ridecamp@endurance.net: Swollen back

Swollen back

Sally Miller (sallydm@rmci.net)
Mon, 3 Mar 1997 17:41:26 -0700

A friend of mine's mare has a swollen back and I need your input.

BACKGROUND: Mare, Arab, 13 years old. Has been competed in LD in the
past, with BC and High Vet Scores. Completed only one 25 miler last season
in the Fall. Lives in a 30+ acre pasture in the foothills of Eagle.
Saddle - Orthoflex Endurance Cut Back. Stands in the stirrups, does not
post. Riding only occationally (3-4 times per month?) all winter, due to
weather. Fianlly, the sun popped out and dried up the land a bit... Dawn
started her mare out slowly with lots of walking and limited trotting.

Then...
Feb. 2 10 miles - walk/trot, dirt road, some incline.
Feb. 4 same
Feb. 6 9 miles - same with more trotting and some cantering.

Washed saddle pad, used soap never used previously, rinsed pad 3 times.

Feb. 8 10 miles - all gaits.
Feb. 9 BACK SWOLLEN - 1/8" raised impression of entire saddle bar area,
a
perfect pattern of the bars! Mare drops with moderate pressure.
Feb. 11 Back still swollen.
Feb. 13 Back still swollen.
Feb. 15 Washed the mare's back.
Feb. 16 No swelling, no reaction.
Feb. 17 25 minutes bareback @ walk on flat ground.
Feb. 18 Return of reactivitiy and swelling.

Rewashed saddle pad with normal soap and rinsed 5 times!

Feb. 23 No swelling or reactivity - 8 miles, walk/trot, dirt road with hills.
Feb. 25 Slight reactivity and some swelling.
Feb. 27 Increased reactivity and swelling.

Has anyone ever had this happen? Did she over ride her? Could it be soap
residue? How long does it take for a back to heal? When do you think she
can go back to work?

Any input will be greatly appreciated. sallydm@rmci.net

Sally Miller
Eagle, Idaho
208/939-4364 work

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