ONE WEEK LATER
I returned to Cora's barn a week later to check on the progress of the lumbar swelling and to find out how GG's RP saddle trial was going. I arrived before the vet, so was able to check Cora's back and get a full report from GG. After a week of riding in the ReactorPanel saddle, the swelling on the loin was considerably reduced but still present. GG reported that Cora had exhibited saddling anxiety and wouldn't stand still under her old saddle, but with the RP, she was calm for saddling and mounting; it was a night and day difference. The best part? GG said that she could feel how happy and relaxed Cora was during their rides on the rugged trails around the ranch.
THE DIAGNOSIS
Dr. Isbell arrived with her portable ultrasound equipment, which is state-of-the-art and very high resolution. She was able to see that the damage appears to be a fracture at the anterior tip of L1, the first lumbar vertebra. She conjectured that the crunchy area was the result of fibrous tissue in the area which was the body's attempt to heal and stabilize the area. Because this is an area of the back that is quite mobile, full healing is unlikely. However, it is quite likely that Cora will remain usable for her current job: a trail horse. She is in very little pain at present, and seems to have good mobility and soundness. As a follow-up, an x-ray will be performed to confirm the diagnosis.
PHOTO JOURNAL
This shot shows the swelling on Cora's spine after it was shaved for the ultrasound. It was described by the vet this way:
"Soft tissue lump on right side of L1 that is mildly to moderately sensitive and about 2-3 cm in diameter."
I returned to Cora's barn a week later to check on the progress of the lumbar swelling and to find out how GG's RP saddle trial was going. I arrived before the vet, so was able to check Cora's back and get a full report from GG. After a week of riding in the ReactorPanel saddle, the swelling on the loin was considerably reduced but still present. GG reported that Cora had exhibited saddling anxiety and wouldn't stand still under her old saddle, but with the RP, she was calm for saddling and mounting; it was a night and day difference. The best part? GG said that she could feel how happy and relaxed Cora was during their rides on the rugged trails around the ranch.
THE DIAGNOSIS
Dr. Isbell arrived with her portable ultrasound equipment, which is state-of-the-art and very high resolution. She was able to see that the damage appears to be a fracture at the anterior tip of L1, the first lumbar vertebra. She conjectured that the crunchy area was the result of fibrous tissue in the area which was the body's attempt to heal and stabilize the area. Because this is an area of the back that is quite mobile, full healing is unlikely. However, it is quite likely that Cora will remain usable for her current job: a trail horse. She is in very little pain at present, and seems to have good mobility and soundness. As a follow-up, an x-ray will be performed to confirm the diagnosis.
PHOTO JOURNAL
"Soft tissue lump on right side of L1 that is mildly to moderately sensitive and about 2-3 cm in diameter."
T This photo shows a "basic" gullet on Cora; you may be able to see the raised area, which crosses her spine diagonally from left to right. While this gullet is adequate for the width of her spine and spinous processes under normal conditions, she will need a wider gullet to be sure to clear the injured area. Why? When turning, the inner edge of the panel will move closer to the spine and we want to avoid putting pressure on the swollen area at all times.
With a ReactorPanel, it takes just a few seconds to adjust the rear of the panels and to set them farther apart. This widened gullet ought to be sufficient to clear the damaged area, but GG will need to test-ride the saddle to be sure. If this is not enough clearance, the next step will be to add a thick wool felt pad, and then to cut a large and symmetrical oval in the center/rear of the pad to be absolutely certain that there is no pressure at all on the injury.
NEXT STEPS
GG has switched to the ReactorPanel Endurance model to see if the external thigh block may be enough of an incentive to switch her from Western to English. Meanwhile, she's continuing to ride Cora and to monitor her back while waiting for the confirmation of the diagnosis via xray. If there are any unusual twists to this story or profound new information, I will update this blog then. Otherwise - until next time!
Carmi
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