http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=10911
Not a pleasant topic, but one we ALL need to think about before it's time. I've had to make this call once with one horse, was spared making it for another, and I have three other older horses that I'll likely have to make the call for over the next few years. Lord knows, I hope I don't have to make it for any of my younger horses, but we never know. Please read this, and take some time to REALLY think about it. It's hard to be rational when the pressure is on, so best do some pre-planning. Also, please discuss this grim subject with your vet well ahead of time, so he/she can know your philosophy on the subject - no vet wants to make the call for you, and some cases simply aren't clear cut. It may help to talk about this with your spouse, and/or with your closest horsey-buddy. Believe me, it helps to have someone to support you when you have to make a decision, and to remind you of what your rational self would consider appropriate. Karen Thomas, NC
