Horse shot at Philly Park after breaking leg?

[shalomypony]

Anyone hear about Ralph Riviezzo's horse that broke down in the morning,yesterday or today.It broke it's leg and Dr.Loretto shot it.Anyone know why he didn't just euthanize it with an injection rather than shooting it?Also I thought it was illegal to have a gun on the track.........

[Linny]

I have not heard of a horse shot at a major track in ages. "Shot-up" is more like it. Of course, all things are possible...except skiing through a revolving door.

[Little Hound]

I would highly doubt the veterinarian used a gun to shoot the horse. Matter of fact, I'd be shocked if that were the case.

[Las Olas]

They may have been referring to captive bolt. Paul Thorpe uses one in Lexington. My SO is an equine vet in Ocala and we 'shoot' ours if we need to put one down. It's much more humane than Buthanasia. People have an aversion to it because it is messy, but I have seen it done both ways many many times and IMO the bolt gun is faster and easier on the animal. It also allows for the meat to be rendered. In some states (such as Florida), you can't (legally) bury a horse that has been euthanized due to ground water contamination and possible exposure to wildlife.

[Las Olas]

I would highly doubt the veterinarian used a gun to shoot the horse. Matter of fact, I'd be shocked if that were the case.

Actually, I know several vets that are pretty handy with a .22 in addition to the bolt gun. Including Vets that write articles for The Horse magazine. A lot of Vets feel it's more humane, as it severs the brain stem instantly. When I first heard of it, I was appalled (being raised a city girl). Then I watched it being done a few times, and saw for myself that it was quicker.

[shalomypony]

I was told first hand by my trainer that it was shot with a pistol.

[NeverTime]

And your trainer saw it first-hand, or heard from someone else first-hand who heard from someone else first-hand who ...

[AppJumpr08]

If my vet had a gun handy, was a good shot, and it was going to be quicker then euthanizing the animal (such as when the animal is in shock or so panicked and blinded by pain that the drugs would take longer to work), I'd be all for the gun (or bolt).

I had to euthanize one of my stallions last year due to colic, and by the time my vet got here his body had shut down to the point that it took waaaayyyy longer then normal for the drugs to take effect. If i'd had the choice, I may very well have had him shot.

[shalomypony]

If my vet had a gun handy, was a good shot, and it was going to be quicker then euthanizing the animal (such as when the animal is in shock or so panicked and blinded by pain that the drugs would take longer to work), I'd be all for the gun (or bolt).

I had to euthanize one of my stallions last year due to colic, and by the time my vet got here his body had shut down to the point that it took waaaayyyy longer then normal for the drugs to take effect. If i'd had the choice, I may very well have had him shot.

I agree 100%.....I think it's the quickest and kindest way.I just always thought that firearms were illegal on the track and I'm a bit suprised.

[Glimmerglass]

Folks nobody does or at least should be using a mere pistol or rifle to euthanize a horse. This isn't Oklahoma 1870 for goodness sakes! Don't confuse a bell gun to a firearm in the traditional sense! There is no need to be some sort of "good shot", "marksman" or whatever other crazy nonsense - you simply have to possess the correct tool which fits on the horse's head.

I posted this exceptionally well done article on Off Course back in April when it came out.

ESPN The Magazine April 2009 (May 4th issue) "The final furlong: Who hurts more, the injured horse or the person who has to kill it?" (http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/horse/news/story?id=4104868)

For hundreds of years, there was no argument about the best way to kill a horse. Those injured in the chariot races of ancient Greece and Rome were presumably stabbed. With the introduction of the musket around the 15th century, and with European armies spreading firearms and horses all over the world, killing an injured horse with a gun became accepted practice. It was quick, cheap and easy -- never mind that bullets often ricocheted out of the horse's head or that men might make the mistake of shooting the animal between the eyes. (A horse's brain is located toward the back of the head. To find it, draw a line from the outside of one eye to the opposite ear, then do the same from the other eye; where the lines intersect is the brain.)

In 1930, vets started using the Bell Gun, one of the first tools designed to kill livestock in a clean, safe, precise way. It weighed five pounds, spit .32-caliber bullets and had a bell-shape protective cover over its muzzle. To use it, vets simply fit it onto a horse's forehead, unscrewed a slot, inserted a bullet and tapped a lever. No kickback and no mess, only a sharp pop from point-blank range.

