is too many to witness in life, but a responsibility of horsemanship, I say :cry:), but have never seen it done without any sort of sedation prior to.... And after reading some of our fellow COTHer's experiences "without," I will definitely never consider that option if I am in a situation where I have a choice.

3. It would be nice if the mods could save this thread to the "favorites" or "references" section of the forum, I think it would serve very beneficial for all of us (and whoever else may need it) in the future. :sadsmile:

Many jingles and prayers today for you and your Oldster... Godspeed to him; peace and hugs to you. You're in my thoughts.

[Nicker]

When we put our old pony down in July she was PTS without a tranq. I was there for the entire time and it was very peaceful. No struggling, thrashing, etc. she laid down quietly and then was gone. The vet had a tranq(valium?) on hand, but he said it would only delay the process by slowing down her heart. She was already in considerable pain and discomfort, I wanted her passing to be as quick as possible so I told him not to. The vet stayed till the end, till he was certain she was gone.

But it seems according to some I am a barbaric heathen of an owner. :rolleyes:
Each horse is different and if I thought I had one who would fight it I'd probably opt for the tranq.

[monstrpony]

Years ago, when I lost Goosie, she was colicy so was already sedated when we made the decision to give up--she was not coming out of it, and not a surgery candidate. She went down easily when the euth solution was administered.

Last spring, when I let Monstr go, we had walked him up to the back pasture, and as we headed up there, everyone else started whinnying, and just then the backhoe arrived, so I told the vet to go ahead and sedate him. She said he would be quite deep, did I want to do it yet, and I said yes, as I had to walk back down to meet the backhoe man and I didn't want Monstr to be up in the pasture worrying where I and his buddies were; I had long since said my goodbyes to him, what mattered at that point was making it as easy as possible for him. When the euth solution was given, he stood ... and stood ... and finally the vet gently rocked him down. He was a 1700 lb horse, and he still went down *gently* this way. We sat with him until he was gone (no heart sounds, no eye reflex). It was remarkably peaceful.

I would do it no other way.

[Kementari]

The thing is, you don't know which ones will fight. It's not a matter of personality; it's a matter of how the horse's system takes the barbiturate.

Honestly, if it takes a minute instead of ten seconds for the heart to stop, I don't see how that's an issue, as long as it happens calmly and quietly - which, with sedation, it does.

I don't think anyone is horrible who chooses not to use sedation when they don't know the risks. I think it's a poor choice, though, to not use sedation once you've been told the risks.

[Haalter]

OP, sorry you are going through this, and thank you for making the kind decision to let your guy go :(

Really interesting discussion though...Actually, based on what I'd read on COTH re: sedation before euth, I asked my vet to do this when I had to put one down. He told me that he never tranqs before euthanizing as it slows down the process and in his experience can be *more* traumatic for the horse. I went with my vet's recommendation, and all went smoothly. Actually, he has euthanized three of my barn's horses without tranquilizing first, and all have been peaceful and easy.

However, after reading the horror stories here, I'm going to have another conversation with my vet - it's not a topic I am looking forward to discussing, but I am interested to know why my vet has such strong feelings about NOT tranquilizing first. From the comments on this topic, it seems like a no-brainer, but I believe there has to be a good reason why my kind, compassionate vet does not follow this protocol.

[kookicat]

Always with. My first job, we had to have one shot and he through his head round that much the vet had real trouble getting the killer in the right spot. :( He went down with the first shot, but it wasn't pretty to watch. I wish the vet would have sedated him to make it easier on everyone.

[EqTrainer]

Kementari, I agree.. and it's not as a judgement to anyone, just a reality.

You cannot predict who will fight. Who will be scared. Once it starts, it's too late to turn back, you just have to keep going, and with a struggling horse that can be dangerous and difficult for everyone, as well as emotionally disturbing.

When I euthanized my working students eq horse, he was not psychologically ready to go. His body had failed him and we did not want to wait until something horrible happened ie: finding him in the field down with something broken. If we had not sedated him heavily he may have fought it; he did not seem to know that his body had given out. As it was, his passing was quiet and without fear. If I remember correctly, we sedated him *twice* because my vet wanted him to be absolutely calm and relaxed before he started.

