Should I put my old horse down?

I have a 30 + year old mare. I have had her for 15 yrs. She has no teeth, but eats her mash fine. I feed her alot, away from the other horse, so I know she gets it all. She is very thin. She can no longer eat hay. I buy alfalfa that I soak in hot water for her and she does eat that ok. She has minor arthritis in her front legs. I don't think she can see well because sometimes I have to guide her thru things. I love her, but don't want her to suffer. She is the best horse I have ever had. And no I do not ride her, she has been out to pasture for about 6 yrs.

Should I put my old horse down?
you should definitely talk to your veterinarian about this.


all this sounds like some virus i herd about,it only ifects horses over 30+ yrs.
Reply:You need to talk to her vet. There could be some other underline health problems. You can give her supplements to help get her weight back up.


But I would talk to her vet first of all!
Reply:You're doing the right thing in questioning and evaluating her quality of life. My rule is, if they are able to go about reasonably unhindered by physical or psychological (i.e. apparent severe dementia) ailments and don't require care that is so specialized that it limits them in major ways (i.e., life in a horse sling) then I'd say the horse is doing OK.





If she is in pain that is not going to get better, and/or if her quality of life is otherwise not good (i.e. she's doing OK but has such bad arthrisis that she can't move like she wants to) then I'd say it's time to consider a humane death.





From what you've said, she doesn't sound like she's suffering. As long as she has enough weight on to keep her reasonably healthy (and you might want to check with the vet as to supplements, feed and other measures you can take to ensure she stays healthy and comfortable) then she sounds like she's doing OK.





I would take a close look at her attitude and whether or not she seems happy and content. If she is, then leave her be. If she seems tired and like everyday things are a struggle, then maybe it's time.





She sounds like a sweetheart...good for you for asking such an important question!
Reply:If she's suffering, put her down. I know how you feel as I had a gorgeous horse who got Cushings disease. Putting him down when his quality of life was gone was the hardest thing I have ever had to do, but it was the right thing.
Reply:Sounds like you are trying to give her the best to live out her life. Check with a vet about being thin. She may have some other problem that is causing that. Maybe an internal parasite or cancer.
Reply:it depends on how well she is doing...does she seem happy ,like does she still like to run around, smell things, play, --if she isnt doing normal horses things and just relaxes all day particularly with her head down..i think shes done her time ...the best thing to do would be to talk to your vet and give her much love
Reply:I would talk with my vet. However from what you have said she is doing really well for her age. I wouldnt rush to put her down unless you know for sure she is ready to go. You will know when that time comes:D Good luck
Reply:A vet evaluation would be the best way to go. If she's eating, drinking, able to get around pretty well and still seems to enjoy life, then I see no reason to put her down. You might consider doing a few extras to help her with her infirmities, join supplements to help with her arthritis, a blanket to help her maintain body heat if it's cold...maybe look into probiotics to help her get the most out of the food she eats. Good luck to you, I love the wonderful old seniors. My hubby's Winston was in his early to mid 40's when we finally had to let him go.