Posted on 07/14/2006 6:58:52 AM PDT by 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.
(Excerpt) Read more at sportsillustrated.cnn.com ...
If they would just give him a dose of caster oil he'd be fine. That's what my granny would say.
From my earliest days, hoof-care was pounded into us (horse-owning) kids: "no foot, no horse". Walking is life to a horse. I fear for this one.
Poor horse. It was bad enough that the right leg had to have such complicated and life-threatening surgery and having to fight back from that, but to also have the left one develop a dangerous condition on top of that is just too much. I hope that he makes it.
I understand. My kittie, Potty, was caught in a beaver trap. Apparently after 24 hours the (illegal) trapper freaked out, released her, and she dragged herself home.
She was not expected to live. Once she made it clear that she WOULD live, (Thank you, great Dr. Case) she was expected to have 1 1/2-2 years max, for many of the same reasons that Barbaro is having trouble. (the weight imbalance, calcium? problems, etc.)
Potty celebrates her 10th anniversary in Dec! Best wishes to Barbaro!
P.S. I have been permanently vegetarian since the night Potty came home. Just a note.....
P.P.S. 1500$ later, too, (for the 3 surgeries, tx, etc) and it was worth it! :-)
Oh yes, fyi, Potty has 2 1/2 legs.
She gets around just fine. If only a horse could do this!
I woke up this morning seeing Barbaro's hoof with tiny little angels flying around it.
I know that many people in America are praying for this magnificent animal and prayers surely help.
It is all about the unconditional love our animal friends show us and in return we try to do the best for them.
It is a horse!!!!! Come on we don't even get this worked up for people like Terri Shivo. If the U.S. would have gotten behind her like this animal than she COULD be still alive. This is so selfish I can't even believe it. To send gifts and money to a horse is just insane. I am appauled that nobody cares that babies get killed daily, the elderly are thrown away, but we care more for a horse. Sometimes our priorities are just not good.
Why would you think they're mutually exclusive? I'm still horrified at the circumstances surrounding Terri's tragic death, I'm totally pro-life, and no one's equating one issue with the other. Let's keep things clear AND separate here, as they are.
love
If I ever have another horse, I think I'd leave it unshod and use boots in rough terrain. I think it toughens the hoof like when we go barefoot.
It's part of good human nature that we care for God's creatures, just as evil men tend to abuse them.
People have always responded to fluffy kittens, cuddly dogs and noble horses. And while some people's priorities ARE skewed, I would bet you the people who care about him are also the ones who feed the poor and adopt disabled babies.
Now, the Jacksons are faced with the decision that torments all animal owners: if and when to euthanize. It is an emotionally taxing decision.
Putting aside cynicism for the moment, this is not about keeping the horse alive to make money. If Barbaro survives, it is not guaranteed he will have enough strength in his hind legs to stud. Furthermore, the Jacksons probably will collect insurance money if Barbaro is euthanized.
The Jacksons have maintained from the start that this is about giving Barbaro a decent quality of life if possible. There is little reason to doubt them. It's unlikely they would prolong his life for selfish reasons. They have grown to love and care for this horse. Most likely, so have the doctors treating and monitoring Barbaro.
It is possible he'll never be able to stud..... There is always the possibility that they really have his 'quality of life' issue top and formost. .....anyway I'd like to think so.. just hope he makes it
"He bought himself some time! Hurray for Barbaro."
In this time of absolute global madness there is Barbaro.
Believe he's the most inspirational horse of my lifetime. What a fighter! Amazing. Seems his will to live equals the desire he had to win on the track. It's no wonder so many of us "get" him. Perhaps even wish to be like him.
I'm with you, Rte66. Hurray for Barbaro!
In this photo released by the University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine Barbaro stands in his stall in the ICU with the aid of a sling to help him lessen his weight in his rear legs at University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center Thursday, July 13, 2006 in Kennett Square, Pa.
In this photo released by the University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine Dr. Dean Richardson walks Barbaro around the ICU at University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center Thursday, July 13, 2006
Why would you think they're mutually exclusive? I'm still horrified at the circumstances surrounding Terri's tragic death, I'm totally pro-life, and no one's equating one issue with the other. Let's keep things clear AND separate here, as they are.
I like your post and I like post 53 also. Thanks!!!
Great photos. Thank you, STARWISE.
It is unlikely that Barbaro will ever be a stud horse. The governing association requires the stud to "cover" during fertilization. The doctors believe that his leg will never have the integrity to support the weight. This additional setback doesn't help.
I'm not sure that your respect isn't at least somewhat misplaced. If Barbaro recovers, his owners will make the vet bills back in stud fees within a year.
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