Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Understanding quality of life and euthanasia for older horses
By McGowan, Catherine M & Ireland, Joanne L·Published in The Veterinary clinics of North America. Equine practice·2016·Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, United Kingdom·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Welfare, Quality of Life, and Euthanasia of Aged Horses.
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
This study looks at how the bond between horse owners and their older horses affects decisions about the horses' well-being and end-of-life care. Many owners believe their elderly horses have a good quality of life, but as horses get older, their quality of life tends to decline. Common reasons for deciding to euthanize (putting a pet to sleep) include issues like joint pain, colic (abdominal pain), and other long-term health problems. Because deciding to euthanize is a tough choice, it's important for owners to consider their veterinarian's advice and the horse's quality of life. The article emphasizes the emotional connection between owners and their horses, how to assess quality of life, and the challenges of facing mortality.
Abstract
Duration of ownership strengthens the human-horse bond, affecting decision-making about the horse's welfare, quality of life (QoL), and euthanasia. Most owners consider their geriatric horses to have good or excellent QoL; however, increasing age is negatively associated with QoL. Management factors are important. The most common reasons for euthanasia include musculoskeletal disorders or lameness, colic, and nonspecific chronic diseases. The decision to euthanize is difficult, so the advice of the veterinarian and QoL are important. This article focuses on the human-horse bond, assessment of QoL, reasons for euthanasia, and owner experiences of mortality.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27449393/