Euthanasia

End of life decisions are very difficult for horse owners to make.  Coming to the realization that humane euthanasia is the best course for your horse is not easy.  All decisions regarding horse health and death should be made with your veterinarian.

There are many resources for a horse owner considering the humane end of life for their horse, one of which is AAEP's article "Euthanasia: Guidance for a Difficult Decision".

Some of the important questions to answer when considering euthanasia are:

• Is the horse's condition chronic, incurable and resulting in unnecessary pain and suffering?
• Does the horse's condition present a hopeless prognosis for life?
• Is the horse a hazard to itself, other horses or humans?
• Will the horse require continuous medication for the relief of pain and suffering for the remainder of its life?
• If the horse is suffering but treatable, is proper and recommended care of the horse within the means of the owner or rescue/retirement facility, such that the health and safety of the other horses is not compromized?
• Is the horse constantly and in the foreseeable future unable to move unassisted and interact with other horses or exhibiting behaviors that prohibit a decent quality of life?

To find a licensed equine veterinarian in your area to assist with end of life decisions, use these resources:

1. AAEP's GET A DVM veterinarian location
2. Colorado Veterinary Medical Association's Veterinarian Locator