Time to say goodbye

One of the hardest parts of animal ownership is when the time comes to say goodbye. At Starling Equine Vets we understand that this is a really emotional time, and how important it is to feel you get it right.

There are two big decisions you have to make as an owner, both of which are easier to make when you have thought about it in advance of the time. Decision 1 is the method of euthanasia, Decision 2 is what you would like to happen once your friend is gone.

Decision 1:  The method of euthanasia.

Euthanasia can be performed either via injection or by a lethal shot.

We will support both methods, but as a practice we only are able to directly provide injection. If you would rather shoot, then we can liaise on your behalf with several local marksmen.

The Injection:

The injection is performed after sedating the horse. As the owner you can hold the horse as they are sedated, and we often feed treats and remember the most happy times. Once the horse is sleepy, they are given what is effectively an overdose of general anaesthetic. The horse will become unconscious, take several large “huff-puff” breaths and then be guided to lie down on the floor and will pass away. Often this is over a short space of time of a couple of minutes. I find it very comforting to know that the horse is unaware of falling to the ground, and normally it is very calm and controlled. Often owners don’t feel that they wish to hold the horse for the final injection, and would rather be close, but not holding, or to walk away. We will always support you and will ensure that we treat your horse as our own as we say goodbye. Once we think the horse is gone, we will check that there is no heartbeat and no corneal reflex. Occasionally the horse may need an additional injection. This is unusual, but if it happens, remember that the horse is unconscious and not feeling any discomfort.

Euthanasia via injection may not be suitable for certain horses, particularly those with significant circulatory abnormalities, such as severe sepsis or colic, or a cardiac problem. Your vet will always discuss these potential issues with you.

The Shot:

The lethal shot is performed by a skilled and experienced marksman. The horse can be sedated but often isn’t. Normally the marksman will approach the horse quietly and make a fuss of them while taking them from their handler. They will then shoot the horse between the eyes. Death is instant and the horse will collapse to the ground, often they will paddle as a reflex. The horse is not aware of what has happened. There is often some blood when the horse is taken away.

Some owners will find the noise of the gunshot distressing.

Decision 2: what you want to happen next

Once your horse has gone, you must then decide what you would like to happen to their body. We can help you arrange what you would like to happen, and will do our best to stay and be there for collection. For most people the decision is based on what type of cremation service you would like, although if you own your own land and you have permission from the council you may be able to bury your horse. It is worth considering if you would like some mane or tail or your horse’s shoes. We can prepare this for you if you would like.

Cremation choices

We work with a couple of companies who often collect and cremate horses on our behalf. They will collect the horse for you and then cremate the horse, either on mass (with others) or individually. If you have the horse cremated individually then you will get their ashes back. You can choose as to whether this will be in a casket or scatter pouches. If you have another service you would like to use, we will happily work with them and will still arrange collection for you if you wish.

The hunt

Some owners choose for the hunt to collect their horses. For this to happen the horse has to be shot and it is important that the hunt are told in advance what drugs the horse has had.

Costs of euthanasia

The cost of injection depends on the size and wellness of the horse as these factors dictate the amount of drug needed. We will always provide you with an estimate ahead of time if you require.

• Is there a better choice?

  No, there is no better choice, and we will support what ever decision you make. The most important thing is that you are comfortable with the decisions you have made, and that you will be able to grieve the way you need. Your horse will be loved and cared for whatever choice is made, and both are performed with their welfare as a central consideration.

• What do I do about my horse's companion?

  One of the most distressing things after euthanasia is the worry of how the horse’s companion will cope with the loss of their friend. We always encourage you to show the companion their friend once they have died. Lead the companion to the body and allow them to sniff and explore. Some horses are more expressive and emotional than others, but you will often find that the companion will turn and walk away when they realise their friend is gone. Sometimes they may become upset when the body is collected. On collection companions should be removed from the immediate area and placed either in a well fenced field or their stable. If very upset we can sedate them, although this is rarely needed.

• Do I have to be there?

  No, you do not have to be there for any part once we have discussed and gained full consent for euthanasia and confirmed your decisions. Grief is very individual, and it is important to look after yourself. Your horse is likely more aware that something strange is happening if you are very upset, and sometimes this is more upsetting for all involved. We will support you to be as involved as you want, although sometimes it is less possible when your horse is in a dangerous situation.

• Where is the best place to put my horse to sleep?

  It is not always possible to choose where your horse is put to sleep, and in that situation we will always cope, but when we have a choice we prefer to have a secure area with good access, and ideally a soft surface. Field entrances or arenas often make for good options. Ideally an area without lots of footfall from the public is also better, particularly if collection is not organised in advance.

• What do I do with my passport?

  This depends on the provider of the passport, some stud books require you to return the passport, although most will update their data base without asking for it to be returned and it is yours to keep. The vet or marksman does not have to sign anything.