[shalomypony]

Good article,thank you.Perhaps this is the type "gun" the doc used.I'll post as I hear more.

[Calamber]

Glimmer, thank you for pulling up that info about the Bell Gun. All my years with horses and this has never been mentioned. Might make the discussion a tiny bit more rational within the anti-slaughter movement (I know I am an optimist).

Also, Las Olas, thank you and thank you for that input on Buthanasia. I do not know why people think that is so "kind", it is actually quite painful (and long) to attend sometimes. Also, did not know that Florida outlawed the burial of horses killed by chemical euthanasia but the carcass will certainly befoul the watertable with chemicals, we have enough painkillers in the water supply as it is within certain sedated communities in the US. On top of that the scavenger animals can be killed or sickened like what happened with the eagles out west somewhere. Problem with that though is that in some areas of Washington State, there are so many eagles that are starving because of drought and overpopulation that they are having to be fed in big groups. My inlaws sent me an article with a picture of a big group of birds sitting around being fed, cats and dogs uh, kind of disappearing in that area also. Things certainly get out of balance sometimes, don't they?

One more little story, I was working at a vet clinic near a TB racetrack, many of our clients were track clients. One late afternoon, just prior to racing, the state vet who was standing in for someone, came in the clinic looking for Nolvasan, seems they ran out of Buthasol and there was a crisis. Vet knew this method from vet school. How kind was this method do you think? I am not blaming the vet, who was just doing the job. I was horrified though. Wonder how many times that happens and no one is the wiser.

[BabyGoose]

I've never heard the term Buthanasia or Buthasol. Is it a different euthanasia drug? And I am sure I am going to regret asking this, but why would they come looking for Nolvasan if they run out of Buthasol?

Edited to add, Are bell guns still available? We have a pistol around should an extreme case warrent it, as we are about an hour from vet care on a good day. But it sounds like that bell gun would be easier to get placed right and less chance of something going awry.

[Cartier]

Early this spring it was clear that our precious 27 year-old TB mare was on a downward spiral. We have never had to even consider euthanizing a horse before. I had no idea what was actually involved. At one point I called the vet, to give them a heads up that her time was coming… the vet agreed. But I could never actually schedule that final appointment, turns out that I didn’t have to. On a warm day in late March she simply laid down in the sun and passed peacefully away. She is buried in a corner of the pasture. The memory, though sad, is one of peace. I can not imagine how I’d feel now if we’d had to use any of the techniques discussed here. Living things die, that is an inescapable fact. Sometimes humane euthanasia is the only choice to make, I just wish there were options available that were less brutal than what’s being discussed here.

[Calamber]

Baby Goose, the track did not have either Euthasol or Buthasol, they are jerks not to have noticed or for someone not to have noticed if it was an oversight. Maybe their distributor did not deliver, I do not know what happened as to why the drug was not there. I just know the vet was afraid there would be a breakdown and that there would be nothing except for a gun to do the deed.


Not good for the betting stats and all that, not that people much notice when a shroud goes up except for those who are not too busy having a good time to notice. I used to walk in circles or would just leave. Thank God, no horse that I ever groomed lost it's life on the track but I suffered anyway.

[Nyminute09]

I know Dr. Lorito personally and the man is a wonderful person and is a fantastic Vet. The rumor is true! He did in fact shoot the horse and has stated that it was the most humane way to destroy him!

I have seen horses disposed of in this manner before- and IMO if ther person shooting knows what they are doing- it is instanteous and the horses doesn't suffer at all!

I have also seen horses that have just refused to die when they are given the euthanol- and still have memories of one Vet telling the horse, as she hit it for the third time- "Momma you are one horse I will never forget because the horse just wouldn't die."

The track is going to take away his license and rule him off- which is a shame because there are so many corrupt Vets at Philly Park and he was actually one of the Vets who actually care about the wellness of the horses!

He will be truley missed if they do rule him off....

[shalomypony]

And your trainer saw it first-hand, or heard from someone else first-hand who heard from someone else first-hand who ...

I'm very careful about things that I post here.........you will hear more and more about this factual situation.I chose not to mention that he will probably be arrested and his license removed....now that others are posting the facts we all shall see.Again,I am NOT against method of euthanasia at all..........I just was suprised that a gun was used since they are not allowed on the track.I also have nothing against Doc Loreto and have used him many times.

