2006 Appendix Quarter horse gelding
It was with great sadness that we made the difficult decision to have Acadia humanely euthanized in August of 2015.
When he first came to us, Acadia appeared sound, but after we started him in regular work, it became clear to us that he had a soundness issue. After careful assessment at Tufts Medical Center, through x-rays and various other diagnostic tests, it was determined that he had navicular disease. This can be caused by many different issues, but it was clear that in Acadia’s case it had been on-going for some time and it had been left untreated. If treated early on and properly, many horses with navicular can go on to lead very fulfilling and normal lives.
Right away after his diagnosis, we started therapeutic shoeing and medication. Unfortunately, over the ensuing months it became clear that neither of these things were helping him much. He continued to show signs of fairly severe lameness and more importantly, that he was clearly in pain. We revisited Tufts several times with him, and with detailed ultrasound imaging it became clear that the rough surface of his navicular bone had caused extensive damage to his deep digital flexor tendon and suspensory ligament. After careful consideration with the vets at Tufts, and upon their advice, we made the very difficult decision to humanely euthanize our lovely friend. Acadia was in too much continual discomfort to even be considered for a pasture pet, thus he would never have the quality of life that he deserved.
We take comfort in knowing that we were able to give Acadia the easiest and most dignified ending possible. He was laid down peacefully, under the blue sky and sunshine, where he took a very deep breath and sighed; then passed away. In the end we are grateful that in the last 9 months of his life Acadia knew nothing but love, friends and green pastures. We have to keep reminding ourselves that we can not save them all; but for the ones we do save, we can try to make a difference; even in their final moments of life. Rest in peace, sweet boy.