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Euthanasia Assistance
It is hard to
say good-bye but sometimes euthanasia can be the best option for your
equine. If the animal is living with chronic pain, severely lame or has an
injury, congenital or neurological problem that will not improve with
treatment, humane euthanasia is the kindest option.
Euthanasia and
disposal of the body can be expensive as well as an emotional and trying
experience for the owner. WMERR has the ability to offer assistance with
euthanasia on a case by case basis. Please call 406-961-3101 when seeking
help. In an emergency please call Shannon directly 406-360-8473
Please take a
moment to read through the AAEP (American Association of Equine Practioners)
guidelines when considering Humane Euthanasia for your equine(s).
From the AAEP website:
Euthanasia: The Most Difficult Decision
Difficult though it may be to
contemplate, there may come a time when, for humane or other reasons, you need
to consider euthanasia for your horse. Choosing whether, or when, to end a
beloved animal's life may be the hardest decision you ever have to make
regarding your horse's welfare. However, it may be one of the most responsible
and compassionate things we can do for our horses.
The decision to euthanize, or induce a painless death, should
never be made without careful consideration. The right choice is clearly the one
that is in the best interest of the horse.
CONSIDER THE SITUATION
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 behavioral 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.
Euthanasia is often a highly emotional issue. Yet it is important
to address the situation from a practical standpoint as well. Whether you are
dealing with an emergency or a long-term illness, discuss the following
questions with your veterinarian to help you decide what is right for your
horse:
- What is the likelihood of recovery or at least
a return to pasture soundness or some level of usefulness?
- Is the horse suffering?
- How long will the horse experience the current level of pain
or debility?
- Does the horse continue to show an interest and desire to
live, or has it become depressed or despondent?
- What kind of special care will the horse require, and can you
meet its needs?
- Can you continue to provide for the horse financially?
- What are your alternatives?
AAEP GUIDELINES
The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) has
developed euthanasia guidelines to help your veterinarian assist you during this
very difficult time. The AAEP's standards apply to all horses, regardless of
their monetary value, and are designed to avoid or terminate incurable and
excessive suffering. The following are guidelines to assist in making humane
decisions regarding euthanasia of horses:
- A horse should not have to endure continuous
or unmanageable pain from a condition that is chronic and incurable.
- A horse should not have to endure a medical or surgical
condition that has a hopeless chance of survival.
- A horse should not have to remain alive if it has an
unmanageable medical condition that renders it a hazard to itself or its
handlers.
- A horse should not have to receive continuous analgesic
medication for the relief of pain for the rest of its life.
- A horse should not have to endure a lifetime of continuous
individual box stall confinement for prevention or relief of unmanageable pain
or suffering.
Justification of euthanasia of an insured horse for humane
reasons should be based on medical grounds, rather than economic considerations.
Insurance policies, however, can vary greatly; therefore, be sure you understand
all the conditions contained within your policy.
Additionally, in accordance with the AVMA’s position on the
euthanasia of unwanted animals, the AAEP is not opposed to the euthanasia of
unwanted animals, when appropriate, by properly trained personnel, using
acceptable humane methods.
THE VETERINARIAN'S ROLE
As the horse's owner, you ultimately have the responsibility for
determining your horse's fate. Your veterinarian can provide you with medical
information and help you fully understand the implications for the horse's
future. Your veterinarian can also explain the options, and offer comfort and
support. But your veterinarian cannot make
the decision for you. If you are in doubt about the prognosis or your options,
get a second opinion. It is important for your peace of mind that you feel sure
you are making the right decision.
In extreme emergencies, a veterinarian may assume the
responsibility for this decision, acting on an animal's behalf without an
owner's consent. An example of such a situation is a horse that gets loose on a
roadway and is struck by a car and severely injured. In this situation, the
attending veterinarian may decide to euthanize the horse immediately to end its
suffering. But such cases are rare.
Equine practitioners are frequently asked, "What would you do
in this situation?" This question puts the veterinarian in a difficult position.
No matter how compassionate and caring, your veterinarian is not as attached to
the horse as you are, nor will he/she have to assume the emotional or financial
responsibility of caring for the horse. Some veterinarians will feel comfortable
answering such a question; others will not.
Remember, too, that a veterinarian must follow his or her
conscience. A veterinarian may refuse to euthanize an animal if euthanasia seems
unnecessary or unjustified. Or the veterinarian may choose to discontinue
treatment if an owner is inhumanely allowing an animal to suffer or is unduly
prolonging its death.
