| Author | Thread |
|
|
02/08/2007 01:48:49 PM · #26 |
My deepest condolences, James. My wife and I lost our stallion last Christmas, so I know the pain you are going through.
Levy, my wife is the horse person of the family, buy my understanding is that a horse's natural tendency is to get up and walk, no matter what their pain is. This would cause them to suffer far too greatly, so putting them down is the humane thing to do. |
|
|
|
02/08/2007 01:52:33 PM · #27 |
Originally posted by levyj413:
For all of you who have lost horses, I hope your memories help you through it.
I hope I'm not being insensitive, but could someone explain why it's necessary to put down a horse? I mean, is there something about the injuries or illness that you don't just let them die on their own schedule? I'm genuinely asking, not passing judgement; I know it must be a wrenching decision, so please help me understand the deciding factors.
Thanks. |
You're not being insensitive--it's the same as with a treasured dog or cat--either they're in pain or their lifestyle is so compromised as to make life not worth living. For a horse, if they can't stand on all 4 feet, and walk as well as an example--a dog can lose a leg and it's not a deal-ender. Horses have much more sensitive digestive systems, and lack the ability to regurgitate, so all sorts of complications can occur in the gut that can cause death very slowly and painfully. The condition in Barbaro's uninjured leg called "laminitis" is another very serious condition that can cause the bone inside the hoof to actually rotate and sink through the sole. In these cases if it can't be remediated medically it's a mercy to let your beloved friend go rather than prolong the suffering.
|
|
|
|
02/08/2007 02:01:08 PM · #28 |
|
|
|
02/08/2007 02:01:58 PM · #29 |
Originally posted by levyj413:
For all of you who have lost horses, I hope your memories help you through it.
I hope I'm not being insensitive, but could someone explain why it's necessary to put down a horse? I mean, is there something about the injuries or illness that you don't just let them die on their own schedule? I'm genuinely asking, not passing judgement; I know it must be a wrenching decision, so please help me understand the deciding factors.
Thanks. |
Its certainly a tough decision and one you can't take lightly. Horses are animals that need to be able to move to have any sort of quality of life. When a horse gets cut up badly (like James horse) you can't fix it. The horse then suffers with pain for the rest of its life. It won't be able to walk. If another horse tries to kick it, it won't be able to defend itself.
I guess relating it to human terms its the same debate as euthanasia. There is a certain point where the individual can no longer endure the pain and just wants it to end. With animals, we get the misfortune of making that decision for them.
I find it strange, but a lot of times the animal almost seems to be happier once you make the decision. They know that the pain will end.
|
|
|
|
02/08/2007 02:18:33 PM · #30 |
we have a horse, it would be a tragic loss to lose him, sorry for your loss.
|
|
|
|
02/08/2007 02:50:57 PM · #31 |
I know how you feel...
I am sorry for your loss and offer my condolences to you and your family. |
|
|
|
02/08/2007 02:55:01 PM · #32 |
I'm so sorry for your loss. While I personally don't have a horse, the neighbors have 4. Every night on my walk this past year, I started having to carry Carrots as 'my buddy' would meet me at the fence line then walk the whole length of the field with me...wait at that corner for me to continue my 2mi walk then walk the lenght of the fenc with me on my return... Just as winter set in, he is no longer there, (the other horses are) so it will probably spring before I catch the owners outside to ask...but the walk isn't as much fun anymore!
|
|
|
|
02/08/2007 03:11:55 PM · #33 |
man... :( put a knot in my stomach.....
|
|
|
|
02/08/2007 04:25:48 PM · #34 |
Originally posted by JamesKW:
I just wanted to share this with other horse lovers. Our horses got out of the pastuer today due to a gate not being latched properly. One of them, my best buddy, found a roll of wire that was laying around and got it caught around his legs. He cut himself up so bad trying to get free that he had to be put down. The blood loss was so bad that the vet could not understand how he was able walk in on his own.
He was a good friend and I will miss him. He would follow me when it was time to feed and nudge me into the stall. When he was finished he would come lay his head over my shouulder so I would rub his chin. great animal and wonderful companion.
 |
Egoobie and I are so sorry to hear about your loss of such a beautiful & loving creature. Our condolences for your loss. |
|
|
|
02/08/2007 06:27:47 PM · #35 |
| Animals hold special places in our hearts that few humans can. Cherish the memories of your special buddy. Sorry for your loss. |
|
|
|
02/09/2007 04:07:33 PM · #36 |
James,
I'm a dog man myself and have had to put down a couple in my time. There is nothing more heart wrenching than saying goodbye to a dear friend. I sobbed both times. you just can't believe it will ever get better, but it does. Hang in there, man. We're all thinking of you. |
|
Home -
Challenges -
Community -
League -
Photos -
Cameras -
Lenses -
Learn -
Help -
Terms of Use -
Privacy -
Top ^
DPChallenge, and website content and design, Copyright © 2001-2025 Challenging Technologies, LLC.
All digital photo copyrights belong to the photographers and may not be used without permission.
Current Server Time: 06/20/2025 03:55:58 PM EDT.
