welfare of aged horses岁的马的福利.pdfVIP

Animals 2011, 1, 366-376; doi:10.3390/ani1040366 OPEN ACCESS animals ISSN 2076-2615 /journal/animals Review Welfare of Aged Horses Catherine McGowan Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst, CH64 7TE, UK; E-Mail: C.M.Mcgowan@liverpool.ac.uk Received: 5 September 2011; in revised form: 28 October 2011 / Accepted: 28 October 2011 / Published: 31 October 2011 Simple Summary: Horses form a unique and special part of their owners’ lives and aged horses are no exception. This review considers the health and management of aged horses. In particular how owners manage and care for their aged horses, what diseases and conditions they suffer from and what factors affect their quality of life. As an aged horse reaches the end of its life, an owner will be faced with judging its quality of life and making the decision to end its suffering. The veterinary surgeon plays an essential role in supporting the owner in this process. Abstract: Horses form a unique and special part of their owners’ lives and aged horses are no exception. This review considers the health and management of aged horses, including the role of the owner and their perceptions of aged horses, potential threats or risks to their welfare and finally, factors affecting quality of life and euthanasia of aged horses. Owners of aged horses are concerned about the health, welfare and quality of life