[Daydream Believer]

They may have been referring to captive bolt. Paul Thorpe uses one in Lexington. My SO is an equine vet in Ocala and we 'shoot' ours if we need to put one down. It's much more humane than Buthanasia. People have an aversion to it because it is messy, but I have seen it done both ways many many times and IMO the bolt gun is faster and easier on the animal. It also allows for the meat to be rendered. In some states (such as Florida), you can't (legally) bury a horse that has been euthanized due to ground water contamination and possible exposure to wildlife.

I am not certain that a captive bolt is all that much more humane than chemical euthanasia. Horses have thick bone in their heads and that is one reason why the captive bolt is opposed by many animal welfare people for it's use in slaughter. I think the AVMA recommends exsanguination (bleeding out) if a captive bolt is used as it's intention is to "stun" or render a horse unconcious...not to kill it.

Gunshot is very humane if done correctly but you need to know what you are doing and be safe with a firearm. It's not hard to see why many vets do not want to carry a gun around with them.

Horses euthanized with chemicals can be rendered. In many places they can be buried also. They cannot be eaten though.

[Sing Mia Song]

I don't know why the vet should be warned off. The AVMA states that gunshot is an acceptable form of euthanasia:

Page 13, AVMA Guidelines on Euthanasia
http://www.avma.org/issues/animal_welfare/euthanasia.pdf


GUNSHOT
A properly placed gunshot can cause immediate insensibility and humane death. In some circumstances, a gunshot may be the only practical method of euthanasia. Shooting should only be performed by highly skilled personnel trained in the use of firearms and only in jurisdictions that allow for legal firearm use. Personnel, public, and nearby animal safety should be considered. The procedure should be performed outdoors and away from public access.



Now, perhaps the firearm wasn't licensed, or the jurisdiction didn't allow for it to be used. That would be different than being warned off for using it to perform the euthanasia.

[Nyminute09]

They are getting him with carrying a firearm on the grounds of the track! They are not saying it was illegal what he did, just that he had a gun on him on the grounds!

[Laurierace]

I really don't have a problem with euthanizing an animal with a bullet, especially when the person doing it is a vet and has a working knowledge of the animal's anatomy. I can't for the life of me think of a valid reason to do that on a race track however. Bullets can riccochet and travel in the strangest directions. Its messy, it looks bad, its loud. Its stupid. Whether or not he should lose his license is a valid debate, but there is no doubt he used poor judgement.

[War Admiral]

Well, without knowing the factual details, I don't know that I'd go that far, Laurierace. I'd be inclined to believe a vet who said it was the most humane way in the circs. If that is in fact the case then I hope common sense prevails and he is NOT ruled off.

[Laurierace]

We aren't talking about the back 40 somewhere and there is no way to get help to a horse in need. This was on the race track. There are people everywhere, why place them in danger even if that danger is small?
One time I saw a horse go down on the track at Pimlico. I can't remember which of the two main vet practices was called out to euthanize the horse. Whichever one it was used all the euthanasia solution off their truck and the horse was still alive. He was unconscious, but still alive. They called the other vet in their practice and then used all the solution off that truck but the horse was still alive. So they called in the other practice serving the grounds and they gave them the solution off one of their trucks and finally the horse died. He laid on the track for about 40 minutes while all this was happening. It wasn't far from my barn so I could see pretty clearly everything that was taking place. The horse was clearly out of it and no longer suffering any pain, he just wasn't dead yet. It happens, its unfortunate but the horse was not suffering so its not that big of a deal. Certainly not a big enough deal to pull out a gun.

[Dispatcher]

Wait....Philly Park didn't have any drugs for euthanasia? That seems very odd. Horses race all year long there--and there are plenty of breakdowns. How could they "run out" of solution?? Anyone have more details on this shooting?

[shalomypony]

Wait....Philly Park didn't have any drugs for euthanasia? That seems very odd. Horses race all year long there--and there are plenty of breakdowns. How could they "run out" of solution?? Anyone have more details on this shooting?

No one said he ran out of solution.Doc said it was the most humane thing to do in this situation.The issue is the fact that no guns are allowed on the track and that's why (it's rumoured) he's losing his license.

[equusus]

So, a race track has the power to take a license from a vet?

