had to put down my Horse.

[bucktaker]

I put all three horses out on their favorite pasture Sunday morn just like always. They all ran through the gate and took off. They all like this pasture and seem to play around a lot more when in it. Wife noticed the oldest one seemed to be really enjoying himself as he was chasing the others and being herd boss. Brought them in around 5 to feed and close the gate. Rebel didnt come in, went out to him and he was showing signs of colic, sweaty, biting at his sides. Haltered him and administered Banamine injection started walking and gave him two doses of baking soda and water. Should have shown signs of improvement but he didnt. Got the vet out and they diagniosed him with a twisted intestine, surgury was an option but very expensive. I decided to medicate him with pain meds and give him overnight. No change and at 830 am we walked him out to his favorite field and put him down. Our vet was very supportive and recommended this course of action.

Rebel was 26 yrs old and the best dam horse anyone could ask for. I had the pleasure of owning him for 20 years.

Its never easy and I miss seeing him from my window.

 

[oosik]

My deepest sympathy to you and your wife for the loss of such a dear and valued friend. Remember - he also enjoyed being with you and your family all those years too.

 

[The Deerslayer]

Sorry to hear of your loss. Take heart in knowing that he was well cared for so many years. Your post really resonated with me. We just had a very similar situation happen the evening of Easter Sunday where we thought for sure we were going to lose one of our horses. Both horses were out in one of the pastures in the afternoon for the first time since the thaw. We have done this each spring year after year with no problems. When I went to feed them in the barn that evening, Scout was showing signs of colic to the point of laying down. Eventually got him up, but he was in so much pain, we could not get him to walk. We administered Banamine as well as a suggested mixture of tea and whiskey.....under the circumstances, I figured (hoped)that it was for me and the wife. We were able to start walking him. Had the vet come out and diagnosed it as colic and a potential twist. Gave him some pain meds and tubed him as he was also very dehydrated. Drove him in a trailer on bumpy roads for an hour and then constant intervals of walking and tea/whiskey through the night. The next day he started showing signs of improvement and was actually mad that we would not feed him. Thankfully, he is back to normal. My thoughts go out to you and yours....hang in there. It never ceases to amaze me how attached we get to our animals;what we get from them is so much more than what they get from us.

 

[vulcancowboy]

Been there, a couple of years ago had to put down a yearling, same thing, twisted intestine. She looked to be the best one we ever bred. I still wonder what she would have grown into had she lived.

 

[MoKelly]

I am very sorry. Good luck in the future.

MoKelly

 

[LJH]

I'm so sorry to read this. My heart goes out to you and your family.

 

[deerseeker001]

Its hard to lose a friend and companion,sorry.

 

[Tomtint]

I'm sorry to hear of your loss and I don't thing there is much anyone can say or type that will make it any easier. I don't have horses but do have dogs. I lost one I had for 13 years, a few years ago and still miss him every day. To some, animals are only that. To others they are family. Mine are family and it sounds like yours as well. Hopefully you will find peace in knowing you did the best you could for him.

 

[dave1949]

That's a tough break. Sorry. 20 years is a long time with a pet, I'm sure those were good years for Rebel.

 

[Citydude]

So sorry for your loss. I'm sure he knew he was loved.