The veterinary surgeon’s primary responsibility is to ensure the welfare of the horse, regardless of whether the horse is insured.

Whilst the veterinary surgeon may advise euthanasia, this may not lead to a valid insurance claim. The veterinary surgeon should not advise on the insurance policy. It is the insured/agent’s responsibility to ensure the terms of the insurance policy are met.

Where veterinary costs vs. value of animal is a concern, this is a matter for the insured and insurer to discuss. This is not a factor for consideration by the veterinary surgeon.

Cases should be considered as follows:

Emergency euthanasia

Injury, illness or disease so severe as to warrant immediate euthanasia to end excessive and unrelievable pain, and where no other options of treatment are available to that horse at that time.

Non-emergency euthanasia

Injury, illness or disease (acute or chronic) which may warrant euthanasia but can be managed to allow the insured/agent to consult their insurer, second opinions to be sought, and treatment opinions to be considered.

Examination of the horse

The examination is to determine whether there are grounds for advising euthanasia and, if so, whether the euthanasia is categorised as ‘emergency’ or ‘non-emergency’. The assessment may depend on factors not immediately known e.g. the results of diagnostic tests or consultations with colleagues or specialists.

In all cases: confirm the animal’s identity, perform a thorough clinical examination and record the findings in detail as soon as possible.

If the examination leads to a conclusion of ‘definite grounds for emergency euthanasia’ then proceed to Protocol 1 - Definite grounds.
If the examination leads to a conclusion of ‘suspected grounds for emergency euthanasia’ then proceed to Protocol 2 - Suspected grounds.
If the examination leads to a conclusion of ‘no grounds for emergency euthanasia’ then proceed to Protocol 3 - No grounds.
If the examination reveals a chronic disease process or chronic pain and euthanasia is to be considered, then see box below - Chronic disease or pain.

• Avoid delay.
• Explain that a postmortem examination may be required by the insurer.
• Explain the euthanasia process to the handler.
• Obtain a completed ‘consent for euthanasia’ form, if possible, prior to euthanasia.
• Euthanase.
• Explain that the body should be held/stored until insurers have given consent for removal.
• Record clinical notes and details of discussions.

• Stabilise the horse and provide supportive care.
• Seek a second opinion.
• If the first and second opinions both concur that there are ‘definite grounds’, then follow the process laid out in Protocol 1.
• If the first and second opinions concur that there are ‘suspected but not definite grounds’, seek a specialist opinion and explain that the insured/agent should contact the insurer as soon as possible.
• If the first and second opinions concur that there are ‘no grounds’, then proceed to Protocol 3.
• If the first and second opinions disagree, then seek a specialist opinion.
• Explain that the insured/agent should keep the insurer informed of any further investigations.
• Record clinical notes and details of discussions.

• Explain that in your opinion there are no grounds for emergency euthanasia.
• If the insured/agent wishes to submit a claim, explain that this should be discussed with their insurer who may require a second opinion.
• If the insured/agent wishes to proceed with euthanasia without consulting the insurer:
  • Explain the euthanasia process to handler.
  • Explain that the insurer may require a postmortem to support any potential claim should one arise.
  • Prior to euthanasia obtain a completed ‘consent for euthanasia’ form.
  • Euthanase.
  • Record clinical notes and details of discussions.

Chronic cases cannot be categorised as ’emergency’ euthanasia.

However, there are cases where chronic disease and/or pain may justify a discussion about euthanasia between the insured and the insurer; there is always time for such discussions to happen prior to euthanasia.

These circumstances may include:

• pain/suffering not manageable medically which may be evidenced by weight loss, complications associated with prolonged or frequent recumbency, persistent raised pulses, and/or inability to move.

or

• where the horse is likely to die within the period of insurance.

Chronic conditions may deteriorate and require reassessment to determine whether there are grounds for advising euthanasia and, if so, whether the euthanasia is categorised as ‘emergency’ or ‘non-emergency’.

• BEVA Council

• Fred Barrelet DipVMS(Bern) Dr.med.vet.(Bern) MRCVS

• Ian Beamish BVetMed Cert AVP (VDI) MRCVS

• Bruce Bladon BVM&S Cert EP DESTS Dipl ECVS FRCVS

• Tim Brazil BVSc PhD CertEM(IntMed) DipECEIM MRCVS

• James Crabtree BVM&S CertEM(StudMed) FRCVS

• Lucy Grieve MA VetMB MRCVS

• Insurance Providers Group

• David Mountford MA VetMB MRCVS

• Tim Philips BVetMed CertEP CertEO DESTS DipECVS Barrister FRCVS

• Guy Prest

• Jo Suthers BVM&S MPhil CertES(Soft Tissue) DipECVS MRCVS

• Ian Wright MA VetMB DEO DipECVS Hon FRCVS

Open table

Open table

Open table

Open table.

Open table.

Open table.