Zandee, 1984-2008 August 29, 2008
Posted by kimayars Uncategorized
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Sadly, this Wednesay, Sherene and I unexpectedly put Zandee down. He was 24.
About noon-ish, Zandee started showing signs of gas colic. Sherene called me and I assumed it would be like the other times he’s colicked. We’d hand-walk him, he’d poop, he’d fart, and he’d take a nap. Then he’d be ready for lunch.
After an hour of no improvement, we called our vet and she suggested we give him banamine to help him relax. We did, and continued to walk him. Every so often he would lay down, but he’d be quiet so we would let him rest. Another hour passed, and he started to get worse. We called our old vet, Dr. Pickering, and amazingly he was only 20 minutes away. He was going to be right there. In the mean time Zandee was trying more desperately to roll, and was stomping & pawing the ground in obvious frustration.
When Dr. Pickering arrived, he immediately gave Zandee Ace, Rompin, and more Banamine. After some more walking, it was clear that another 1/2 dose was needed. Eventually Zandee could stand to be examined without wanting to go down. What Dr. Pickering discovered was that Zandee had no lower gut sounds, and an exam revealed that Zandee’s lower colon was looped over his spleen (nephrosplenic entrapment). When asked about our options, Dr. Pickering told us what procedures we could try, but that it would have about a 50% success rate. When we coupled that with Zandee’s age and the fact that this was his fourth colic in less than a year, we knew the kindest thing would be to let him go.
Sherene and I have talked about this moment many times. We knew that Zandee was coming to her place to live the rest of his life. While we hoped that he would just pass away in his sleep, most horses have to be euthanized. We hoped that when the time came we’d be able to make that call. Even as we told Dr. Pickering what we wanted to do, we were still plauged with doubt. As it was, Zandee passed quietly and pain-free.
He had a great 13 months at Sherene’s. We watched him blossom from a reserved lesson horse to a happy pony with his own people. He loved belly scratches, stud muffins, and his grain. His eager low nickers at breakfast and dinner always made you smile no matter how early or cold it was. He found a close friend in Shazam, and learned to play some of Tigger’s games. Some days, he would enjoy hanging out in the runs with Sherene and I while we cleaned stalls. He was fun to have around.
The sadness that I feel is unexpected. He had a great life, and he didn’t suffer in the end. I should be grateful for that. But instead I feel sadness and longing. The desire to touch his neck one last time is overwhelming. Sherene, who saw him every day, probably feels 10 times what I feel.
Time heals, but in the mean time this sucks. There is no question that the right decision was made, I just didn’t wish it hurt so bad.
Sweet dreams, old man. You done good.
Zandee cozies to Shazam:
Whee! Zandee and the boys play:
Comments
I am so sorry to hear of your loss, I too have horeses and 15 years ago I had the same decision to make, I cried my eyes out, he was part of my family (26 yrs old) I still dream about him sometimes and even after all these years I still miss him. When I read your blog and saw the pictures I was deeply touched by them.
so sad, I have tears in my eyes. I’m sorry.
This was very sad to read, though I am sure you made the right decision.
I’m sorry to hear about Zandee. He was a very lucky horse to find such great people as you two to look after him in his old age.
So sorry for your loss
kim, so sorry to hear about this. it’s so hard even when you know it’s the right thing to do. it’s really the most unfortunate part of owning animals.
you know you made the right decision and soon it won’t be such a visceral pain.
I’m really sorry to read this - it really sucks. As Steve H says, I’m sure you made the right decision.
kim–i’m so sorry about zandee. he was the one eyed horse correct? when their bodies start to fail them, the best thing to do is make them comfortable even if it means letting them go. i have been through this with dogs and horses and ferrets–i can feel your pain. i want to reach out and touch his neck.