How far do you go?

Nick is doing okay right now. He has days that he runs to the barn and he has days where I can tell that he's stiff. He's earned his retirement and I need to keep him comfortable. However, I am now giving him daily or every other day dexamethasone injections. These are not expensive, but I have been thinking lately about how far do I go to keep him comfy. What happens when daily injections don't work anymore? Do I keep going as long as he can be kept comfy or is there a point where I call it quits?

As much as I wish that money were no object, it is a consideration. I've got him on a good senor feed and of course, I add probiotics and a senior joint supplement to his feed daily. His feet are done every 6 weeks. All these things keep him pasture sound for the most part, but they also cost alot. I'm not ready to let go of Nick yet, but I have been pondering these questions lately. What are your thoughts?

dexamethasone, Can cause founder. I know what you are saying but, what quality of life can he have after a point.

My bosses dog, has a brain tumor, he is blind, and cant control his bladder, who are they keeping him alive for, him or them, His heart has almost doubled in size. Bless his heart.

Im sorry about Nick. We just love those big brown eyes and kind trusting hearts. And of corse they depend on us so. When I had to put Tucker down, if he just hadn't came over and put his head in my arms, Man oh Man. He was like, Please, I cant do this.. I just couldnt help him.. And he trusted me to. He could not survice surgery and he was already in shock, and toxic. They gave him a 20% shot of getting on the table. When we got there he was not in shock, the moment they gave him a larger dose of Banimine he went into shock. Down he went, But he was my boy, got back up for me, and walked out the door to the back. Laid back down for the last time, and was out of pain.

For me, I wont let them suffer again, for me. Sometimes that is who it is for, Us.

I know dexamethasone can cause founder. He only gets 1 cc /day and it's not likely to. Dr Steve and I had this discussion. I said, okay so he's 30 and the other option is euthanasia. If he founders from it, I will euthanize him. He's doing pretty well right now. Sometimes he just looks really tired. This morning, he was running and bucking like a young 'un. He goes through a period at the change of every season where he loses some weight on me. I always think "uh oh --this is the beginning of the end" So far, he has always bounced back. My prayer is to go out one morning and find him dead like he just went to sleep...not to have to make the dreaded decision, but I've never had that kind of luck with horses. Right now, I think his good days way outnumber the bad ones, but I don't know how many bad ones are too many...it's a hard thing.

30! How wonderful YOU HAVE BEEN A VERY GOOD MOM! He has taught you well.

Yep he's a great old 1979 model foal. Hard to believe.

That's a really tough call. If they are not in pain and happy I would keep going for awhile. If that changed I would have to end it. Or, have my husband take care of it since I am no good at that.

I have a dog that is diabetic. She gets insulin 2 times a day and it cost a fortune. She doesn't see very well. You wouldn't know it by the way she runs around the farm. She gets lost in the field when it snows and we have to go out and find her or call her so she can follow our voices. If she ever got to the point she could not move around or have some of the life she has known with us I would have to put her down. I could never see her suffer like that. This is how much I love her.

It is tough because every year it takes a little more to keep him comfy. Right now , he is comfortable. I have been guilty in the past of holding on beyond good quality of life. Nick is not there and he doesn't mind his shots at all so I still think his quality of life is okay right now.

You will know in your heart when it's time. You will get that lump in your throat that feels likes it's choking you. You will do what is best for him.