We all would like our horses to live as long as we do. But, unfortunately their lifespan is less than half of ours and they age much more rapidly than we do. Old age, according to a study done by the Morris Foundation back in 1986, isn’t likely to be the reason why most horses die. Our horses have a less than 50% chance of simply succumbing to old age. An Most horses are euthanized, as much as we would like them just to slip away peacefully under the night stars.


Most horses will be euthanized, Colic, which is more likely as a horse ages, or severe soundness issues that make life difficult and painful for the horse are the most common reasons for euthanization.  So, owning a horse means accepting the fact that you may have to make a hard decision at the end of its life.

Colic in fact, can be the death of a horse, no matter what its age. Colic is not a disease or illness in itself, but rather a common set of symptoms indicating that something is awry with the horse’s digestive system or other internal organs. Because older horses have poorer digestion,  right from difficulty chewing to decreased gut motility, colic becomes more likely as a horse ages. Tumors, fat deposits and other problems can cause colic.  I’ve described What Causes Colic, and what to do when you suspect colic. But most importantly we need take care of our horses in a way that prevents colic in the first place. And, there are ways to help your senior horse get the most out of the food you give it.

But, even though we look after our horses flawlessly, it’s an unfortunate fact that the best kept horse can still colic, and the colic may be fatal.  We just don’t know what is going on inside a horse before colic symptoms show up.

Horses are euthanized due to soundness and health issues. In the case of a leg fracture, most horses can not be saved. It’s not quite the death sentence it used to be, but depending on the where the fracture is and the severity of the injury, fractures are bad news. In older horses arthritis and other joint problems can develop. While there are treatments to keep the horse comfortable, at some point, medications may not do the job. To prevent a horse from suffering, the owner may have no choice but have it euthanized. Painful uveitis, skin conditions and cancer can all advance to the point where there is no choice but euthanasia.

Accidents are another significant factor in horse deaths. Injuries that lead to sudden death, or complications due to injuries can lead to euthanasia. And of course, there are plenty of illnesses that can become lethal. Viruses like WNV, bacteria in feed like Anthrax or Botulism and other toxins and even unusual things like  snake bites can take their toll. The UK study also suggested that under feeding was a factor in mortality in horses.

What does this mean to those of us who want our horses to live as long as possible? Here are some suggestions:

• Feed and care for your horse with an eye to providing ample nutrition and  avoiding colic.
• Be aware of the air your horse must breath. Poor stable ventilation can lead to respiratory problems.
• Look after injuries promptly. Even small injuries may need veterinary attention.
• Look after your horses hooves to avoid exacerbating hoof and joint problems over time.
• Keep pastures and stables free of injury causing obstacles.
• Keep a regular vaccination, dental care and parasite control schedule.

 

References:

Factors associated with mortality of geriatric horses in the United Kingdom.