As a DVM, I particularly want to thank you for pushing to have Jasper’s issues explored as far as possible.
The findings may well help other horses in the future.
You are the kind of owner I would love having as a client.
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Also, this is the worst time right now, the run up to the date. It’s awful! But the silver lining is that since you’ve started the grieving process already, it is highly likely you will start to feel better once it’s done. Sending love and support to you.
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I’m so sorry for all you’ve been through. It’s not fair sometimes. You did right by this horse. He could have easily entered the horrible downward spiral and moved from auction to cheaper auction until he ended up at slaughter. Instead, he’s cared for and looked after properly until a merciful goodbye. Thank you for representing all good horsewomen by standing by him through it all.
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Thank you for confirming I am doing the right thing from a medical perspective. I really hate the thought of a spinal tap but I realize it’s necessary for information. I truly it hope it can help other horses, vets and owners in the future. It would be so nice to have some answers.
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I’m so sorry that you have to face this, and I’m sorry that Jasper couldn’t have a long life. Hugs to you and to Jasper. You’ve been an amazing horse owner and have gone above and beyond what many people would do. Jingles that all goes as well as possible 
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Setting the date is so hard. Be easy on yourself. I’m with others, you have done good by Jasper. I hope you can get some answers. 
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I’m so sorry, but you are doing the right thing - as you well know.
You’ve done everything you can for him and I’m glad you’re going to have the diagnostics and the necropsy done - that may answer your questions, but at the very least it will hopefully add to our collective veterinary knowledge. I had a cat who was part of a national study which was published, and I can tell you that even though we went through hell with her, it was nice to know that maybe some of the data we gathered would be helpful to others.
Jasper was the luckiest horse ever to end up in your care, and your next horse will be lucky as well.
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I’ve followed your thread from the beginning. I think that while it’s so, so difficult to make that decision, it’s also wonderful that you will not only be ensuring Jasper doesn’t have to have a life of pain, but helping others learn from his condition. It’s always so hard to let them go, but you are absolutely doing the right thing for him. Sending you both bags full of virtual peppermints to enjoy together over the next few days.
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Much love and strength to you and all the carrots and scratches and hugs for Jasper. Thank you for sharing this journey
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It’s a mighty special person that can not only put the needs of her horse ahead of her own, but also the needs of random strangers and their horses. Thank you for following through by allowing the additional testing. Perhaps what they learn will help another horse (and their human) not have to suffer a similar fate in the future. May you find peace in your decision.
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(((hugs)))
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I’m glad your vet is being so supportive and helping you be such a good advocate for Jasper. Hopefully Jasper will leave us all with some knowledge that can help another horse. This is the hardest part, waiting for the date. Take care of yourself too.
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Thinking of you 
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Thank you for the update, and I hope the vet school can find some answers for you. It’s a shame when you try your hardest and yet still have the outcome no one wants. But as others have said, kudos to you for being a great owner and putting his needs first. My thoughts are with you and Jasper.
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Hello friends.
Quick update for those who have been following along. My vet came out and did an ultrasound (internal & external) on Jasper specifically looking at the lumbar/sacral region. He had a really hard time seeing the spine internally. He is fairly new to this procedure but has seen the spine when doing it on “normal” horses. Could be him or related to Jasper’s issues. Looking at the vertebrae, he showed me where one appeared to have some irregular edges.
He also did another neuro exam. He noted stiffness in the hind end and “stabbing” of the left hind which was not present in the earlier exams. Whatever this is, it is progressing.
On Monday, he will do the spinal tap while Jasper is anesthetized and then I will say goodbye and we will take him to A&M.
It is sad and difficult but at the end of the day, I feel honored to have been his owner and I know I have done my best for him.
Will send more updates when I have them. Please think of us on Monday morning.
With sincere gratitude - Laura & Jasper
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{{{{TXKing99}}}}.
Susan
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I will be thinking of you, and how much you tried to fix your handsome horse. And hoping that Jasper gallops, pain free, across the Rainbow Bridge. He’ll meet lots of our old friends there.
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Thinking of you and Jasper.
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Hugs to you and carrots to Jasper. You are a wonderful guardian to Jasper.
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This^^^💗
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