At least 26, probably more, my vet says. I think that sort of changes my plans although I can't really decide. He needs a TON of teeth work and has a sarcoma in his eye that needs to be removed and is totally blind in his left eye with a prolapsed lens. I guess I need to evaluate how he moves now that we had his four sprung shoes pulled and about 1.5 inches of foot taken off by a FARRIER, meaning my barefoot guy will still find an inch or more to take off on Friday. ;-) I haven't seen him trot, since his feet were so bad I didn't ask and he hasn't offered. So I'm not really sure what to do. If he was really in his teens I'd be much more inclined to spend money on him but maybe at his age he should just be put down. That sarcoma, his teeth, his feet, and that prolapsed lens might start hurting him at some point (it can block the flow of fluid in the eye and cause increased pressure and pain.) I've never had to consider a decision like this before, I guess because I've never been considering rehabbing such an old horse. The owner, who bought him in October and was told he was 16, offered to take him back, but they are planning on giving him away and I don't know who will wind up with him or if I can afford to care. I have sort of been considering asking if they would contribute to his euthanasia to ensure he doesn't wind up on a truck to Mexico... I feel bad considering euthanasia for him but I suppose at any minute he could decline, and he's not in the best condition as it is. And my hope was to get a horse to rehab to use for lessons and who knows at his age what he'll be able to do. So, I don't know. I suppose there is a chance he could get fixed up and be useful for another 5 years... What do you all think? take care cindi Other posts: |