10/09/2025
Need reassurance I’m doing the right thing
My horse is 32 and just yesterday started showing some weird neurological symptoms. Very unsteady on his hind end, leaning heavily on the right hind, struggling to turn and looking like he was almost going to fall when he turned around. The vet came out today and said it’s likely sidewinder syndrome and another nerve issue that I can’t remember the name of atm because I was at work when he called. He did a procedure that he said younger horses usually respond to, but said that he was not sure because of his age that he would respond and that I should be prepared for it to not end well.
I left work early to go see him and he looks about the same as he did yesterday. He’s eating, drinking, and his personality is the same as always (begging for treats and just generally being bright and easy going). My barn owner said if it were her horse, she’d give him another day or so to see what he does before making the decision to euthanize. It’s proving to be such a difficult decision since he is acting like himself and the only symptoms he’s really having is the issue with his hind end (though he has also dropped weight in the last month which could potentially be related). I know that is a pretty serious problem and I want to make a choice that’s doing right by him. He is my heart horse and I don’t want him to suffer or be in pain.
Would euthanizing be doing the right thing? I have the option to do it Friday afternoon. I don’t want to be selfish and I know no one can tell me what the right decision is, I just want to be reassured that I’m doing right by him. Any advice or insight is appreciated. Pics attached of how he was standing today.
