12/28/2023
I am writing about the loss of my little chestnut warmblood, Jagger, to bring more awareness to neurological equine conditions which appear to be so pervasive, attributed mainly to genetics. I purchased Jagger as a handsome yearling with beautiful movement and athletic ability. Jagger was euthanized 12/18/23, he was 9 yrs old. Extensive diagnosis revealed, congenital cervical spine malformation C2-4 and C6-7, and spinal cord malformation.
I took my time starting him, nothing was rushed, he lived on large pastures. Many years of slow progress never really advanced. Often he was reluctant to go forward, at times refused to trot, canter and even sometimes walk, became spooky even in familiar surroundings, and bolting. He had colic issues from the age of 1 1/2 attributed to glandular ulcers, at the time of this diagnosis 8 years ago they were not sure what caused glandular disease, but it could be treated. We thought his training issues were perhaps due to ulcer flareups. He was treated many times over the years. Glandular disease is now known to be caused by an underlying pain condition.
There were glimmers of hope, he had days when he was amazing. He was never lame or ataxic. I made sure he had a correctly fitting saddle, good farrier work, he had body work, chiro work, supplements. We tried EPM treatment as he came from Tennessee, his titers were high, and he exhibited signs that can be attributed to EPM, there was mild improvement, but his behavioral issues headed downhill once again.
Now I know his slight muscle asymmetry, his undesirable behavior we tend to blame on attitude, decline in flashy movement can be attributed pain due to his cervical spine and spinal cord not developing correctly as a fetus, hence affecting the development of the nervous system and body. He simply could not do things, and was doing his best to communicate that.
This is heartbreaking on so many levels. We need to give our horses the benefit of the doubt, and listen when they try to tell us they are unhappy and in discomfort or pain.
For further information on equine cervical disorders:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Szk4oSp_Rd4&t=5468s
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7915466/
