It's Official: Barbaro Has Laminitis

It seemed like such a fairy tale that the Kentucky Derby winner could waltz through recovery from his broken leg without complications. A press conference was held this morning; you can view a video of it at
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/07/13/sportsline/main1799553.shtml

He is now face to face with severe laminitis and has had 80 percent of his hoof wall removed, according to the surgeon. No news on whether he "sank" or "rotated" but I am sure those details will be forthcoming.

Cross all your fingers and toes, and wish upon a star. This horse will need all the help he can get.

I'll try to keep everyone posted, but this is distressing. It's easy to second guess what is going on and what has been tried, but no one really knows. I am sure they are doing all they can and have the horse's best interests at heart. I'm also sure that ethical guidelines for pain and suffering will be observed, although it doesn't sound like the horse is suffering much at present.

Let's give him--and them--a chance!

Billy Crothers World Champion (Again) at Calgary Stampede

This just in from the Calgary Stampede web site: Billy Crothers of Wales is world champion again for the fourth or fifth time, I am not sure which. Stephen Beane of England was second and Jim Quick of the USA was third.
Scroll down to read an article about Billy's wife, Lucy Diamond, successfully competing at Badminton Horse Trials back in May. They're on a roll! Billy and Stephen were also 1-2 in the shoeing competition.

12 July Barbaro Update

KENNETT SQUARE, PA —­ Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro is continuing to rest comfortably today according to Dr. Dean Richardson, Chief of Surgery. “As we said yesterday, Barbaro’s condition is potentially serious, and we are aggressively seeking all treatment options,” he said. “Today we will focus on further diagnostics and keeping our patient comfortable.” Barbaro is being treated for fractures received at the Preakness on May 20 as well as discomfort in his left hind foot.

“He’s facing tough odds and his condition is guarded,” said Dr. Richardson. “Our entire staff is determined to do all they can for this magnificent horse.” All decisions are being made in constant consultation with the owners, who continue to be only interested in his comfort.

Barbaro remains in the Intensive Care Unit of the George D. Widener Hospital at the University of Pennsylvania’s New Bolton Center.

Barbaro Report for 11 July: Resting comfortably after sixth cast applied

Direct from New Bolton Center, this report:

Dr. Dean Richardson, Chief of Surgery, reports today that Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro is resting comfortably after receiving his sixth cast yesterday since his accident at the Preakness on May 20. “Barbaro is eating well and resting in his stall,” said Dr. Richardson, who also treated the colt for an abscess in his left hind foot.

“He’s tolerating the new cast well,” said Dr. Richardson. “We have changed his left hind foot bandage and that looks improved. His vital signs remain stable and his attitude and appetite remain excellent.”

Calgary Update: Sketchy Details

File this under unofficial results from the Calgary Stampede World Championship Blacksmiths competition which moved into its final day Sunday. It sounds like Billy Crothers, representing Wales, won the "live shoeing" event on Saturday (or was it Sunday? it is hard to tell from the information provided) with Steven Beane, representing England, second. They then moved on to the finals. Stay tuned for more sketchy news from Calgary!

Cast #6 for Barbaro on Monday

July 10, 2006

News report verbatim for New Bolton Center: After evaluating Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro this morning, Dr. Dean Richardson, Chief of Surgery, replaced the cast on the colt’s injured hind leg for a sixth time. “The long leg cast was replaced with a short leg cast this morning. This was done with Barbaro in a sling and only under mild sedation,” said Dr. Richardson. “The long cast was used as extra support during the anesthetic recovery phase. It is much easier for him to move around his stall and get up and down with a short cast. We also found and treated an abscess in his left hind foot that was bothering him.”

Barbaro spent a comfortable night and is eating well after surgery to stabilize the pastern joint this weekend. “We’re continuing his pain medication, antibiotics and other supportive care,” said Dr. Richardson. “He appears more comfortable today and has had a normal temperature, heart rate and overall attitude.”

Barbaro continues to be monitored closely in the Intensive Care Unit of the George D. Widener Hospital at the University of Pennsylvania’s New Bolton Center.

Hoofblog note: Several readers said they have had trouble finding New Bolton Center on the map. That's because it is in the town of Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, about an hour outside Philadelphia. NBC is the name given to the large-animal complex of hospitals and research centers, which act as a sort of field station for the University of Pennsylvania's vet school, which is located in downtown Philadelphia.