[goneriding24]

My adorable half-Arab will be gone to a place without pain. He took a bad turn for the worse last week and is showing no signs of improvement. He's getting worse by the day. I talked with the lady I got him from and she agrees with me, although he's my horse, I felt I should at least consult her.

We thought it would be at least five more years before it got this bad, it's here now. I talked with the vet and just need a set time to be at her clinic. She does a lot of herd work this time of year and so have to time it right.

I am not tough but I am tough enough to see that he doesn't suffer much more, it's almost over, poor guy. I don't even know why I'm posting on here, just need to tell someone other than my husband, I guess.

Just be glad for him, he'll soon be out of pain.

[oliverreed]

So sorry to hear this. What is his diagnosis? Sending tons of hugs to you, sounds like you are doing the right thing.

[elsbet]

Many hugs to you. Would that we all take care of those in our charge so lovingly and caringly.

[goneriding24]

So sorry to hear this. What is his diagnosis? Sending tons of hugs to you, sounds like you are doing the right thing.

Thank you. I had a good cry and am now a bit more centered...

It's something in his back. Nothing has worked for him. Painkillers, MSM, accupuncture, massage, supplements, magnets, the works. He has a vet folder an inch and half thick. His previous owner hauled him to all the big names in this part of the world and still, no one truly knows. We could go on but he's hurting and after last week, and especially yesterday, I saw the writing on the wall. Better he goes to a pain-free place.

[Superminion]

Many hugs to you for doing the right thing for your guy!

[talkofthetown]

So so sorry... Just know that you are very brave and selfless and you're doing the right thing. And he will be happy and free. Hugs.

[JGHIRETIRE]

Sounds like you've done absolutely everything you could possibly do to help him and you know you're right. You need to do the one last thing.
((Hugs)) for both of you!!

[fargaloo]

No advice, just hugs for both of you.

[BasqueMom]

Have you tried Previcoxx? Know it's given for horses...about the same dose as for a dog...horses metabolize it differently. We tried it about 4 months for our elderly dog with degenerating hips....it's like we have a new dog! She's more active, cleaning her dish, bright eyed and ready to go, go, go. No, it won't stop the hips downward progression but her quality of life has soared for now. She still gets a monthly Adequan shot but no more Tramadol. She can even squat to piddle again.

Just a thought.....whatever you decide, many hugs!

[goneriding24]

Have you tried Previcoxx? Know it's given for horses...about the same dose as for a dog...horses metabolize it differently. We tried it about 4 months for our elderly dog with degenerating hips....it's like we have a new dog! She's more active, cleaning her dish, bright eyed and ready to go, go, go. No, it won't stop the hips downward progression but her quality of life has soared for now. She still gets a monthly Adequan shot but no more Tramadol. She can even squat to piddle again.

Just a thought.....whatever you decide, many hugs!

Thank you for the info. His previous owner spent literally thousands of dollars trying to figure out what was/is wrong. It's like he was on a slight downward slope and suddenly the bottom fell off, that noticeable. Even my hubby, who is more into cattle, noticed the other day and came into the house to tell me. It's in his actual back. Run your hand down his back and he cringes.

It's now to the point, he won't even come up to the fence for a pat or lovin'. He stands off and stares into the middle-distance. The light is going out of his eyes. This is a horse who used to think he belonged in the house, watching TV over your shoulder. He's never believed he was a horse.

I am leaning toward his rough start in life, his dam wasn't fed very well and then the guy who started him. I think he started him and rode him hollowed out. Don't know.

[Bluey]

We were there with one of our ranch horses, that had ringbone from an old pasture injury.
After two years on daily bute, nothing was helping any more, it was time.
Sorry you are there now.
It never gets any easier.

Scritches to him and hugs for you.

[Donkaloosa]

Hugs --- as hard as it is, you are doing the right thing. Your boy will appreciate it and thank you for it.

[dani0303]

Bless you for making the kind decision. Jingles for him for an easy passing. Hugs

[jenm]

Bless you for doing right by Leo. I know it isn't easy, and am sending you many, many hugs.

[dacasodivine]

I'm so sorry.

[2DogsFarm]

There is no harder decision you will ever have to make as a horseowner.
Do not torture yourself wondering how or why it came to this.
You gave Leo the best you could and now it's time to let him go.

COTH Wisdom:
Better a day too early than a day too late.

{hugs} for you and Godspeed, Leo.

[Kafue]

I had to make the decision a month ago with my 29 yr old QH. He was almost blind and had navicular but because I have a small stable band of horses and I'd owned him for over 20 years he managed fine. He always looked healthy and my vet remarked just this year that he looked like a horse half his age. This Spring his coat turned a glossy copper color as usual and he got plump on the Spring grass and then a month ago he got a really bad lung infection that just sucked the life right out of him. We tried everything for a week but he just got worse and more depressed, obviously in great distress.

I always wondered how I could possibly let him go and dreaded the decision but in the end he made it easy for me and I do not have any regrets, just satisfaction that I could give him a great retirement and could end his life easily surrounded by people who loved him.

[Zu Zu]

Thoughts and prayers and tears and ((hugs)) for everyone who loves this grand old man, Leo ~

[Somermist]

So very sorry. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

[Brandy76]

I am so very sorry.

I had to make this extremely difficult decision just seven weeks ago with my guy. It is heartbreaking but I have taken comfort in knowing his pain is gone.

Huge hugs to you. You are brave, indeed.