Reasons for veterinary performed equine euthanasia in one veterinary practice in the <scp>UK</scp>

Summary Background Most horses in the UK die by euthanasia. Euthanasia decisions are stressful for all involved, including veterinarians. There is limited research and a lack of data about the reasons for euthanasia. Objectives To document the numbers and reasons for euthanasia performed by veterinary surgeons in one UK equine practice over a five‐year period. Study design Retrospective descriptive. Methods Details of all euthanasias performed at a first opinion equine practice and referral hospital from 2019 to 2023 were retrieved from the electronic health records. Recorded information included demographic data, reasons for euthanasia and whether the procedure was performed in ambulatory practice or at the hospital. Results Seven hundred and twenty‐five euthanasias were performed over 5 years. The median age was 17 years (IQR 15, range &lt;12 months–40 years). In contrast, the median age of all equine consultations performed in 2023 was 12 years (IQR 11, range 0–40 years, n = 9115). Breed distribution reflected the breed distribution of the practice. Two hundred and seventy‐five euthanasias were performed in the hospital, and 450 in the ambulatory practice. The commonest reasons for euthanasia included: colic (28.0%), lameness/orthopaedic disease/foot disease (16.4%), neurological disease (7.0%), kick wounds/fractures (6.6%), collapse/recumbency (6.3%) and old age/poor quality of life (5.9%). Main limitations Data from one practice only and likely bias due to the patient population. Variations in quality of records. Exclusion of euthanasias not undertaken by the practice. Conclusions Colic is the commonest reason for veterinary surgeons performing euthanasia. Owners' decisions to perform euthanasia in colic cases require further research but are likely to be multifactorial and include age and cost. Other common reasons include orthopaedic conditions, kick injuries, recumbency, neurological disease and old age. This data can be used in training and preparing veterinary surgeons entering equine practice.