when a horse breaks a leg, why does it have to be put to sleep?

Answer 1

It doesn't always have to be put to sleep. It depends where the break is, the condition of the horse and the condition of the owners bank balance.

They can recover from a broken leg, but it is very expensive and they may not be suitable for work afterwards. A lot of people could not afford this or might not be willing to risk it for an animal that they may never be able to use again.

Certain types of breaks would not be recoverable and in that case it is the kindest thing to put the animal to sleep rather than keep it alive in constant pain.

Answer 2

Thankfully, this is not necessarily true. Times have changed. With advancements in veterinary medicine, not all horses with broken legs are put to sleep. Unlike 30 years ago, when equine medicine was limited, vets are now able to use surgical plates and pins to repair and support fractured bones in horses. This is most successful in minor fractures. They have also developed weight supporting slings, and use hydro-therapy (swimming) for rehabilitation.

Like others noted, horses cannot support themselves on three legs.

One common problem is the occurance of laminitis in the other (non-broken) legs. That was the fate of Barbaro, the race horse who broke it's leg during the 2006 Preakness Stakes. While the fracture of the rear leg actually healed, there were complications, resulting from excess weight being carried on the remaining three legs. Barbaro eventually developed severe laminitis in both front hooves. When there was no end in sight, and pain management therapy proved unsuccessful, Barbaro was put down.

Horse racing is a tough, and extremely dangerous sport - for the horses. For every 1,000 horses started in a race, 1.5 of them will suffer a career ending injury - about 2 horses each day. California has the highest rate of injury with 3.5 injuries per 1,000 starts. Most will result in euthanasia.

For many race horses, the cost of repair outweighs any future benefits. Only exceptional horses with a future in breeding are considered, as most could never return to the track, or profit making competition.

Although it's easy to dislike the racing industry for the danger to the horses, I would guess the racing industry is the primary source of funding which fuels most of the equine veterinary research and advancements.

I am hopeful that new treatments and advancements in medical technology will continue to improve, and broken legs will no longer be a death sentence.

Answer 3

Most people do this to put the horse out of pain and suffering. I know because I have horses, luckily I've never had to make this decision because I could never do such a thing. But yes, this is the usual reason, remember, a horses life is to run around and unlike a dog, it cannot support its weight. Sometimes its better to put it to sleep, horses are very sentimental animals and can get easy depressed. Of course in the racing world they just do it because to them the horse is useless, look at greyhounds, same case, different story.

Answer 4

Horses that break their legs do not always have to be put down. It depends on the severity of the break, the location of the break, and the owner's ability to pay the vet bills. A minor fracture could be healed and re-habbed if the owner can afford it. After wards the horse may or may not be able to be used for riding. If it's a mare it could be used as a broodmare, but if it's a gelding it would become someone's pasture ornament. There are just about always option, if you can afford them.

Answer 5

Horses do most everything standing up. Sleeping, eating, etc. Laying down causes other nasty things, like colic (very deadly)

I have seen an occasion where the horse was saved. In most cases tho, they are to high spirited, and do not tolerate being confined well.
There is much pain involved also, not only for the animal involved; but the human who loves them.
Would you want to be confined and drugged in the hope (not guarantee) that you would be well?

Answer 6

actually depending on location & severity they DON"T ALWAYS have to. BUT keeping a horse enough off its bad leg to allow it to heal is difficult and there is a VERY real chance that the shift of weight to the other legs will bring on founder (which is what happened to Barabro). In addition horse put a lot of weight & force on their legs and the circuation is delicate so healing at all is diffcult.
Some horses will not tolerate any type of casting or sling and will beat themselves to death to excape it (Ruffian)

Answer 7

becouse horses are much bigger then us a depend on their legs, it can be fixed but it is very expensive and some people just can't afford it. Their can also be other issues such as a horse getting lamintitis or other effects of lack of mobillity, sometimes even though its hard its better to lose something and let it be happy and free then to keep it and have it be caged and in pain.
**EDIT**--** the question is in GENERAL not just for racehorses people

Answer 8

The weight of the horse is supported entirely by the legs. The bones are unable to heal as they once were and can not support the horse. The horse could do basic walking and the bone would snap again.

Answer 9

A racehorse is of no use if it breaks a leg.it is humane to put it to sleep as no normal horse lover can look after it the way it was earlier.if it has to be sold to lug load might as well put it to sleep if a good owner cant be found?how many of us can actually afford a horse even though we may love animals. dont worry too much . not all animals are killed

Answer 10

That's not always the case. Some horse racers feel that when their horse is broken and not worth fixing. This is so sad. Most can be rehabbed and kept as pets to horse lovers.