Sorry for your loss, but it is wonderful that you did so much for him!
I’m so sorry for your loss. I’ve been following the thread for awhile and I’m so glad you got an answer. Very sorry it had to end this way 
You REALLY did right by this horse.
Imagine if someone had insisted it was simply behavioral and attempted to correct his behaviors harshly.
You gave him a soft landing and a peaceful path over the Rainbow Bridge. Bless you.
You did everything anyone could have for this horse.
Good on you.
And thanks for following up with a necropsy to give you and your DVM some answers.
I’m so sorry.
[QUOTE=Obsidian Fire;8293689]
So, so sorry. That’s awful. Kudos to you for all you did for him, and thank you for sharing with us so that we may learn.[/QUOTE]
I’m very sorry for your loss. And I, too, appreciate that you have been so willing to share this experience, and to continue the discussion.
This is definitely a tough one and I applaud you for trying so hard to figure out what’s going on w/your horse. Based on what I’ve read, I would revisit chiro, poll pain (leading issues) and try the Gabapentin. I would think IF it was behavioral, it would have started w/baby steps as in smaller attempts at rude, pushy behavior. A few things stood out to me - a) his history and the way he was when you found him, and him bouncing around in the beginning - would lead me to believe there is pain SOMEWHERE. b) his explosive reaction to chiro - basically when you did the chiro, the behavior appeared in a big way. I’d be pursuing that and Gabapentin may be the way. c) explore SI or kissing spines, although both would typically appear under saddle even more but worth a bone scan perhaps.
Lastly I would explore ESPM, try to change diet to high fat and purse 24/7 turnout if at all possible. Was also wondering how he is in the field with his fieldmates? Does he run? Play? Appear comfortable? And is he bossy/top dog or not really?
Good luck and hope you find some answers.
[QUOTE=tpup;8294628]
This is definitely a tough one and I applaud you for trying so hard to figure out what’s going on w/your horse. Based on what I’ve read, I would revisit chiro, poll pain (leading issues) and try the Gabapentin. I would think IF it was behavioral, it would have started w/baby steps as in smaller attempts at rude, pushy behavior. A few things stood out to me - a) his history and the way he was when you found him, and him bouncing around in the beginning - would lead me to believe there is pain SOMEWHERE. b) his explosive reaction to chiro - basically when you did the chiro, the behavior appeared in a big way. I’d be pursuing that and Gabapentin may be the way. c) explore SI or kissing spines, although both would typically appear under saddle even more but worth a bone scan perhaps.
Lastly I would explore ESPM, try to change diet to high fat and purse 24/7 turnout if at all possible. Was also wondering how he is in the field with his fieldmates? Does he run? Play? Appear comfortable? And is he bossy/top dog or not really?
Good luck and hope you find some answers.[/QUOTE]
The horse is dead, necropsy results pending.
If it is cancer, you can’t help but think that it might have metatisized to the brain and caused some of the behavior.
So, so sad for you OP, and thank you for sharing. You went above and beyond for this horse and that says alot about you as a horseman and as a person.
Hugs!
