Equine Euthanasia Checklist

2604

Last updated 6 years ago

First published 07 August, 2017

This tree is based upon BEVA's 2009 Guide to Best Practice for Veterinary Surgeons When Considering Euthanasia on Humane Grounds: Where Horses are Insured Under an All Risks of Mortality Insurance Policy
The original document was developed as a reference for the practicing veterinary surgeon as an aid in the
decision making process, when dealing with severely diseased or injured insured horses. This was in response to a
perceived need for enhanced clarity and understanding of the whole process, and to ensure that maintenance of the
welfare of the horse continues to be our highest priority as veterinary surgeons.

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English Rating: ALL ages Shortest path: 3 nodes Longest path: 9 nodes Possible solutions: 7

BEVA UK BEVA British Equine Veterinary Association

Is the horse insured for mortality? Yes. No.
1. Complete Consent for Euthanasia Form 2. Explain process to owner/handler. 3. Confirm identity of horse. 4. Perform euthanasia. .
Is the injury, illness or disease so severe as to warrant immediate destruction to relieve incurable and excessive pain and there are no options for treatment available to that horse? or 2. Does the horse pose a significant, immediate, and uncontrollable danger as a direct result of an injury or illness? Yes to 1 and/or Yes to 2. No.
Is it practical to seek a second opinion from a professional colleague? Yes. No.
Seek a second opinion. Click here for full Guidelines.
1. Complete Consent for Euthanasia Form 2. Explain process to owner/handler. 3. Confirm identity of horse. 4. Perform euthanasia. 5. Record Post Mortem Findings. Click here for full Guidelines.
Do you think that there are grounds for immediate euthanasia? Yes. No.
Has the case occurred out of hours or in a remote location? Yes. No.
Symptomatic therapy and pain relief should be given until a second opinion is obtained and the insurance company has been informed and given the option of having their own veterinary surgeon examine the horse or at least provide verbal advice. Click here for full Guidelines.
1. Inform the Insurance company and give them the option of having their own veterinary surgeon examine the horse or provide verbal advice 2. Obtain a second opinion 3. If possible, transport the horse (using splints and other necessary therapeutic techniques) to appropriate premises, e.g. a racecourse stables or local veterinary clinic for further investigation. Click here for full Guidelines.
Has the Insurance Company agreed that the claim will be accepted if the horse is euthanased at this point in time? Yes. No.
1. Complete Consent Form . 2.Explain process to owner/handler. 3. Confirm identity of horse. 4. Perform euthanasia 5. Record Post Mortem Findings (if required) Click here for full Guidelines.
1. Inform owner to contact their insurers for guidance. 2. If the owner insists on euthanasia you should inform them that it may invalidate their insurance claim. 3. Document your findings and request the owner sign a ‘request for euthanasia’ form indicating that the animal has been destroyed at their request. 4. Advise the owner that an independent post mortem examination may have to be performed if they wish to proceed with an insurance claim. Click here for full Guidelines.