The role of the equine veterinarian in end-of-life phase of geriatric horses

Abstract

The role of a veterinarian during the end-of-life phase can be divided into four stages, which are covered in detail in this article. The decision-making process involves both the horse's owner and the veterinarian. In a welfare assessment, ‘a life worth living’ should be aspired to. Euthanasia should be advised by the veterinarian if a horse is found to have ‘a life not worth living’. The decision to end the horse's life is made considering the welfare of the horse and involving the owner. Communicating the decision should be done via the COMFORT and SPIKES protocols. The COMFORT protocol contains elements used for communication, and the SPIKES protocol relates to the order in which the decision is made. After communicating the decision, the veterinarian should also address matters related to the logistics of the horse's euthanasia. Enacting the decision by the veterinarian: the medical and technical aspects of the procedure of euthanasia are important, as well as the interaction and support of the owner by the veterinarian. Finally, after euthanising a horse, attention should be given to the aftercare of the body and to the emotional support of the owner.