[Kareen]

I am confused. Is it legal for owners or whomever else to euth 'DIY' in the US? When I started reading your post I thought you were a vet but then you went on about your vet wanting him to be absolutely calm. I would think there restrictions especially with narcotics being used :confused:

[EqTrainer]

I am confused. Is it legal for owners or whomever else to euth 'DIY' in the US? When I started reading your post I thought you were a vet but then you went on about your vet wanting him to be absolutely calm. I would think there restrictions especially with narcotics being used :confused:

I can only *sedate* them first, I have no access to the blue stuff :eek: think Xylazine, Ace, Dormosedan, which as a barn manager/horse owner is sold to me by my vet.

I think I said "I" because even tho' the vet actually did it, it was still myself who made the decision, who had the hole dug, who chose the time, who fed him his last breakfast, who led him to the hole (after his first dose of xylazine, he was a reactive, hot, sensitive horse who was suspicious of most things) and who held his head as he went down.. and I was also the person who covered his body with his blankets and then later helped his body get into the hole.

It sure always feels like *I* did it :(

[ReeseTheBeast]

The thing is, you don't know which ones will fight. It's not a matter of personality; it's a matter of how the horse's system takes the barbiturate.

Honestly, if it takes a minute instead of ten seconds for the heart to stop, I don't see how that's an issue, as long as it happens calmly and quietly - which, with sedation, it does.

I don't think anyone is horrible who chooses not to use sedation when they don't know the risks. I think it's a poor choice, though, to not use sedation once you've been told the risks.

Very, very well said.

Nicker, I don't think anyone is insinuating that anyone is a bad owner if they choose not to tranq, as Kementari's post I quoted above so succinctly explains. And really, at the end of the day, you know your horse best; and you make the best decisions for them that you possibly can as their owner, caretaker and friend... and no living creature could ask for more than that- person or horse. :sadsmile:

As long as the technique or chemistry (or lack of the latter) one chooses with which to aid the passing of a friend it done out of careful consideration and with respects to the relationship that only the horse and their person understand; there's never a wrong answer or decision.

It's just that I think many people have seen (or heard of) these not-so-peaceful passings and would at least like to try to ensure one for their horse; hence their choice of using tranq/anesthesia.... but of course, whether it works the way it was intended is never guaranteed because as we all know, with horses, "it depends."

Hugs to all of you today who have endured these losses.

[Nicker]

To call it malpractice not to tranq is pretty much the same to me. I trust my vet, if I had to do it again I wouldn't change a thing.

To each his own, I know I did right by my pony. My only regret is assuming I would have more time to say goodbye.

[Budrow]

Always with. I've put three down, always with, thank goodness.

[Kementari]

To call it malpractice not to tranq is pretty much the same to me. I trust my vet, if I had to do it again I wouldn't change a thing.

To each his own, I know I did right by my pony. My only regret is assuming I would have more time to say goodbye.

The only person who called it malpractice is from Germany, where, if I am reading her right, it IS malpractice. That's not (necessarily) a value judgment; it's a statement of fact. Different countries have different laws.

I don't think (in the US) euthanasia without sedation should be considered malpractice. I just think that there are better ways of doing things. And, working for vet practices off and on for years, I've seen enough animals euthanized to have a pretty sound basis for that opinion.

[BornToRide]

With here too, no question about it. I am very sorry you are facing such a difficult decision:(

[S1969]

Very interesting discussion. My equine clinic is apparently among the "no tranq" believers, because it lengthens the process and can actually be more traumatic to the horse. I had expected sedation and they explained that they thought it was not the right choice in our cases. It wasn't an issue of money for me.

We had two horses put down on my farm this year and both went very smoothly. (Both elderly and going downhill; not as a result of a trauma.) That said, I can't say for sure what combination of drugs is used. It is two syringes, in rapid succession.

The first horse was *out* before the second injection was complete; she sat down backwards and laid on her side. The second was similar, just took slightly longer, but both were very peaceful, no struggling.

I am curious about the process, now, and will talk to the vet about this the next time he is here (although hoping I don't need to know this information anytime soon!)

[Home Again Farm]

Definitely with.

I am so very sorry that you are facing this, but euthanasia is a blessing for a horse in pain.

[wendy]

don't they have new drugs like Somulose that don't cause the traumatic reactions?

[Trot Left]

I've got an oldster who's coffin bones are rotating. He's closer to 30 than 20 so am probably looking at humanely euthanizing. Vet office quotes two different prices. One with anesthesia and one without. Wasn't thinking very clearly and didn't question. Someone want to educate me as to what is the kindest course?