PLANNING & PREPARATION
If you and your veterinarian agree that euthanasia is the best
choice, it is important to prepare as best you can. If you are able to make the
decision in advance rather than in an emergency situation, making prior
arrangements will ease the process. These guidelines might help:
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Decide when and where the procedure will be best carried out,
bearing in mind that arrangements must be made for removal of the body. Choose
what is most comfortable and practical for you, your veterinarian, and your
horse.
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If you board your horse, inform the stable manager of the
situation.
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Decide whether you wish to be present during the procedure. If
you cannot or do not wish to be present, you may want to ask a friend to stand
in for you. Decide what is right for you. (If you are unfamiliar with the
procedure and are unsure what to expect, discuss it with your veterinarian.)
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Be aware that, for safety reasons, your veterinarian may not
allow you to be touching or holding the horse during the procedure. You will,
however, be able to touch and be with your horse afterward.
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Make arrangements in
advance for the prompt removal
and disposal of the body. Check with your veterinarian and/or the city or
county health department. Many municipalities have ordinances prohibiting or
restricting burial. Removal to a rendering facility or pet crematory may be
required.
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Explain to members of your family, especially children, in
sensitive but honest terms, why the decision was made to euthanize the horse.
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Allow yourself to grieve. Finding a support person to talk with
can help you work through this difficult period (see below).
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If the horse is insured, notify the insurance company in
advance so that there are no problems with claims. While the veterinarian will
provide you with any required documentation, the rest (notification, filing,
follow-up, etc.) is your responsibility.
One note about terminology: "Put down" and "put to sleep" are
terms for euthanasia commonly used by horse owners, and even by veterinarians
when talking with horse owners. However, it is important to realize that these
terms can mean different things to different people. For example, "put to sleep"
may also mean to induce general anesthesia (render the horse unconscious for a
surgical procedure from which the horse will recover, or wake up). Be sure your
meaning is clear whenever you use these terms.
A PEACEFUL END
As a caring owner, you want your horse to have a peaceful,
painless end. Most commonly, euthanasia is achieved by injecting a barbiturate
anesthetic in a dose sufficient to shut down the horse's central nervous system.
The drug renders the horse unconscious, the horse's heart stops, and the horse
quits breathing. These drugs act quickly and effectively.
If you plan to be present when the lethal injection is given,
keep in mind that not all horses respond in exactly the same way. Most horses
simply drop and lay still, maybe taking one or two deep breaths before expiring.
Some horses continue to take occasional breaths for a minute or so, and there
may also be some movement of the limbs, even though the horse is deeply
unconscious and may no longer have a heartbeat. Seeing these apparent signs of
life can be upsetting for some owners. But remember that they do not indicate
that the horse is conscious or has any sense of feeling; they are simply
involuntary reflexes by the body in its final moments.
Some veterinarians prefer to use a gun or captive-bolt pistol to
perform euthanasia. Many owners recoil at the idea of this method of euthanasia
because of the perception of violence often associated with the use of guns.
However, when properly carried out, this method of euthanasia is instantaneous
and is as humane as a euthanasia solution.
COPING WITH EMOTIONS
Given the affection we have for our horses, dealing with their
deaths can be extremely difficult. But dealing with your emotions honestly and
going through the grieving process is important for your emotional well-being.
To help you deal with your grief, there are local and national
counseling organizations, such as the University of California, Davis, School of
Veterinary Medicine's Pet Loss Support Hotline, (530) 752-4200. Your
veterinarian may also know of resources in your area that can help you, so don't
be afraid to ask.
INSURANCE CONSIDERATIONS
If your horse is insured, become familiar with the regulations
concerning your policy—including the fine print—before you act. Most insurance
carriers require that they be kept fully informed from the beginning about a
horse's medical condition, especially if death or euthanasia is a potential
outcome. Even in an emergency, a reasonable attempt should be made to notify the
insurance company. This notification is the owner's responsibility. If the
animal can be stabilized, many policies require a second opinion before a horse
is euthanized. However, under extreme circumstances, it is always up to the
discretion of the owner and the veterinarian to act in the best interest of the
horse. By being aware of your policy's guidelines, you can minimize any
unpleasant surprises,which relate to your claim.
THINKING AHEAD
Death is an inevitable part of life. Your horse, like all living
creatures, will not live forever. Ideally, your horse will remain healthy and
happy into old age and will die a peaceful, natural death. However, it is wise
to give some thought to other possibilities.
By thinking about what you would do in an emergency, or how you
would act if your horse were to develop a painful or debilitating condition from
which recovery was unlikely, you can be prepared for whatever happens. Be sure
to share your thoughts and wishes on this issue with others, especially those
who may be caring for your horse in your absence, such as your barn manager or
neighbor, and your veterinarian. Doing so may spare your horse needless
suffering if a severe illness or injury were to occur when you could not be
contacted.
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