[ASB Stars]

There have been a couple of different spellings of this Vet's name here- what is his actual name? If you need to PM me, please feel free.

[Laurierace]

So, a race track has the power to take a license from a vet?

There is more than one type of license. One is the license that allows you to be a practicing vet in a state. One is given out by the racing commission that lets you practice on the grounds of the race track. That is the only one the race track has any power over.

[kcmel]

So is there a link to this story? I'm not seeing anything on Bloodhorse.

[shalomypony]

It just happened and I'm sure it will be in the next issue of the Blood Horse.

[kcmel]

I meant bloodhorse.com.

[shalomypony]

Oh....I would imagine it would take a few days none the less,due to the ramifications Doc faces.I'll have to check out bloodhorse.com.

[DickHertz]

bloodhorse.com/Bloodhorse have become real weak in terms of posting stories when they actually happen. Often, they are posted days or even a week after something happens. I'm sure they've cut so much staff like a lot of other print/newspaper publications.

[Dispatcher]

No one said he ran out of solution.Doc said it was the most humane thing to do in this situation.The issue is the fact that no guns are allowed on the track and that's why (it's rumoured) he's losing his license.

Thanks for the clarification.

Why shoot rather than the needle??

[shalomypony]

I'm reallly not sure,but I'm sure we'll soon get the all the details in the near future.I don't think this will get swept under the carpet.

[Joanne]

...Also, Las Olas, thank you and thank you for that input on Buthanasia. I do not know why people think that is so "kind", it is actually quite painful (and long) to attend sometimes. ..

Is that the pink stuff they inject? Can you elaborate what makes it painful? I'm not doubting you, just need to know for future reference. I already have one drug on my "do not let the vet use" list (succylcholine).

[rcloisonne]

Is that the pink stuff they inject? Can you elaborate what makes it painful? I'm not doubting you, just need to know for future reference. I already have one drug on my "do not let the vet use" list (succylcholine).
Read the article, "The Final Furlong". Link in post #10.

[JSwan]

The issue is the fact that no guns are allowed on the track and that's why (it's rumoured) he's losing his license.


Is it possible he had a concealed carry permit? Just wondering.

I don't have a problem with using a bullet. I've euthanized injured/sick wildlife that way - and Mr. JSwan euthanized my pet goat with a round. (it was an emergency euthanasia)

It was instantaneous and there was very little blood. BUT - we make sure it's a safe shot to make. Is that the issue at the tracks - human safety considerations?

[EponaRoan]

You still can't bring guns everywhere though even with a concealed carry permit. Tracks generally prohibit firearms. And private properties can prohibit firearms as well - I'm not sure if Philly is or not.

I'm sure there was a good reason for him using a gun vs the usual chemical methods.

[JSwan]

You still can't bring guns everywhere though even with a concealed carry permit. Tracks generally prohibit firearms. And private properties can prohibit firearms as well - I'm not sure if Philly is or not.

I'm sure there was a good reason for him using a gun vs the usual chemical methods.

Yes, I'm aware the permit can still come with restrictions - just didn't know if having a permit was even a possibility, and if so - a track prohibition existed even for permit holders.

I agree there must have been a good reason - all the more so since revocation of his track license (or whatever its called) was a huge personal risk to take.

Sorry the horse was put down - hope everything else works itself out.

[merrygoround]

I'm with Glimmerglass. Perhaps the gentleman had a Bell gun Not an unuseful thing for a track vet to own, and als, perhaps the animal was frantic and in danger of injuring anyone attempting to stabilize him for an IV injection.

[danceronice]

JSwan--it's not that the permit has restrictions-it's the private property owner. You can have an unrestricted permit to carry a concealed weapon and private property owners can still bar you from carrying on their property.

I would assume the reason tracks in general likely ban firearms is concerns about the public side, with betting, large amounts of cash on hand, and alcohol consumption (I don't think I've been in a casino that allows people to carry, either.) I could also see the vet having a Bell gun (do those fall under normal gun laws?)

At the zoo, we use chemical euthanasia when putting animals down. The firearms on hand (locked down by the lead staff in a location which I do not know) are Remmington 870s with slug loads, but the assumption is if an animals' being destroyed with a firearm it's an escape situation and you're firing at distance, and the target area is the shoulder, not the head. (The closest we'd have to a horse would be a zebra, which are always classed as dangerous on escape.) The point is to knock the animal down immediately so it doesn't hurt anyone.

