Horse having trouble getting up

[alma]

Im having a real worry now. Horse has always had a slight problem with shoulder and when gets up uses one leg mainly to push himself up and assists with the other. The last twice he has tried to get up he wont put any pressure on the "bad "leg so is really struggling. Wondering if we are getting to the end now as he has arthritis, although hasnt been too bad with it and is on bute.

[amymay]

[Box_Of_Frogs]

How old is ned hoffy? I agree, if ned can't get up it is more humane to pts with dignity rather than find him down and in great distress. But I just wonder whether it's worth increasing the bute? I've heard it said that one bute = about an aspirin so would the vets prescribe eg triple that? No use worrying about long term damage with a veteran ned, but it just might give him a little longer to enjoy life? Or is there a different, stronger NSAID they could prescribe?

[todd1074]

It may be worth asking to put him onto Danalon rather than increase the bute.This is as good a bute without the toxicity so if you are having a larger dose it will not do so much harm.
I have the same problem with my old boy.It is knowing when the time is right to say enough is enough without cutting their lives unnecesarrily short.A very difficult call I know.
You have to decide on quality of life and make that decision yourself.
At the moment my boy is on Danalon and coping well.

[alma]

He is 22 Box of Frogs and a BIG lad!