| Salsa Lady |
| Salsa was originally imported into the UK for life as a showjumper. However she was sold on fairly quickly to a lady who was unable to manage her due to her difficult behaviour. She also apparently proved too sensitive in her mouth to use a metal/snaffle bit. The cause was unknown despite investigations. She was offered to Liz as a last resort home as she had to be kept in a paddock on her own in a quiet relaxed environment. Salsa was unable to deal with any form of change or stress & although Liz quickly developed a strong bond with the mare she was still aggressive, biting her handler at every opportunity & acting as though she was a stallion with other mares. The right side of her face was constantly being rubbed after work. She also had an irrational fear of water - even puddles in the school! Clearly things were not normal. However as far as work was concerned the mare was improving daily & even accepting a plastic straight bar snaffle, responding in part to an herbal protocol. |
| Since Salsa had never been seen to have a normal season & acted as though she was a stallion it was thought that she may have an ovarian tumour (Granulosa Theca Cell tumour) & the Vet was duly called. He confirmed that she had a tumour on her right ovary that was off the scale - at least the size of a football! The only option was surgery. Since these tumours pour out the hormone Inhibin in large amounts, which prevents LH & FSH being made by the mare & can elevate Testosterone, her behaviour was explained. After much soul searching surgery was discounted. The risks far outweighed the benefits & because the surgery would have to be midline the chance of lesions was too great. Oriental herbal therapy was continued, focusing on reducing the tumour & its cause & effects. Salsa appeared to have no resistance to stress & exhibited many symptoms relating to low cortisol levels. She had poor wound healing, itchy skin, poor coat growth together with hormonal imbalances, which were no doubt the cause of her tumour growth, & high Testosterone levels. In Oriental Medicine she was typically 'Kidney Yin deficient' - in other words, at stage 3 of adrenal fatigue. Her treatment was based on a strong herbal protocol designed to tonify Kidney Yin (Cortisol etc) & strengthen her Kidney Qi (Adrenal system). Since diagnosis in June 2010 the mare has gone from strength to strength. All her presenting symptoms of Adrenal dysfunction have virtually gone. Her Testosterone levels have reduced making her behaviour much like any other mare, she is able to cope with change & stress without overreacting as before & her mouth sensitivity has gone, enabling her to be ridden in a normal snaffle bit. Together Liz & Salsa have competed in showjumping & cross country with no problems at the water any more, but dressage is most definitely their forte. In their 1st 3 affiliated competitions Liz & Salsa obtained 4 wins & 2 second places, ensuring a place at the Dressage Masters Semi final at Hickstead in July 2011, where they were placed 1st in the restricted section & 10th overall. They also qualified for & won the Novice Championships at Hickstead in June 2011. On 29th August they won their qualifying class at the Petplan Area Festival with an amazing 71.34% ensuring them a place in the finals at Hartpury in April 2012. These results have not gone un noticed & in May 2011, Horse & Hound magazine produced a feature entitled 'against the odds' reporting on the winning mare with the Ovarian tumour. The pair will also be in September 8th's edition after their Petplan win. |
