Factors Associated with Owner-Reported Euthanasia in Equids in France.
Authors: Merlin A, Foucher N, Linster M, Cazeau G, Marsot M, Delerue M, Sala C, Schneider J, Ferry B, Amat J P, Tapprest J
Journal: Journal of equine veterinary science
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Owner-Reported Equine Euthanasia in France Understanding end-of-life decisions for equids remains under-researched despite their significant welfare implications, prompting French researchers to investigate the prevalence and determinants of euthanasia across the equine population. Through a web-based survey administered to owners who reported equine deaths between April 2017 and April 2018, 548 responses were analysed using multivariable logistic regression to identify factors influencing euthanasia decisions. Euthanasia accounted for 71% of equine deaths in the sample, with three key variables emerging as statistically significant predictors: age category, the specific cause of death or euthanasia reason, and the duration of reported illness prior to death. These findings carry substantial implications for clinical practice, providing veterinarians with evidence-based insights to facilitate informed discussions with owners regarding end-of-life options, whilst enabling more nuanced preparation for these challenging decisions and highlighting welfare considerations that merit further investigation across different equine populations and management systems.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Veterinarians should proactively counsel owners about euthanasia as an end-of-life option, as 71% of equine deaths involve this decision
- •Age and duration of illness are key factors influencing euthanasia decisions—these should be discussed early in treatment of chronic or geriatric conditions
- •Understanding owner perspectives on euthanasia can help practitioners better prepare clients for difficult end-of-life decisions and improve welfare discussions
Key Findings
- •71.0% of reported equine deaths in France involved euthanasia (389/548 cases)
- •Age category, cause of death/reason for euthanasia, and duration of illness were significantly associated with euthanasia decisions (P<0.001)
- •Response rate to the survey was 10.6% (548/5,158 owners contacted)
- •Findings suggest the majority of equine owners faced euthanasia decision-making during the study period