There has been a huge outpouring of support ever since Barbaro was injured.
Posted on 07/14/2006 6:58:52 AM PDT by MinorityRepublican
KENNETT SQUARE, Pa. (AP) -- Barbaro was doing "much better" Friday morning, a day after his veterinarian said the Kentucky Derby winner was a "long shot" to survive a potentially fatal hoof disease.
"He had a good night last night, and even slept on his side," Dr. Dean Richardson told The Associated Press early Friday before re-entering the George D. Widener Hospital for Large Animals to check again on the 3-year-colt. "He's doing much better."
Richardson appeared a bit more upbeat than he was Thursday, when he told a packed news conference that Barbaro has a severe case of the disease laminitis in his left hind leg, and termed his condition "poor."
Barbaro looked every bit the champion Thursday, but it's how he acts in the next few days that will determine how much longer he lives.
Laminitis, Richardson said, is an "exquisitely painful" condition, and Barbaro has a case so bad that 80 percent of the Derby winner's left hoof wall was removed Wednesday. It could take as long as six months for the hoof to grow back. The disease is often caused by uneven weight distribution to a limb, usually because of serious injury to another.
Barbaro shattered three bones in his right hind leg just a few yards after the start of the Preakness Stakes on May 20.
While the news was good Friday, Barbaro's condition could change at any time.
"If he starts acting like he doesn't want to stand on the leg, that's it -- that will be when we call it quits," a blunt Richardson said Thursday at the University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center.
"It could happen within 24 hours," he added.
(Excerpt) Read more at sportsillustrated.cnn.com ...
There has been a huge outpouring of support ever since Barbaro was injured.
If this horse was being looked after by the democrats, he would have been in a Petco store by now in several different aisles.
Our hopes for all involved with the care of this animal.
Nice to get some good news today.
I am not a big fan of horse racing for a variety of reasons but one of them is how some owners treat losing horses.
I have a lot of respect for this colts owners. The medical bills for him may amount to the budget for a small country. They would have been justified putting him down awhile ago but they are not giving up.
I remain optimistic because he is quite the fighter and I think he has won the hearts of many beyond the doors of the barn he lives in.
Having just paid $1200 in vet bills for a 13 year old Sheltie's week long stay in a vet hospital.....I hear what you're saying....
Bless you and your baby!
Barbaro ping
Vet bills can be nuts but we love our animals....
What a fighter!
If only Billy Martin was still alive...
And thank heavens it did! This is very good news, especially considering the mood and thoughts 24 hours ago. I watched through the night for any "bad news" and when I saw none, I breathed a little more easily.
He bought himself some time! Hurray for Barbaro.
I like that he has a sling to use:
~~~~
"... Barbaro has been fitted with a sling to prevent sudden movements and allow him to shift his weight from side to side. The main goal is comfort.
"The sling is on only some of the day, when it's off, he can lie down," Richardson said. "We are not torturing this horse." ..."
~~~~~
It just already *feels* better - at least for today.
Better Barbaro news today for our FR Barbarites!
That's what you'll do if you love him. Several years ago I spend $1,300 on adouble root canal to save a couple of my dog's teeth. Some of the best money I've ever spent. Of course, I remind him of it every day.
Keep on fightin', Barbaro.
Prayers for him. I too am glad his owners are trying all they can.
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