Why do horses have to be put down if they break their legs?

Answer by  malone (4817)

A horse is a huge animal. When you consider its anatomy, its legs are quite delicate compared to that size. A fracture must heal without weight stress on. Often, when a fracture does start to heal, it will quickly be reinjured. It is kinder to put the horse down.

Answer by  martin (522)

Horses are very heavy, and their legs are very fragile relative to their weight, so it's hard to create a splint or cast that supports the broken leg properly. Splinting one leg also forces the other legs to bear more weight than normal, and this extra weight can injure the legs and hooves.

Answer by  MrsShannonHarrell (768)

The biggest reason horses are put down is because of their size. Averaging 1000 pounds, a horse can not easily "stay off the leg" or use crutches while it heals. Suspending a horse in a sling can be hazardous, and add complications to their cardiac and respiratory systems. There are some prosthetic limbs available, but they are risky as well.

Answer by  Anonymous

The reason horses are put down after a broken leg is because of a disease called Bates Syndrome. Once bed ridden, deep depression makes dealing with an injured horse unbearable. It's always, "Norman, I don't trust that girl," and "I won't be locked in my own fruit cellar!"