Posted on 07/10/2006 2:13:53 PM PDT by Dog
For nearly 6 weeks after the catastrophic injuries Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro suffered in the May 20 Preakness, the colt's recovery from the May 21 surgery on his right hind leg had gone better than even the most optimistic had hoped. From the start, Dr. Dean Richardson, who performed the surgery, warned everyone that it could turn the other way at any time.
In the last week, almost nothing has gone right for Barbaro. Last night, Richardson said the colt has developed "potentially serious'' complications, including an infection in the leg. When asked how he thought this might play out, Richardson said he simply could not be certain.
(Excerpt) Read more at philly.com ...
Ping
Oh no I really hope he makes it. prayers for Barbaro
Any reason why the leg can't be amputated and a prosthesis used? I've read about this on elephant feet. Good Year even was involved putting a flipper/tail on a seal. At least you could use him for stud purposes. Not a horse person, just asking.
The cast was replaced again today.
There is infection in the damaged leg, but there is healing going on where it is wanted in the bones.
This is going to take a long time.
I have wondered why they don't amputate. Many animals get along just fine.
I guess I'm a cold-hearted SOB, but I don't understand the drama in this story. Horses are far less smart than pigs, who we routinely fry and sprinkle on our salads or serve with eggs.
I hope Barbaro recovers, but I consider the horse an investment (which has already paid off handsomely) and not a cherished pet. What am I missing here?
One Thoroughbred stallion, Spanish Riddle, did have an artificial hoof.
Horses need to be fairly active to remain healthy--the actual damage done to Barbaro's leg is healing as well as could be hoped.
According to Jockey Club rules, all US foals must be the result of "natural cover". That means stallions with relatively functional hind legs.
Full brother born in March
But pigs are useless. At least horses have (or used to have) a practical use. Horses are generally cleaner, and darn it, they're just cuter.:)
Your heart.
>I hope Barbaro recovers, but I consider the horse an investment (which has already paid off handsomely) and not a cherished pet. What am I missing here?<
Quite a lot. I won't even try to explain it. Please, don't bug the blazes out of the people who do care, and to whom this does matter.
Surely there is something in your life important to you that nobody else much cares for? Don't we all have the right to personal concerns?
Horses are cuter, although Arnold was practically cuddly on Green Acres.
No, I didn't see it. Perhaps that would have given me a different perspective.
I should have known I was asking the question on the wrong thread. Obviously a lot of people care deeply for a horse they never met.
And that's fine.
"Horses are cuter, although Arnold was practically cuddly on Green Acres."
Pigs, like people, stop being attractive when they approach the 300-pound mark.
>I should have known I was asking the question on the wrong thread. Obviously a lot of people care deeply for a horse they never met.<
I've never met Barbaro personally, but I did meet a larger number of the horses in his extended pedigree over the last few decades. For me, it's personal.
Point taken. When Deeeetroits Mayor 'Kwame' disbanded the mounted section in the PD, he had them headed to a dog food company in Canada. Local people arranged to buy them instead for their riding.
That to his people maybe Barbaro's both? :)
Imagine your a professional runner, and you shatter your femur, knee, tibia, fibula, ankle, and foot....and you still keep running. The jockey stopped the horse.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.