The kindess course would be to look into "croc" shoes with casts for your horse. They are wooden shoes covered by casts. This is thee lifesaver to our 40 - yep 40 year old horse!

I am big on doing every single thing possible before euthenizing

[2bee]

If I had to use drugs then I would be in the "with" crowd.

Ive always put my own animals down. I am not a vet, I use gunshot....it eliminates all the confusion about how much of which drugs to use and when/how exactly brain death occurs. Brain death is immediate with gunshot, which is what were trying to achieve, and IMO is the 'most' (not only) humane way to put an animal down.


Good luck with your choice.

[trubandloki]

NCSue I am so sorry you are having to make this tough decision. Your horse is very blessed to have an owner like you.


I have watched the euthanasia of several horses, none with a sedative prior. Last time I talked with the vet practice I use they are of the mindset that it goes better with out the sedative.

I most certainly do not fault anyone for their decision one way or the other though.

[Sobriska]

I have been present for several euths. ANd the ONLY one that was somewhat traumatic was the one without tranq. There was a very brief look of fear in his eyes. And that is something that will haunt me forever:(

[mysaygrace]

"With" is my decision, my vet even sedated my mare (who wasn't being put down) upon my request so she could be with her pasture companion who was being put down. Neither horse was upset this way, it was very quick and peaceful, my mare stood in her stall lighted sedated while we took her companion out in front of the barn also sedated, each could see each other then she was put to sleep. I brought my mare out to sniff the body of her friend, my mare let out a sigh then I took her for a walk while the back ho was brought in so she wouldn't see that part. My vet felt it was important for my mare to understand her friend was no longer with us, and by doing it this way it felt like my mare understood & had closure. My thoughts & prayers are with you, this is never an easy thing to do, no matter how it's done. But you're doing the kindest thing for your horse, to end their suffering is a very noble and unselfish thing, may you heart heal soon, Lisa

[JSwan]

With sedation.

[mjrtango93]

Personally our vet is a with sedation type, so all of ours are sedated first. Nobody has struggled we had one that went down not so gracefully but she had broken a hind leg, and we had to euthanize her where we found her which was on a hill. She was gone though by the time she was falling. I would definately go though with however your vet is most used to and comfortable doing it. I would hate to have a vet that isn't used to sedating do it that way when they may be unsure of the mixture, and vice versa. You want the process to be textbook for how the vet does it.

[SuperSTB]

"With"

and this thread should be saved/stickied/bronzed. It's extremely important topic.

[AdAblurr02]

I vote "with", if I have to resort to chemical means. In a real emergency, rather than make a beloved friend wait on a vet who may be an hour or more away, then a well placed shot, yes. MUCH harder on me, but much kinder than suffering.

I agree the Mods would do well to put this in a sticky - as well as a previous thread that contained accurate instructions on how to put down a horse with a bullet.

Perhaps if this gelding's owner had known better, the horse would be peacefully dead, instead of losing an eye and having irreparable damage and still alive - and abandoned.
http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=12954

[SUECLOUDY]

Sedation First. It is easier on the animal and the Human watching. When we put Cloudy down in September we had him sedated first.
When my friend put her horse down two years ago the horse was not sedated and struggled and fought. She had a very hard time dealing with it.
With sedation it just seems a little more peaceful and there isn't much of a chance the horse fighting it.

[JSwan]

Perhaps if this gelding's owner had known better, the horse would be peacefully dead, instead of losing an eye and having irreparable damage and still alive - and abandoned.
http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=12954

We euthanized a goat a few weeks ago - with a firearm. (emergency euthanasia) It was over in an instant and was very humane - but it only works if you know what you're doing! That poor horse! :no:

[Stretchy]

The OP asked about anesthesia, not sedation. If I understand it correctly:

Sedation leaves the horse standing as though a procedure is being performed.
Anesthesia lays the horse down as though surgery is being performed.

I prefer sedation and anesthesia. If a horse is under a proper anesthesia there should be adequate blood supply for the euthanol to circulate.

[MSP]

Don't know what drug is better than the next but I can tell you that if you are going to be present give the horse something.

My Tb filly was put down in an emergency due to catastrophic injury. No nice drugs just one lethal injection and run. Run because she leaped up into the air and came crashing down. Vet said she was dead when she hit the ground.

