Posted on 08/23/2006 2:24:34 PM PDT by beyond the sea
KENNETT SQUARE, Penn. It's been just over three months since Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro was severely injured, breaking his leg while running the Preakness.
Though his recovery has been slow and anything but steady, the colt's doctors are very encouraged by his recent progress, according to The Early Show's resident veterinarian, Dr. Debbye Turner.
She went to New Bolton Center at the University of Pennsylvania College of Veterinary Medicine in Kennett Square, Penn., to visit Barbaro and his surgeon, fellow veterinarian Dr. Dean Richardson, and filed an exclusive update on the thoroughbred's condition.
From the start, Turner said, Barbaro has faced some steep odds against survival but, "He's a fighter, and has done his best to buck those odds."
When Turner stopped by Monday, Barbaro went out for a short walk and some grazing, something Turner says seemed nearly impossible just five weeks ago when Richardson discussed his prognosis during a news conference.
"I would say poor," he said then. "I'd be lying if I said anything other than poor."
But thanks to round-the-clock care, and effective pain management, Barbaro is on much surer footing now, Turner observed.
"I'm thrilled that he is pulling me around," Richardson told Turner, "and that's he's able to walk … comfortably. I'm thrilled, absolutely thrilled."
(Excerpt) Read more at wcbstv.com ...
"I'm thrilled that he is pulling me around," Richardson told Turner, "and that's he's able to walk … comfortably. I'm thrilled, absolutely thrilled."
It's nice to know that he's doing so well.
This is pretty close to a miracle...whatta horse. And the skill of those who cared for Barbaro cannot be overstated.
Good news:')
It is always good to hear good news. Thanks for posting that.
You're welcome. Keep your fingers crossed.
Awesome news. The horse with the big heart just keeps moving right along. What a great story. Thanks for the ping.
It's a combination of vet skill - and heart. I think he'll make it...he's a horse with heart, and that was what had him out front to begin with.
Thanks for the ping
I saw him on TV today and it so wonderful to see that majestic horse keep on keeping on.
Love Barbaro!!
this is great news! I'm so happy things are looking better.
Thanks for the ping BTS and passing it along.
Wish I had seen him. I'll look for a video on the CBS site tonight when I get home.
Sea, thank you so much for the ping. I needed something to life my spirits today.
'Spirit Lifter' here ....... in fact I think I'll lift some spirits to Barbaro.
;-)
Fingers crossed continually for this good horse.
Thanks for the ping. It's good to see that Barbaro is in this for the long haul and I hope he pulls through (and finally is rewarded by getting to "cover" that mare.)
I'd fight to live, too, if I had the kind of life ahead of me that he has ... !
How fabulous to see him grazing and walking outside. Never thought I'd see the day. This guy is special. Continuing prayers for this heart of a giant. The video is on the article link, Wolfie .. you'll love it.
Thanks, STARWISE. I'm looking forward to seeing it when I get home.
This is a happy outcome, at least to this point, but the SOB who shouted, "Break a leg" at the beginning of the race should be shot when found.
Wonderful! I can't wait to come back and read everything when I've got all my rats killed. (Not literally.)
Go Barbaro Go!
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