Barbaro Has Surgery After 'Complications'

Breitbart (AP) ^ | 7/9/2006 | Staff

[wjersey]

Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro has developed "potentially serious" complications to his injured right hind leg, and underwent surgery to replace hardware and treat a new infection.

Late Saturday, the 3-year-old colt, who shattered his leg at the start of the Preakness on May 20, had the titanium plate and a number of screws replaced after developing discomfort in the leg and a "consistently" high temperature.

The surgery was performed by Dr. Dean Richardson at the University of Pennsylvania New Bolton Center, where Barbaro has been recovering in the intensive care unit.

In a statement released Sunday, Richardson emphasized that the complications are "potentially serious."

"Barbaro had developed some discomfort and a consistently elevated temperature so we believed it was in his best interest to remove the hardware and thoroughly clean the site of the infection," Richardson said. "We also applied a longer cast on that leg for additional support."

It is the third procedure in less than a week for Barbaro. He had the cast on his injured leg replaced and some new screws inserted Monday, and on Wednesday another new cast was applied. Also, Barbaro is being treated for a small infection on the sole of his uninjured left hind hoof, according to the hospital.

Richardson said Barbaro's main fracture is healing well, but the pastern joint _ a joint above the hoof _ continues to be a concern. The joint was stabilized with "new implants and a fresh bone graft."

Barbaro took longer to recover from the anesthesia from this latest procedure, Richardson said. But he said the colt was back in his stall and receiving pain medication, antibiotics and "other supportive care."

Barbaro's owners and trainer continue to visit twice daily, the statement said.

[beyond the sea]

God, I wish you hadn't put those photos up........ yes, I know you warned not to look.

I'm just a romantic guy n......... I know I (will) get a lot of folks crazed when I say this, but I don't think having horses race with a human on his back is worth it. I wish horse racing would end. It's needless. (jmo)

I am so sad for this horse. This is a bad time in the world in so many ways. It's all spiraling out of control.

[krunkygirl]

Bump for Barbaro

Perhaps things will look better in the light of a new day.
A lot of people are pulling for you, Barbaro.

[Wolfstar]

This is a bad time in the world in so many ways. It's all spiraling out of control.

It does seem that way, sea. Very, very troubling. We have to find our triumphs and victories where we can. My small triumph since the end of May has been to raise those kittens I found and get them great homes. I've kept two. :)

[Rte66]

Some (most, I imagine) horses are going to run wherever they are. This way, there aren't rocks, or stones, or dangerous objects, or gopher holes, or rattlesnakes.

And, they get to nuzzle and please somebody, not to mention a warm place and blankets when it's cold and water when it's hot and apples not on trees and carrots not underground and plenty of special grass, oats without the harsh part, buttercups in unexpected places - and the occasional peppermints, sugar cubes, muffins, and cookies.

I'm not necessarily defending horseracing, because I'm not a bettor, but I just love to watch them run. I love rodeos and horse shows, too. I've seen animals put down at rodeos and it's always sad and usually gruesome. I still go to rodeos.

Barbaro - I may not handle this well. I just have no choice but to accept it, should it go awry. If it's bad, we'll know very soon. If not, we get to keep hanging in there. Keep your chins up, y'all!

God bless Barbaro.

[WestCoastGal]

Fox just reported that Barbaro is doing "much better" this morning. Yes!!!

[Rte66]

Yes, yes - that's what Doc R is saying.

I had asked yesterday or day before about a sling and was happy to hear from some of our fellow Barbarites here that they do rig them up.

Happily, I've gotten to see several different videos today of Barbaro in his sling - and here is a segment from one of the "doing better" stories this morning:

~~~
" ... 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." ..."
~~~~

I feel better already - like a weight has been lifted ... at least some of the weight off of both healing "feet."

Go Barbaro Go!

[Rte66]

The good news thread:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1665644/posts