When It's Time to Euthanize a Horse

The captive bolt is another method that may be available.

In very rare, extreme emergencies—such as when a horse gets injured out on a remote trail where it's impossible to get a veterinarian in an acceptable timeframe, it's possible to use the exsanguination (bleeding out) method. Large amounts of blood will be lost. This is not acceptable as the sole method of euthanasia unless the horse is already unconscious. Otherwise, it would be too traumatic for both horse and handler. Talk to your veterinarian to learn more about exsanguination.

After any method of euthanization, there will be a few moments of muscle twitching and perhaps the legs may move a bit. The body then relaxes and stills. If a vet is present, he or she will check for the heartbeat with a stethoscope, look for the pupils of the eyes to be dilated, and see if the blink reflex is absent. If the vet feels the brain is still active, more drugs may be administered or more steps will be taken to make sure the job is complete.

After the Euthanasia

After euthanasia, the body will have to be removed or buried. Some places have time limits for removing dead livestock. In most areas, the dead stock truck will come within a short time, and for a small price, take away the body. If you chose to have the body buried, you need to know the rules and regulations in your area and arrange a backhoe to dig the grave. It is possible to compost a small body, such as a foal or small pony, again abiding by the regulations in your county, state, or province.

In some areas, animal cremation is available. This is perhaps the most costly option. Zoos and wildlife sanctuaries may welcome the body as food unless barbiturates were used for the euthanasia. For this reason, also, it's important to prevent the body from scavenging by animals such as stray dogs or coyotes.