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  Discussion on Progressive Ethmoidal Hematoma (PEH)
Author Message
New Member:
Colty

Posted on Wednesday, Apr 6, 2005 - 4:46 pm:

Hi! I am new to this forum, but I need some good advice. I have a twenty-something pony with what I think is a PEH. The vet examined her and said she had a "tumor" in her nasal passages (both sides). She has had a discharge (SMELLY) for several months that was treated with different antibiotics (thought it was a abcesssed tooth). Her breathing has always been elevated but lately she "roars" at rest. (Extra Info on Baylee - she has Cushings, AnhyDrOsis (can't sweat), Blind in one eye, and no teeth) My vet says just let her die because of her age and the advanced nature of her tumor. She is in good flesh and eats readily. She has been retired for many years but still enjoys a walk around the pasture. Except for the tumor really inhibiting her breathing, you wouldn't know anything was wrong with her. I live in Oklahoma and the warm summers are really hard on her because she can't sweat and her breathing is the only way she can cool herself other than daily water baths. The vet didn't give me any options and my husband doesn't want to spend more money on her. I can't just watch her die a slow death either by suffocation or heat stroke. If I can save her I want to but I have limited resources (money and access to high tech stuff). My vet and I have an agreement that if I feel that she is suffering I can get a shot and put her down. How long do I wait? Any help here would be appreciated.
Member:
Hwood

Posted on Wednesday, Apr 6, 2005 - 6:14 pm:

You are the best judge of when to put your horse down, Pamela. If your horse loses appetite, or ceases to be able to get around well, then it would be a sign that you should consider euthanasia. You are fortunate to have the time now to plan for your horse's death . . . If you can bury on your own property, pick the location of the grave, arrange to have the backhoe come and dig the hole, and arrange to have the vet come. I prefer to put a horse down when the grass is green and the ground is soft. It is always a hard decision to make. The procedure is so very quick, and most vets are very compassionate and realize how difficult it is for us horse owners to have a horse put down. I have had to put down several old lesson horses for various reasons. Each time is sad, but there is a feeling of relief afterwards, especially if the horse had pain.

An interesting anecdote:

I once decided to have my "worth his weight in gold" old Appy gelding put down when he had injured his hock and was down with colic and refused to get up after a day. He looked as if he were all ready dead as he lay with his butt toward the back wall and his feet against the side wall of his stall. His eyes were closed, his lips were relaxed showing his ancient teeth . . . his breathing was shallow . . . the vet told me the hock capsule was busted and probably wouldn't repair and that the horse was in congestive heart failure and his lungs were filling with fluid. As the vet went to prepare the barbituate shot and came back to the stall, I kept thinking that I never wanted Old General to go in such a manner, but I knew the time would come for this 30+ year old horse. The vet returned to the stall, we had our backs to General we quietly chatted. Suddenly, we heard a ruckus . . . the old fellow popped up off the ground, limped over to the stall door that looked outside, hollered to his pasture mate, Oscar, and went over to the corner feeder and finished his dinner! The vet stood there with the stainless steel syringe in his hands and his chin down on his chest . . . All I could say was, "Well, I guess he isn't ready to say 'good-bye' just yet." General lived for 3 more years, earned his keep as a lesson horse, and died at the age of 40. I think, sometimes, the horses know when it's time to go, too.
Member:
Liliana

Posted on Wednesday, Apr 6, 2005 - 7:11 pm:

Hello Pamela,

The time comes to all living things to fullfill the circle of life.
We recently lost our 28 year old Chaman,who went in his sleep.

Although it is always vey hard when a friend goes or has to be euthanised, if you had the chance to have him buried on your field, it some how makes it easier to cope with the departure.

Cozumel is a thin layer of soil and solid rock, although we had to bring a jack hammer to dig he rests next to his stable, and somehow it really made it easier to cope.}

As Holly mentiones, you will know in your heart when the time comes, it is hard to face up to it but some times it is the kindest thing to do

All the best
Liliana
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Thursday, Apr 7, 2005 - 9:10 am:

Hello Pamela,
We discuss the treatment options for EH at Equine Diseases » Respiratory System » Nose Bleeds: Epistaxis. If someone has the equipment the formalin treatment is not too expensive but I have to say with the scene you present, I too would be considering euthanasia.
DrO
Member:
Colty

Posted on Thursday, Apr 7, 2005 - 2:59 pm:

Thank you everyone for your kind words. All of your support really helps.
Member:
Colty

Posted on Monday, Apr 11, 2005 - 2:55 pm:

Well, Baylee's fight is over. She died yesterday evening. I wasn't expecting it so soon so I wasn't prepared and the vet wasn't able to make it out. I comforted her the best I could, but it was hard for her. I will miss her dearly. I asked God to give her a sunny pasture where she can finally eat as much grass as she wants and not worry about the heat.
Member:
Shirl

Posted on Monday, Apr 11, 2005 - 3:36 pm:

Pamela, I share your sorrow. It's a difficult journey for us to make, much easier for our companions. Baylee is now free to sour with the angels. My heart goes out to you, and know she is watching over you and her spirit walks beside you.
Love, Shirl
Member:
Hwood

Posted on Monday, Apr 11, 2005 - 4:18 pm:

Wow . . . that was fast, Pamela. I guess Baylee knew the time when it came. I'm so glad you were able to be with her. I know how difficult it is, yet it is healing to know that you stood with her through the hardest time. Peace to your heart and mind.
Member:
Chohler

Posted on Monday, Apr 11, 2005 - 4:40 pm:

I am sorry for your loss pamela. And I know it was hard for her, but she chose her time when her quality of life was acceptable to her. I know a lot of people don't like to hear it and don't think about it, but I like to find comfort in the fact that you'll not have to see her in the worst stages of the illness. I believe that she will have green pastures and be restored to a state where she was her happiest.

Take care,
Cheryl H.
Member:
Paul303

Posted on Tuesday, Apr 12, 2005 - 3:33 am:

Even the knowledge that their time has come, does not blunt the heavy sorrow of their loss...until one day when the crushing burden of sadness is replaced by gratitude that such a special equine shared your life.
Member:
Frances

Posted on Tuesday, Apr 12, 2005 - 6:29 am:

So sorry, Pamela. At least the burden of choice has been lifted from you; it's such a terrible decision to make.
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Tuesday, Apr 12, 2005 - 7:59 am:

My deepest condolences Pamela.
DrO
Member:
Dyduroc

Posted on Tuesday, Apr 12, 2005 - 9:43 am:

Pamela, I'm very sorry about Baylee's passing. It's hard to say goodbye to an old friend but, as Lee said, the sadness will eventually yield to happier memories. All my best to you during this very sad time.

D.
Member:
Mrose

Posted on Tuesday, Apr 12, 2005 - 11:59 am:

Pam I'm so sorry about Baylee, but agree the animals seem to know it's time to go. Even when you have to choose to put them down, although it's a difficult decission to make, I've never questioned that I've made the right decission. Several of us have recently lost horses; perhaps they are all together getting to know the rest of the herd in "horse heaven." Their souls must all go somewhere; It's my opinion that anything with such lovely, soulful eyes as horses have must have a soul that continues on.
Member:
Colty

Posted on Tuesday, Apr 12, 2005 - 3:26 pm:

Thanks everyone for your understanding and kind words!
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