BB. To be or not to be?

[snigsby]

Rafferty (alias BB) is now 14 and has had sweet itch and COPD since he was about 4. He is allergic to all sorts of grass/tree pollen which also compromises his breathing. In summer, he has "the heaves" often. The vet says he most likely also now has Equine Metabolic Syndrome.

At Xmas, he had laminitis for the first time (although he has had very mild sore feet occasionally for a few years).

Despite being turned out with a muzzle almost 24/7, its looking as if he cannot have any grass at all.

He is the companion for the other two and I cannot find a way to carry on with the three of them when he needs such individual attention. I cannot afford another equine to keep him company in the dry lot at the house. I have advertised for another shetland to come on livery/retirement but no response. The field is irregularly shaped ( so he wouldn't be in sight if the others wandered off) (and he just runs through electrics )so no chance of making him a small pen out there.

I think his time for rainbow bridge has come but I just wondered f anyone can see a solution I

 am missing?

He has his own,valuable little life and I love him dearly but I am getting older and more decrepit with each year and also am very short of money (all his ailments are very costly!)

[kas]

Ah mate, that's a really tough one. So... I took the decision to take Tee Pee off the Prascend because it's sent her loopy hormonally and she was really miserable. The vet pointed out that she will be more prone to lammi, and I told her that if that happens then I won't put her through it. So what I'm saying is maybe quality of life rather than quantity?
I can't imagine BB being happy on a dry lot for the rest of his life, even with company, what do you think? Even if you could pen him off at the top of your field - like with sheep hurdles and wooden posts maybe, would he be happy?
You've done so much to make him happy and comfortable since he was a youngster, he's had the best of care and the best of times with you. Reading through what you've said, I don't think this is about you getting decrepit and running out of money, it seems it's more about what his life will be like from this point on. Sweetich, COPD, the heaves and allergies - not many ponies would get to be his age with that lot going on.
I think that there comes a day when you look at your pony and you just know what has to be done, for their sake. If that means it's his time then better he goes happy, eating loads of stuff he shouldn't, and with his friends nearby.


It's so hard sometimes isn't it? xx

[snigsby]

Thanks,Kas. Much appreciated. His wee front feet are so sore. There are no pulses so I am wondering if his pedal bones have sunk or something. He's had a Danilon this morning and has his boots on.

He's been badly bitten in the last couple of weeks despite Deosect and wearing his full sweet itch rug, so the itching has started already and you know what that's like for them. And he's been coughing, wheezing and heaving on and off since last month I really think he's having more bad days than good now and TBH the vet wanted to put him to sleep two summers ago. We got him through that year with ventipulmin and steroid injections but the steroids are too risky now that he has started having laminitis. He can't even wear his muzzle anymore as it has rubbed a lump under his chin,despite padding. I worked my way through every tiny muzzle on the market before finding one that fitted the shape of his funny little head. The vet reckons, even without testing, that he has EMS.

I think I could probably nurse him through most of this but the laminitis or whatever is wrong with his feet, is the no-no. I have always said that I was willing to get him through anything except laminitis.

You're right to ask if he would be happy on the dry lot behind the house - no he wouldn't. My three all love each other and I won't separate them. That's why I have not tried very hard to find a rescue to take him - he's lived here with us all his life,pretty much,and also I can't guarantee, once he's out of my control, that he would be looked after as he requires. I do it because I love him but he is very expensive and very time consuming.

So,as soon as I have a firm offer of a new companion,BB is off to Rainbow Bridge to join his Uncle Kofi and I shall try to concentrate on all the laughs and happiness his existence has given me, rather than the heartbreak of losing him.

Thank god for good friends

[kas]

Honestly, I think that's the right thing to do for him, regardless of whether you had unlimited funds. He's a great little chap who has given you a lot of stress and even more pleasure. He deserves a good end. I hope I'll be strong enough when the time comes with mine. I think I managed it with Fin, but it's hard to decide to stop trying every remedy, treatment and potion and just let them have a peaceful end.
Wish I lived near you. xx

[tommytrot]

Oh that’s a shame, yes i’m A quality not quantity person to, Not an easy time, will be thinking of you all, 😢

[nicxf]

I'm sorry to read this, Snigsby. But for what it's worth, I agree with you, 100%. Quality of life, every time. ☹️