[Lora]

Has there been any official articles posted on this (from a Newspaper, Bloodhorse?)

[ASB Stars]

It would not surprise me in the slightest if he had a hand gun in his possession, knowing who this Vet is, and his colorful past.

Really. :yes:

[Barnfairy]

Has there been any official articles posted on this (from a Newspaper, Bloodhorse?)Yes, this just came out on the Daily Racing Form:

By Matt Hegarty

Dr. Thomas J. Lurito, a veterinarian who practices at Philadelphia Park, has been ruled off the grounds of the track while the racing commission investigates an incident in which the vet allegedly shot an injured filly in order to euthanize her, according to officials of the track and the trainer of the horse.

The injured filly, 4-year-old Rich and Mean, was allegedly shot by the veterinarian in her stall at Philadelphia approximately two weeks ago after attempts to repair an injured knee did not produce measurable results, according to Ralph Riviezzo, her trainer. Riviezzo said that he had no idea that the veterinarian would use a firearm to euthanize the filly, and that he was not present when the filly was shot.

"I didn't know how they were going to euthanize her," Riviezzo said on Tuesday. "I was away. I got a phone call the next day that said that they put her down that way. One might argue how humane that is, but I will not get into that argument."

Though gunshot is considered an acceptable and humane method for euthanizing horses under standards developed by equine veterinarians, horses at racetracks and medical facilities are typically euthanized with an injection first of a sedative and then an injection of barbiturates - usually, sodium pentobarbital - to induce cardiac arrest.

Riviezzo declined to identify the veterinarian. Chris Ryder, a spokesman for the state racing commission, confirmed that the veterinarian was Dr. Lurito. Ryder also confirmed that Lurito has been ruled off the grounds at Philadelphia Park until the investigation is complete.

Reached by telephone on Tuesday, Lurito said he would not comment on the incident.

Mike Melendez, a steward at Philadelphia Park, also would not comment other than to confirm that the incident was under investigation.

Ryder would not provide additional details about the investigation, other than to confirm that the investigation involved the allegation that a horse was shot by a veterinarian who had been hired to euthanize her.

"At this point, we are not able to make any additional comments until the investigation is complete," Ryder said.

Riviezzo said that it was his understanding that Lurito was ruled off the grounds for having a firearm at the racetrack.

Rich and Mean, a 4-year-old daughter of Distinctive Pro, last raced on May 28, finishing eighth of nine in a six-furlong maiden claiming race for a price of $10,500. Riviezzo said that she injured her knee in that race, but that he could not recall the exact date that she was put down. Rich and Mean had raced six times in her career, and had failed to hit the board in all six of those starts.

[Nyminute09]

It would not surprise me in the slightest if he had a hand gun in his possession, knowing who this Vet is, and his colorful past.

Really. :yes:

I beg to differ in your opinion of Tom Lurito... He is probably the best Vet there is at Philadelphia Park and would rather actually- "WORK" on a horse than immediatley going to blocking and tapping and everything else many of the vets at that track do!

He is a very vibrant person but a DAMN GOOD VET!! I have used him on numerous occassions and wish he was actually at the track 7 days a week rather than the 3 days he comes!!

[Dispatcher]

Interesting. Here I was thinking the horse was shot on the track after some horrific breakdown.

[kookicat]

Interesting. Here I was thinking the horse was shot on the track after some horrific breakdown.

Me too.

[ASB Stars]

I beg to differ in your opinion of Tom Lurito... He is probably the best Vet there is at Philadelphia Park and would rather actually- "WORK" on a horse than immediatley going to blocking and tapping and everything else many of the vets at that track do!

He is a very vibrant person but a DAMN GOOD VET!! I have used him on numerous occassions and wish he was actually at the track 7 days a week rather than the 3 days he comes!!

I used him many years ago- and I wouldn't have him on the farm, at this point. In my opinion, he is morally, and ethically, bankrupt.

So, you see, we do not agree.

And now, he is a gun toting fella...really a class act, all the way around.

[Nyminute09]

I used him many years ago- and I wouldn't have him on the farm, at this point. In my opinion, he is morally, and ethically, bankrupt.

So, you see, we do not agree.

And now, he is a gun toting fella...really a class act, all the way around.

