Chuckles, so you have a heart after all. The man-pet bond is indeed strong. I used to have to give my cat Tiger twice daily insulin injections and towards the end, when he developed renal failure, daily subcutaneous infusions of Ringer’s lactate to keep him hydrated and concocted all kinds of lactose free nutritional formulas when his appetite failed. Hardest of all was the decision to end his life when is suffering was too great at the age of 19.
I agreed that breeders should have given more importance to his breakdown and the industry more importance to soundness in breeding in general. That doesn’t mean we wouldn’t have wished him many happy years in the pasture in retirement.
At this point, however, I am unable to even think about his possible pros and cons as a stallion, as nature will probably apply its own cruel breeding program through natural selection and render that point moot.
I can only hope that this brave warrior can beat the long odds against recovery and if not, his last days be pain free. He is being heavily sedated with opioids, which can elevate mood as well as relieve pain. Both functions are very important at times like this. Dr. Richardson has said that he will not let him continue in pain when all else fails.

Bob