Barbaro 'much better' today, vet says

CNN ^ | Friday, July 14, 2006 | AP

[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.

[daviscupper]

I think these owners are real horse lovers but we should be clear about the financial incentives.

First, if the horse survives Barbaro will make a fortune in stud fees for its owners. The last Kentucky Derby winner studded out just dandy. I saw on a 60 Minutes news item that the horse had two "dates" per day at a $100,000 per date. That means the horse probably studded out for $50-60 million in the first year.

And second, Barbaro is insured for around $30 million. So there is a financial incentive of around $20-30 million to keep this horse alive.

In world of Kentucky horse racing artificial insemination is not allowed. In order for a horse to be considered a legitimate offspring an eligible to race, it must have been conceived by a stud that covered the mare. Weird rules, I know. That means Barbaro's legs have to fully recover before he can "entertain" females.

Having said all of that I do believe these owners sincerely love their Barbaro. They would also love to have an additional $20-30 million. I would. And yes, I am well aware that they have more money than God!

P.S. If there is such a thing as reincarnation I want to come back as a Triple Crown winner. ;-)

[KavMan]

" 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. "





Don't give these owners too much respect. If this was a loser horse he would've been put down on the 1st day. Medical bills probably paid by insurance? and if not, it doesn't even matter because this is a STUD horse

I've heard people saying Barbaro can net the owners Like $50 to $100 Million when he retires to be a STUD horse.

[Kimmers]

Please see post #21.

I would be suprised if he could ever be a stud other than in his own mind....giggle

[beyond the sea]

"We'll need a miracle, but maybe it will happen." ---

Yes.

[Gunflint]

I'm guessing all the cards and flowers cheered him up.

[stopem]

I hope he hangs in there I was disheartened to hear he took a turn for the worse, but he is proving what a Champion he is!!

[pj_627]

Hey, thanks so much for the ping. I've been thinking and worrying about Barbaro quite a bit, as many of us have been doing. A sense of sadness continues, and a lot of worry. But, hooray for some good news. I know that ALL that can be done, IS being done for the beautiful boy.

I keep telling myself, where there is life, there IS hope. I know those caring for him LOVE him, and will do all that is humanly possible to save him. I pray that they continue to have the wisdom they need. If they have to make the ultimate "decision", at least we can take comfort in knowing that everything possible was done, and Barbaro was given every possible chance to come through this.

Its not over yet, but thankfully, he had a good night, and seems more comfortable. For now, that is ok.

pattyjo

[onyx]

Thank you for the ping!

[auto power]

horses....ya gotta love 'em...

[rabidralph]

Or institutionalized in Wisconsin.

[spectre]

Excellent post, davis.

I was brainstorming about the "artificial insemination" wrt Barbaro. You cleared that up..

sw

[STARWISE]

God willing, if Barbara recovers .. I think breeding will be far down the list. I'm convinced the Jacksons are truly wonderfully involved and caring horse owners, and just adore this him. Everything I see evidenced in their actions demonstrates their only mission is Barbaro's comfort and wellbeing.

Prayers for Barbaro .. keep fighting, sweet guy!

Article and video here .. grab a tissue. He has endured all this with such good-natured dignity and grace, God love him.

[Political Junkie Too]

A lot can happen in 12 hours.

"I was the winner of the Kentucky Derby and was the odds on favorite of the Preakness and Belmont Stakes. Now I have half my hoof missing and screws throughout my leg. My name is Barbaro, and this is the longest day of my life.

The following takes place between 8:00am and 9:00am on Friday, July 14, 2006."

-PJ

[Dawgreg]

Thanks so much for the info. Go Barbaro!!!

[onyx]

Wonderful post. Thank you (((Star)))

[Hildy]

thought you might want to see this.

[daviscupper]

You are welcome.

[mallardx]

Agreed. GO BARBARO GO!!!

[krunkygirl]

A cautiously optimistic WOOOO HOOOO!
Hugs and get well wishes for you, Barbaro.

[Larry Lucido]

What a roller coaster ride!