Susan, my feelings are with
you. We just had to put down our Annie (considerably older than your
gelding) Saturday evening. It's a very rough decision. For her the
quality of life was the issue we faced. We simply did not feel that Annie
could have sustained the trip to the vet school, the surgery, nor the
recovery. I have known of 2 horses who have been through colic surgery and
have gone on to very productive lives. It it's simply an impacted
intestine a diet change may be all that is needed. What are you feeding
him -- be specific including type of feed and amounts? Hay -- type and
amount. Beet pulp -- again how much. Maybe we can help you
here. If you aren't feeding beet pulp consider it. Impactions happen
b/c of lack of water (usually). Beet pulp is wonderful for keeping a
horse's gut hydrated.
