my daughters horse is getting put to sleep today.?

Question

how long does it take and does the horse suffer?

Answer 1

I believe it is pretty quick, no the horse does not suffer at all, it's very humane. That is if it is lethal injection. Most vets are quite adept and there isn't a problem. I'm sorry your family has to go through this. But it's better than having the animal suffer long term.

Something I wish they would do for people in severe cases where there is so much pain and no hope of helping them. I spent 5 weeks in hospice this summer taking care of my Mother, at the end she was in so much pain. Nothing helped.

Again, I'm sorry for your families loss.

Answer 2

I don't know how long it takes for a horse, but after seeing several of the families pets have to be put down, can share that with you. It normally doesn't take more than a minute, and the animals do not suffer at all. I have stayed with everyone of them and pet them and loved on them to the last minute. The vet usually inserts an IV port into a good vein, and then they inject a medicine into the IV port that makes the animal feel sleepy, but it is actually a much larger amount than needed and in no time at all it stops the heart. It is really very peaceful and if they let you and you think you and your daughter can handle it emotionally, it is a really nice way to say good-bye. I'm very sorry for your loss.

Answer 3

First off, I just want to say how sorry I am to hear this. And just know that you and your daughter are in my thoughts and prayers. And you can rest assuered that this process is very quick and absolutely painless. The phrase "put to sleep" is exactly right, your horse will simply drift off to "sleep." I know this is little consolation at this time, but I'm sure that for whatever reason her horse is being put down it will be in a much better place. My heart really goes out to you because I had one of our dogs put to sleep last week, and it's not easy to let go of something you've loved and cared for. Just know that you are doing the right thing! And I am completely convineced that animals go to heaven (cause it just wouldn't be heaven without them). Best of luck, and God bless!

Answer 4

I have witness putting down a few of my horses over the years.

It is quick and painless. Your daughter's horse will just fall asleep.

Depending on how your vet does it and how the horse is (standing, laying down) will depend on what to expect.

If horse is laying down, he or she will sleeply go to sleep. The heart beat will slowly fade away. (Had to do my step dad's appy Christmas night in 2002 this way as his hips gave out. He was old and layed down to die as vet said. He was scheduled to be put down after the holiday).

If a horse is standing up, the horse will set back a little, wide eye a little bit and then lay down quickly (usually a drop, but it is not a violent drop as you normally see. By time he/she is on the ground, they have passed away. To which most of our horses were put down this way).

Don't get scared or worried to see your horse trimmering. Just like humans, our nervs sometimes will cause our bodies to twitch a little bit. I have not witness this in horses I had to put down; however, some have said it can happen.

in per caution to that, do not stand where the horses's legs are. Stay behind the horse's back/withers/head is.

It is an emotional time but our vet said to keep telling our horse he/she are good, we love them, how much we will miss them and to keep talking to them. Just like humans, horses hearing is the last to go. It also calms them and lets them know it is alright.

Usually takes not even a minute to place in the lethal. I say roughly 30 seconds at the most of all the steps.

Every horse I have to put down, I take pieces of their hair and put it in a bag. It is my memorie and place it with pictures, their halter, ribbons and other things that I have down with that horse. My memorie box that I can still cherrish when they are gone.

Answer 5

It takes less than 5 seconds. I know, I work for a vet and have to hold the animals in my arms as the vet does it, and they die in my arms. The animal does not suffer at all, it stops the heart and deadens the brain almost instantly. Depending on how old your daughter is and if you think you can handle it, I'd suggest letting her watch. It is a very peaceful way to see an animal go. They don't thrash, scream, or cry. they just get a sleepy look in their eye and crumple to the ground.

Answer 6

Merciful Methods
Veterinarians generally choose lethal injection or gunshot for euthanasia. In Europe, gunshot is the preferred method; in the U.S., lethal injection is more popular, likened to the emotional ideal of dying in one's sleep.

Method: Lethal Injection
Pros:
If done properly, is less violent in appearance; bloodless; quiet; and humane.

Cons:


Only one type of drug-barbiturates-shuts down the brain first, before shutting down other bodily functions. Other products (such as T61 and succinylcholine) cause a heart attack or paralysis and suffocation, so are meant to be used on a horse under anesthesia.
Some vets don't have the license to carry barbiturates, which are classified as controlled substances. The other drugs are cheaper and safer to carry. (The licensee is responsible in case of theft or misuse.)
Regardless of drug, administration requires expertise: it must be given via vein or heart injection, either of which requires skill. If the needle misses the mark, the drug won't work and can cause a violent and painful reaction.
Prompt and proper disposal of the body is critical, either by deep burial, cremation, or a renderer. House pets and wildlife can sink into a coma after consuming relatively small amounts of tissue or blood from a barbiturate-injected body. Note: Regardless of euthanasia method, local ordinances and sanitary district laws must be consulted before burying a horse.

Answer 7

I'm sorry to hear that.
It takes only a few seconds for the vet to administer the needle and they just fall asleep. It does not hurt at all and I think is the most humane way to euthanize. Our vets just give them a very large dose of tranquilizer. It is not a good idea to watch as it looks alot worse than it is. I had a 2 yr old filly break her shoulder and had to be put down. I did ask the vet all these questions. It makes you feel better about it.

Answer 8

Please let your daughter know how very sorry I am for her horse.
It is very hard to have to loose a horse. They are large and they leave a large hole in your heart when they are gone.

It is not painful for the horse but can be scary to watch if the horse is standing when they give the shot of anesthetic they will fall down on the ground. That is hard to see. Then they just go to sleep and their heart stops beating.
It is not painful and if they are in pain they will not be. It is the hardest decision to make for us but most times the best one for the horse.

My sincere sympathies to you and your family.

Answer 9

No, its puts the horse to sleep instantly but other bodily functions remain! But the horse wont know anything about it! It is painless and quick but the thing you have to worry about more is your daughter! Be there for her and tell her to be strong! Good luck man and be thoughful for her ok!

Answer 10

They don't suffer at all, they give them a sedative before they give them the injection that puts them to sleep to help them relax. then after the horse is relaxed and calm, they will gently give the injection the horse will lay down and quitely take its last breath...its sad, but the good thing about it is you care enough to let him go, instead of letting him suffer...thats what a good owner is all about...it takes alot of courage to do this and i envy you for that...good luck and im sorry for your loss..