Try getting that crap out of your head. The look on her face, the leap in the air, the crash and then waiting for her body to die after. :(

[horsekpr]

I have been there for 4 horses being crossed over. All were laid down as if to have surgery first ,with the exception of the one 2 weeks ago. They all went very peacefully ,and it couldn't have taken more than a minute.by the time I said the Lord's Prayer,they were gone.
The most recent one was an old pony who was colicing very badly and although he had been sedated about an hour before he was euthanized ,we took him out by the woods and let him lay down on his own .he was so sick by then he just wanted to lay down ,and he stayed there without struggle while the vet gave him the pink stuff.
I think the anesthesia made it easier on everyone.I am not sure what was used ,but the vet took the halter and gently rocked the horse back so he sat down ,and went easily to the ground .
I definately think that is the kindest way to go. I also had 2 cats PTS in the same manner.

[NCSue]

With. Never without :cry: I am sorry.

When we put Killian down, I was able to sedate him so thoroughly that when the vet got here, he was already laying down. What a blessing that was in a time where even the smallest preservation of grace is a gift.

Not only grace but dignity. When it's his time I'll make sure he is given this final gift. Like the idea of having him already sedated. Thanks, EqTrainer, for your wisdom especially at this painful time. I will heed yours (& almost everyone else's) and sedate him heavily. He, too, is a very reactive, cautious, hot horse. I am already worried about how to get him close enough to his resting spot w/o stressing him. He can barely move and at 18H he's a big boy. Monday, the 3rd, has been scheduled.

[NCSue]

Those extra couple-ten bucks are nothing

That's what caught my attention. There was a $100 difference in fees between anesthesia and none. No matter. He is a super kind, curteous horse who has given much. A few more $$ is non-essential.

[Mach Two]

So sorry you are facing this decision, but you are doing the right thing.
Go with sedation. I and another close friend who is also a horsewoman, helped a dear friend put down her two elderly jumpers, on the same day, a few years back. We groomed them, wove feathers into their manes, and my friend told each horse how much he had meant to her. They were both failing, and the decision to let them both go on the same day was not an easy one, but a kind one for both horses, and ultimately for my friend it was best to know they wer together as they went to the next chapter.
The vet we all use is a compassionate horseman (so many are, thank goodness) and we led them to the chosen spot, tranquilized both, and then euthanized them one at a time, with my friend holding their heads. It was a peaceful transition, no struggle as the mighty hearts were given permission to stop.

I will never forget that day, and was glad the horses were sedated, for it was as if they lay down for a nap on the grass, and their souls rose up to gallop away, sound and happy. Be at peace with your wise decision to help your old friend.

[Sobriska]

NCSue: So sorry you are facing this issue. Thank you for being the kind of owner that cares SO much how to make your boy's last moments peaceful.

And Thank You for being the type to consider comfort over cost. You will not be sorry for your choice.

Prayers that your horse goes peacefully and with the dignity he deserves. And prayers for you to find comfort.

[SpringOakFarm]

With sedation.

My daughter's precious pony, Lexi, was laid to rest on March 26th of this year. She was critically injured and despite months of rehabilitation, surgery, and every procedure I could possibly find...our precious, white princess pony just couldn't be healed.

She went to sleep in my arms, with her head cradled in my husbands hands, and then she gently laid down. She was completely asleep as the drugs were administered to euthanize her. It was very peaceful except for my extreme scream after she was gone. She had much more dignity about it then I displayed for sure.

I wonder if I will ever be able to speak (or type) about her without crying.
I miss her...with every ounce of my being, I miss her. :(

Cyber hugs to you as you contemplate and complete this necessary, but very sad process.

[Sanity Rules]

{HUGS} to everyone on this thread who has lost their beloved companions. :cry:

[sisu27]

I have been present for several euths. ANd the ONLY one that was somewhat traumatic was the one without tranq. There was a very brief look of fear in his eyes. And that is something that will haunt me forever:(

Ugh...I've seen that look and it will haunt me as well. It wasn't a horse it was my mothers sweet little Dobe who had bloated and twisted...she was 14 and not a candidate for surgery:cry: Luckily my mother was not the one looking her in the eye, I wouldn't have wanted her to see it. I almost equate to a look of recognition and all I could do was say "I'm sorry".

RIP Mabel Black Label