If no one has already posted this, it was put together by COTH forum members around the time I joined, after the death of Willem, a beloved horse. When you’re ready for a good cry, it’s for you…
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You are an absolute class act, TXKing99. You have been in my thoughts as I’ve read this thread over the weeks, dealing with an impossible situation. I hope you get answers and thank you again for sharing Jasper’s journey.
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Thinking of you…hugs. Jasper was lucky to be so loved.
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Jasper fought a good fight even up to the end, what a brave soul. I am SO heartbroken for you, but also, like I know you and 1000s are (posting or lurking on this thread), so relieved that he’s out of pain, discomfort, all of it. I’m glad you can also begin the healing process, even if nothing conclusive comes back from the necropsy. You did it ALL, way more than 99% of owners would have done. Thank you for that <3 and I hope you will find the most amazing partner as your next horse because damn, you deserve so much after all this.
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I have nothing to add except my sorrow and my wish for you to find peace. Oh, and my gratitude to you for sharing Jasper’s and your journey in such a mature and honest way.
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Thank you for being brave enough to know Jasper did not have a good quality of life. You did the right thing. I’m sorry for your pain and hope you can find another wonderful horse that will make you happy.
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I’m sure Jasper will send a good one to you. He already knows you know how to love one.
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Wish I could like this 1000 times.
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Oh I’m so so sorry to hear hugs Better a day too early than a day too late but I know that doesn’t help much. And thank you so much for wanting to get to the bottom of what was wrong with him - hopefully it yields knowledge that will help future horses.
My thoughts are with you!
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This! Thank you so much. 
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My sympathies to you, @TXKing99. The poem below was sent to me by a friend when I, too, had to unexpectedly put down a horse that was dear to my heart. I hope it brings you some comfort:
DoN’T CRY FOR THE HORSES
Unknown Author
Don’t cry for the horses that life has set free,
A million white horses forever to be.
Don’t cry for the horses, now in God’s hand,
As they dance and they prance in a heavenly band.
They were ours as a gift, but never to keep,
As they close their eyes forever to sleep.
Their spirits unbound, on silver wings they fly,
A million white horses against a blue sky.
Look up into Heaven, you’ll see them above,
The horses we lost, the horses we loved.
Manes and tails flowing, they gallop through time,
They were never yours, they were never mine.
Don’t cry for the horses, they’ll be back someday,
When time is gone, they will show us the way.
Do you hear that soft nicker? Close to your ear?
Don’t cry for the horses, LOVE the ones who are here.
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Hi everyone,
I don’t have all of the necropsy results back yet, but wanted to share what I just learned from my vet.
“Preliminary showed swelling of the meninges around the lumbar spinal cord. No histopath results yet.”
Hoping they are able to identify the root cause of the swelling by the time they are done.
Will update again when I know more.
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Spinal meningitis would make a great deal of sense considering symptoms. Hoping you find more answers. You definitely made the right decision. Thanks so much for sharing. Hugs.
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Just read this article: https://www.msdvetmanual.com/horse-owners/brain,-spinal-cord,-and-nerve-disorders-of-horses/meningitis-and-encephalitis-in-horses
Jasper had some of the symptoms listed for meningoencephalitis. So maybe that was it. The vet couldn’t draw spinal fluid from the lumbar area like he wanted to, I am guessing because of the swelling.
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Very much agree. I think he very likely had irreparable damage to other parts of his body due to the length of his illness and was advancing neurologically as well. I also think this would have kept progressing and that your timing on the whole matter was excellent. I know we’ve all said it before but I’m just so glad this horse found you. He could have been treated so unfairly by some. You were such a blessing to him.
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I am just so grateful that we found something to explain this. This must not be very common because I don’t think anyone I spoke to mentioned this as a potential cause of his problems. And I guess the swelling/inflammation could have been putting the pressure on the nerve that caused the ejaculatory response.
Will be very interested in the final results.
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I just read the article. Very interesting. As others have said, I’m glad Jasper landed w you.
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So very sorry for the loss of sweet Jasper. 
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I am so very sorry for your loss, and all the heartbreaking decisions you had to make. I am also so happy for Jasper, who had you, and knew love, for all the days to his last.
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Thank you for letting us know. Big hug to you.
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