No we do not agree... but what is funny is if you think he is morally and ethically bankrupt you should never set foot on the backside of the racetrack because MANY of those vets are without conscience- doing anything and giving anything under the sun to help some trainers win races-- even if it means endangering riders lives...

That is morally and ethically bankrupt- Tom Lurito is NONE OF THOSE!! He may be vibrant, but his best interest is THE HORSE!!

[ASB Stars]

Really? Have you seen HIS horses? :dead:

[billiebob]

Our farm uses Dr. Lurito. He's a very good vet and a wonderful person to deal with. I am sure that if he shot the filly there was a very good reason for it and I wouldn't second guess his judgement.

And yes, I have seen his personal horses. He found me my first horse straight from the track. You couldn't have found a horse with a better mind and a more willing temperament. My trainer and I picked up the horse from his farm and spent a few hours there talking with his wife and meeting their animals. They were lovely and in great condition.

I don't care if he's "vibrant" or not, he's a good vet and will do whatever he can to help the horse. I know this firsthand because he tried to nurse the horse he found for me through a bad impaction. He was out there at all hours despite initially telling me that the horse didn't have a great chance of making it through the first night. Ultimately the horse was put down (passed the initial impaction, was fine for a few days and then got impacted again--I knew he was in pain and it was time to let him go) but Dr. Lurito really went above and beyond.

[shalomypony]

I was told he shot the filly on the track after a morning work.Why would someone put a horse down in a stall(regardless of the method)....doesn't that make for a difficult removal of the body??Something smells fishy here.

[AppJumpr08]

Interesting. Here I was thinking the horse was shot on the track after some horrific breakdown.

As did I. And that made more sense (to me) to use a gun then euthing a filly in her stall...

Obviously I wasn't there, and I can't speak to the exact circumstances, but I am surprised to read that the filly had been injured some time before she was put down.

[Barbara L.]

Remember that game of telephone all of us over 50 used to play when we were kids? You start at one end of a row of kids with one sentence--and by the time it is passed down through the row--my how the story changes.

It was not in the stall, the horse's condition had apparently deteriorated from when she was injured a few days earlier. None of the people on this forum were there (and btw, I was not either) and these details reported here are all hearsay! Even the BloodHorse has some of it wrong.

Suffice it to say, the matter is being handled, and yes, Dr. Lurito has a huge fan base at Pha.

[Mega Rock]

I was told he shot the filly on the track after a morning work.Why would someone put a horse down in a stall(regardless of the method)....doesn't that make for a difficult removal of the body??Something smells fishy here.


Yes and no.......I have seen vets at the track put horses down in their stalls. They just bring in the small bobcat with chains and remove the horse that way.

[Dispatcher]

Remember that game of telephone all of us over 50 used to play when we were kids? You start at one end of a row of kids with one sentence--and by the time it is passed down through the row--my how the story changes.

It was not in the stall, the horse's condition had apparently deteriorated from when she was injured a few days earlier. None of the people on this forum were there (and btw, I was not either) and these details reported here are all hearsay! Even the BloodHorse has some of it wrong.

Suffice it to say, the matter is being handled, and yes, Dr. Lurito has a huge fan base at Pha.

That game was Whisper Down the Lane!

This is confusing. The DRF and the Blood horse have the facts wrong ?But you know that she was not put down in the stall even though you weren't there? ARRGHH!!!! Does anyone KNOW what happened? Guess it will remain a mystery.....

[ASB Stars]

Well, without a shred of "whisper down the lane", suffice it to say that "one ball Tom" (he informed me of his physical issue- I didn't ask for proof) has lost a substantial amount of his fan base in Chester County. I am thrilled that he can still make a living. If he is thrown out of Philly Park, that will, obviously, put a crimp in his livelyhood.

[Little Hound]

I heard today that the vet was handed a 90-day suspension. Not allowed to have a firearm on the backstretch.

[Brandy76]

I used him many years ago- and I wouldn't have him on the farm, at this point. In my opinion, he is morally, and ethically, bankrupt.

So, you see, we do not agree.

And now, he is a gun toting fella...really a class act, all the way around.

I have to agree - heard from first hand some things from an ex client of his - actually very similar to the Phila Park situation. Happened 12 years ago, but VERY similar incident.

