Posted on 07/08/2006 9:02:30 AM PDT by gate2wire
Barbaro, winner of the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I), is being closely monitored after developing complications this week requiring more surgery and treatment of an abscess.
Doctors at the University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center changed Barbaro's cast twice in three days, once on Monday to replace bent screws in his shattered right hind leg and a second time Wednesday because the horse seemed uncomfortable.
(Excerpt) Read more at news.bloodhorse.com ...
Doctors at the University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center changed Barbaro's cast twice in three days, once on Monday to replace bent screws in his shattered right hind leg and a second time Wednesday because the horse seemed uncomfortable.
An abscess on the uninjured left hind leg is a "minor problem" being treated topically, Dr. Dean Richardson said Friday. The horse has a supporting shoe on that leg to help protect against laminitis, an often fatal disease sometimes brought on by uneven weight distribution.
The major fracture is healing extremely well, Richardson said, but Barbaro is still not in the clear. About a week ago, he had an elevated body temperature for several days.
"The same list of potential problems still exists. Infection is still a concern," Richardson said.
The horse could remain in intensive care for two more months at the New Bolton Center's George D. Widener Hospital for Large Animals. Until now, Barbaro has had "a remarkably long run with no complications," Richardson said.
The bay colt has been at New Bolton since breaking down shortly after leaving the starting gate during the Preakness on May 20. He underwent several hours of surgery the next day.
On Monday, veterinarians replaced two bent screws and added three new ones across Barbaro's pastern joint. The catastrophic injury was initially repaired with a titanium plate and more than 20 screws.
Hadn't seen this.
Thanks for the update
Replacing screws can't be a minor event, it's another surgery that would be considered 'major' for most horse owners... with it's associated costs and risks.
I sure hope they can get him healed and walking outside soon. Two months in a stall is a long time for a horse. Two more still to go, sounds like.
Thanks for the ping, friend. This is, of course, not a good development, but this colt is so remarkable it's difficult to be guided by history.
The Vet said that the incisions they made were only like 2 cm or something. they didn't have to open him up again.
I took a couple days break from horseracing, and this is what I come back to.
"Until now, Barbaro has had "a remarkably long run with no complications," Richardson said."
Clearly there's more than one issue involved. May they be nothing more than temporary setbacks. Prayers.
Did you see this?
Update from timwoolleyracing.com
Update 183: Spoke to Peter Brette who visited Barbaro later today (saturday). He was happy with Bobby, and expressed some encouragement that he was doing well (relative to the last few days). Bobby received a massage today, and subsequent to the massage slept for a couple of hours. While we need to remain very cautious, Peter's "visit report" was a little encouraging.
Thanks.
Barbaro Update:
The colt's condition is scheduled to be discussed at a news conference Thursday.
http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/sports/15024686.htm
Bummer. This doesn't look good. Prayers for Barbaro.
If you haven't seen the news this morning, here's one link - I haven't the heart to paraphrase anything.
http://abcnews.go.com/Sports/wireStory?id=2188113
And here are lots of well wishes from around the world for Barbaro:
http://www.vet.upenn.edu/barbaro/messageboard.php
And here we all are:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/1665044/posts
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/1664581/posts
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/1663378/posts
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/1663304/posts
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/1662905/posts
This morning I saw the news and watched the press conference. Also I was out for a few hours and heard some more on the radio. They are trying to give us hope. All I can do is pray.
Sorry, this is rather old news. The more recent report today is grim. Barbaro developed laminitis(?), a terrible diseased condition in his good rear foot, had major surgery removing 20% of that hoof, and is now considered a "long shot" for survival.
I know. That's why I posted this on the 8th. I posted the newest thread this morning.
Doc R says Barbaro is doing "much better" this morning! He said that B "even slept on his side" last night - I guess that means he was more relaxed and not fighting pain?
Also glad to see clips of him this morning in a sling - I had hoped for that, to take some weight off the healing tootsies part of the day. Hurray for a small reprieve - not so small considering the mood 24 hours ago.
Hope this good turn buys him some more healing time.
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