Posted on 07/12/2006 2:18:15 PM PDT by wjersey
Barbaro's condition turned "potentially serious" again Wednesday, a day after the Kentucky Derby winner's veterinarian gave a more upbeat report, saying the colt was stable and resting comfortably. Dean Richardson, the chief surgeon at the University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center, also said the colt faced "tough odds" and that doctors were looking at all possible treatments to keep the 3-year-old comfortable.
"Our entire staff is determined to do all they can for this magnificent horse," Richardson said in a statement issued by the George D. Widener Hospital for Large Animals.
A New Bolton Center spokeswoman said there will be an update on Barbaro's condition at a news conference Thursday.
Barbaro, who shattered three bones in his right hind leg at the start of the Preakness at Pimlico Race Course on May 20, has undergone three surgical procedures in the past week. In the most recent one Saturday, Richardson replaced the titanium plate and 27 screws and treated two infections — one in the injured leg and a small abscess on the sole of his uninjured left hind hoof.
"Today we will focus on further diagnostics and keeping our patient comfortable," Richardson said.
Doctors also are keeping watch for any signs of laminitis, a potentially fatal disease sometimes brought on by uneven weight balance.
A major concern centers on the infection in the right rear pastern joint — located above the hoof that was shattered into more than 20 pieces. While most of the fractured bones have healed, the joint that connects the long and short pastern bones remains problematic.
Barbaro's recovery had been going smoothly until this recent series of setbacks. Saturday's surgery lasted three hours, and Richardson replaced the hardware that had been inserted into the leg the day after the Preakness.
"He's facing tough odds, and his condition is guarded," Richardson said.
Owner Roy Jackson said the sudden changes in Barbaro's condition made this a tough week.
"We've been concerned all along," Jackson said Wednesday. "It's just one of those things. It's very difficult to climb the mountain when something like that happened."
Latest update --
"There's so much concern. It's significant," Richardson said in The Washington Post on Wednesday. "Two weeks ago, we were at 50-50 (for survival). With this new problem, we are less than that."
All decisions are being made after consulting with owners Gretchen and Roy Jackson, the statement said.
The owners are just hanging on to him out of pride, now.
I agree that he is not going to come out of this. There is no way he is going to recover from an infected joint. Plus he has an infection in the other hind foot. He needs at least one good hind leg to stand on and at this point he doesn't have it. I will be surprised if he makes it thru the weekend. At some point you have to weigh the chance of survival against the suffering the animal is going through, and if he has a bone infection he is in a lot of pain.
Prayers for a full recovery.
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
July 13, 2006
LEXINGTON, Ky. - Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro is again fighting for his life. After surgery to rebuild the right leg he shattered in the Preakness, Barbaro has developed a "catastrophic" case of laminitis in his left leg, according to the chief veterinarian treating him.
This "most-feared complication" could lead to a decision to euthanize Barbaro in the next few days if his condition worsens or he cannot remain comfortable.
His chances "for life and long-term comfort have been both significantly diminished by this particular complication," said veterinarian Dr. Dean Richardson in a news conference on Thursday.
Thanks for the article. I'm still hoping Barbaro's comfort level can be sustained and a miracle can happen. I hope that no news during the night is good news.
Doc R says Barbaro is "doing better" this morning! I hope that buys him another 24 hours, anyway.
Excellent! I am hoping and praying too.
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