Welfare, Quality of Life, and Euthanasia of Aged Horses
Publication Type: |
Journal Article |
Year of Publication: |
2016 |
Authors: |
C. M. McGowan, J. L. Ireland |
Publication/Journal: |
Veterinary Clinics of North America-Equine Practice |
Keywords: |
chronic pain, clinical characteristics, companion animals, elderly-patients, geriatric, geriatric horses, grief, health-care, human-horse bond, management practices, mortality, old age, owners perceptions, pet dogs, united-kingdom, veterinary sciences, welfare |
ISBN: |
0749-0739 |
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.