Till death do us part:

Planning for your horse's vet needs or death.

affording sudden major vet expenses | euthanasia & burial

deciding when its time | grieving

Affording a sudden major illness or injury:

How do I afford this sudden expense?

Start a savings account today for vet expenses. If you assume an emergency injury or colic visit may run $500 (or more), put a little aside each month in a special savings account just for this purpose.
Many vets do accept credit cards.
When the vet advises the procedure will be $xxxx, ask him if his office might consider a payment plan.
Some clinics may discount their costs for a dedicated owner or for a non-profit rescue. It can't hurt to ask.
If you have a day or two to decide, consider calling around to several vet offices. You may find a vet who can do the treatment for a lot less.
If you still don't have the money, consider doing Care Credit, a special finance program just for sudden vet or medical expenses.

Medications can be found for a lower cost. Try shopping online, calling vet clinics, or (for some drugs) calling regular pharmacies.

Knowing when its time to let him go

The AAEP states:

" Guidelines for Recommending Euthanasia – The following criteria should be considered in evaluating the immediate necessity for intentional euthanasia of the horse to avoid and terminate incurable and excessive suffering:
1. Is the medical condition chronic and incurable?
2. Does the immediate medical condition have a hopeless prognosis for life?"
3. Is the horse a hazard to itself or its handlers?
4. Will the horse require continuous medication for the relief of pain for the remainder of its life?
5. Will the medical condition result in a lifetime of continued individual confinement?"

Much of this is a judgment call that only you can make. Consult your vet for advice on treatment options and prognosis.

Ask yourself what kind of quality of life does the horse have. Is he able to move about his paddock without too much pain?

Consider that a horse is a prey animal and his defense is to run when scared. A badly crippled horse or one who goes down often is now trapped, unable to ever flee. This could be terrifying to be so defenseless.

sunset

Euthanasia facts:

Most common form of humane euthanasia is vet-induced chemical euthanasia. This is the most popular option in the US.
Emergency euthanasia when a vet is not available: a properly placed gunshot may also instantly end the equine's life. You must use the proper type of gun and bullet, and the shot must be placed accurately. Guidelines including a diagram
Slaughter or dropping off at auction are NOT euthanasia options. Expect the horse to suffer quite a bit while waiting on the broker's lot. Expect him to be on a crowded truck going to Mexico or Canada, a very long journey. He will not get any pain medicine, comfort, or quiet. At auction he may be "no-saled", at which point you'll be asked to come get him or in some cases he'll be taken out back and destroyed (often at your expense).
Captive bolt gun: Be aware the horse must be sedated and head restrained to avoid a 'miss'. Vets generally do not carry this item. Not recommended or generally considered acceptable.

The cost of euthanasia may be nothing (gunshot). Through a vet, it may be as little as about $75, but any travel farm-call fees or after-hours fees could run the price up to $200 or more.

In some areas, a shelter or humane association can help you find inexpensive euthanasia.

Burial, Removal, or Other Options

Hauling service: if you cannot keep the carcass on your property, you will need to haul it. Use a larger truck with a winch. If none is available, look in your phonebook or farm newspapers for "livestock services" or "removal service" companies. Some rendering plants offer pick-up services.

Burial : budget the cost of a backhoe, since the hole will have to be rather large. In a farming-type area, as neighbors, as many farmers have tractors with buckets or hoes. Burial may or may not be legal on your farm. Check with local authorities if there is any doubt about legality. Never bury near wells, water sources, or wetlands. If not an option on your land, ask a farmer neighbor if you may bury the horse on his farm. Cost: varies - could be free or bartered use of neighbor's backhoe. Commercial backhoe operators often get $40-60+ per hour.

Removal: the carcass is removed and taken to a rendering plant for disposal. Most areas, especially where cattle and diary farms exist, have a rendering facility. Just don't expect them to advertise much; you may need to look hard for them. In the mid-Atlantic, some of the rendering plants are listed on the EPN site. Generally the animal must be deceased when it arrives, but a few rendering plants will destroy an animal there (via gunshot generally). Cost: if you drop off at rendering plant, it may be as little as $100 or less. If a truck has to pick up, budget for $175-250 depending on distance.

Find a disposal facility: contact the National Association of Renderers for members in your area

Cremation: your horse may be cremated. For help finding cremation services, visit the International Association of Pet Cemeteries & Crematoriums for members in your region. The Equine Protection Network also offers help in finding this service. Cost: some have paid $800 - $1000, though costs vary regionally & may depend on if you want ashes back

Composting: While not very attractive sounding, large livestock operators have used composting techniques for some time to deal with the carcasses of cows or pigs. A deep compost pile is required. You may want to ask your local large livestock farmer for assistance or advice. Cost: free but not suitable for all situations. Refer to guidelines for dairy farmers for details on this process.

sad woman

Grieving

It's perfectly normal and healthy to grieve when a horse or other pet leaves. Many horse owners become vet attached to their animals.

Allow yourself time to grieve the loss. It's normal to cry, feel discouraged, not want to be around horses for awhile. Sometimes a person might blame themselves, but you should remind yourself there are some things beyond our control.

Visit the many "rainbow bridge" sites for support & help, such as Chance's Spot.

There are many ways to honor your horse's memory.

LAST NIGHT

I stood by your bed last night; I came to have a peep.
I could see that you were crying you found it hard to sleep.
I whined to you softly as you brushed away a tear,
"It's me, I haven't left you, I'm well, I'm fine, I'm here."
I was close to you at breakfast, I watched you pour the tea,
You were thinking of the many times, your hands reached down to me.
I was with you at the shops today; your arms were getting sore.
I longed to take your parcels, I wish I could do more.
I was with you at my grave today; you tend it with such care.
I want to re-assure you, that I'm not lying there.
I walked with you towards the house, as you fumbled for your key.
I gently put my paw on you; I smiled and said, "it's me."
You looked so very tired, and sank into a chair.
I tried so hard to let you know, that I was standing there.
It's possible for me, to be so near you everyday.
To say to you with certainty, "I never went away."
You sat there very quietly, then smiled, I think you knew...
in the stillness of that evening, I was very close to you.
The day is over... I smile and watch you yawning
and say "good-night, God bless, I'll see you in the morning."
And when the time is right for you to cross the brief divide,
I'll rush across to greet you and we'll stand, side by side.
I have so many things to show you, there is so much for you to see.
Be patient, live your journey out...then come home to be with me.
- Author Unknown

For further reading -- links to other Web pages:

At Your Mercy: Euthanasia
UC Davis: Emergency Euthanasia for Horses
Grieving: petloss.com [warning - plays music when page opens ]
On grieving and deciding