Thank you for updating your story. I hope your vet finds someone who will collaborate with him because this seems like a perfect case for a study. I am sorry that that comes at your expense, and I hope your next foray into horse ownership is more joyful than this one. You are a stellar owner and deserve a positive experience.
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Laura. I was thinking of you this evening as I headed home and the sky in New England was just blazing with gold and crimson leaves. I hope you are doing OK, and have been able to find some peace for you, and for Jasper, through this long ordeal.
Know you are not alone in this; I’m sure I speak for many others who are thinking of you and Jasper these days. 
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Also thinking about you two.
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Ditto … you both have been in my thoughts regularly each day. I hope Jasper is enjoying sun on his back.
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I am so thankful for this forum/group. You are all so wonderful and supportive.
The quick update is that Jasper is still with us. My vet is working on the details for what needs to be done before I say goodbye. He is planning to do a lumbar/sacral ultrasound to look for a herniated disc and anything else that might be there. This will become part of the study details. Targeting the end of the month or first week in November for the goodbye.
I noticed yesterday that Jasper lifted his tail (as if he was going to poop but didn’t) as he walked out of the bar and to the water trough. When he stopped the tail came down. When he walked he lifted it up a little. I did seem him poop so that’s not an issue. I did let my vet know. Otherwise, he is seems ok. Still playing in the pasture with his buddy. Still anxious and on guard.
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I can’t get the video to play, I don’t have whatever extension it needs, so I’m curious - is that tail lifting beyond the normal lift of a normal horse in motion?
Your vet sounds pretty amazing. I know these next couple of weeks are going to be hard on you, but I also know Jasper’s issues won’t be for nought, however/wherever/whenever he might help another horse. Hugs.
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Sorry, that was supposed to be a photo. Not sure how to upload them correctly. Here’s a short video. Might be hard to see because I am behind him but he raises the tail slightly. https://youtube.com/shorts/ludeQiT5X94?feature=share
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What kind of horse is he, do you know his breed or breeding?
I tried to read thru the thread again for that information but is way too large.
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That looks really normal to me. Have you noticed anything else? Any repeat of earlier behaviors?
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Quarter Horse I believe. No HYPP.
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Yes, that is where my mind was going, had he been tested for that, as some initial symptoms in some was sticking tail out and yawning.
Guess not that zebra this.
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Good to know. It looked different to me.
No other changes.
Registered QH. 10yrs old.
I did the 5 panel genetic testing and he was negative across the board.
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Good, can strike that out, he looks like a very nice horse, sorry things turned so difficult. 
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He looks very stiff and uncomfortable in the hind when walking. The raised tail maybe a progression of whatever his core issue is. I think the lumbar ultrasound sounds great. It sounds like your vet is great, too.
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He really is a good vet. I am fortunate to have him.
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Thank you. He is sweet and kind. I wish he wasn’t troubled and hurting.
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Agree.
{{{HUGS}}}
It is so good that your vet is on board and thorough to find out the cause of his weird symptoms.
Susan
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Your vet sounds really super.
You have given Jasper the best of care and the best of options. He is lucky to have found you.
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OP - I noted in the video that Jasper yawns several times. Is this something new or has he been doing that for a while? It can be a sign of gastro or other physical discomfort.
Edited to add - agree that you get multiple gold stars for the effort put into this horse.
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