Had limited interaction with him - totally agree

[fleur de duc]

I have had an experience with Tom as well. He seems to try VERY hard to work on his patients, which could be both a good and a bad thing, sometimes its time to just let them go. Thankfully for my situation it worked out well, but I was EXTREMELY lucky. In retrospect, I am not sure I would put another horse through what I put my mare through in that situation. Thank god she was a trooper and very tolerant.

But I have also heard his past, and quite frankly that is all the reason I need for me to have another vet as my #1 and then a long list of others before Tom.

just my .02


my condolences to all connections of the filly

[blaeberry001]

I hate to read negative threads about Dr. Tom Lurito especially those about his personal life. So what if he is colorful, can everyone who has posted on here say that they have not been colorful at some time in their life including the participation in gossip, bad mouthing, etc.. I have yet to hear Dr. lurito say anything unethical or untoward about anyone. I know of a few who have posted on here that have used Tom. They did nothing but sing his praises and thank him endlessly for his wonderful work. People move barns change, vets, farrier's, trainers and of course along with the move comes the gossip, bad comments and the whispers about the barn and professionals left behind. Unfortunately this is becoming a trait in the horse world. I use Dr. Lurito for my horses and trust his judgment and thankfully have yet to have him misdiagnose or treat any of my horses incorrectly. If the man and his past are colorful, does that really make him a poor veterinarian.

[lolalola]

What is the euphemism for "vibrant?"

[JettoGray]

I have had many years experience with Tom as a vet for my horse and he has done nothing but take the utmost care and concern for him. I dont know how he is on the track but if he is anything like he is when dealing with horses I've had experience with than they are in good...no great hands!
As for you people or person I should say that decide to get a little personal with his life on here...shame on you...if you are over 25 then the fact that you have someone of that age telling you about how immature and uncalled for that is then you should be embarassed...and if you are under, then your parents should of done a better job.

[Laurierace]

I don't care if he is a good vet or a terrible vet as long as he isn't working on my animals if he is the latter. [edit] What he did was against the rules of the track (and common sense in my opinion but that is irrelevant) and he is being punished accordingly. End of story, no?

[hessy35]

Early this spring it was clear that our precious 27 year-old TB mare was on a downward spiral. We have never had to even consider euthanizing a horse before. I had no idea what was actually involved. At one point I called the vet, to give them a heads up that her time was coming… the vet agreed. But I could never actually schedule that final appointment, turns out that I didn’t have to. On a warm day in late March she simply laid down in the sun and passed peacefully away. She is buried in a corner of the pasture. The memory, though sad, is one of peace. I can not imagine how I’d feel now if we’d had to use any of the techniques discussed here. Living things die, that is an inescapable fact. Sometimes humane euthanasia is the only choice to make, I just wish there were options available that were less brutal than what’s being discussed here.


If your horse was writhing in pain and suffering and twitching from shock you would want to end her life as fast as possible to end her suffering. I'm not sure if you have witnessed such an event but it is not something for the faint of heart. When a horse goes down, breaks a leg, or is so ill they are shivering in pain, it is time (immediately). Either way, euthanize or the bolt gun …. whichever gets the job done so that the horse can be at peace..

Your mare was blessed to go the way she did in the pasture she loved.

[Cartier]

If your horse was writhing in pain and suffering and twitching from shock you would want to end her life as fast as possible to end her suffering. I'm not sure if you have witnessed such an event but it is not something for the faint of heart. When a horse goes down, breaks a leg, or is so ill they are shivering in pain, it is time (immediately). Either way, euthanize or the bolt gun …. whichever gets the job done so that the horse can be at peace..

Your mare was blessed to go the way she did in the pasture she loved.

I agree that the way Fancy Ruler passed was a blessing. I can’t help but feel that her death was so typical of her, as though she wanted the least possible fuss and inconvenience for us. In her long beautiful life Fancy Ruler did everything that was ever asked of her, she passed out of our lives much as she lived… with quiet grace and dignity.

We have never had to deal with a situation where a horse we own was in untreatable pain and beyond the reasonable expectation of being healed. I did not mean imply that we would be critical of those who make the decision to compassionately end life (by whatever means are available at the time). Were we in a situation where one of our horses were in untreatable pain, we would act in the animal’s best interest, what ever that meant in the given situation. I hope that is not a situation we are faced with, and my comment was simply that I wish we had humane options.