August 28 Update
"Barbaro is doing well on both hind limbs," said Dr. Dean Richardson, Chief of Surgery. "Because of this, we do not plan to change his right hind cast in the next two weeks."
The colt's left hind foot has laminitis, but Barbaro seems comfortable with that foot as well. "He needs to continue to improve over the next few months before we will have a better idea about his long term comfort." said Dr. Richardson. "Barbaro's appetite and his attitude right now are phenomenal; he attacks his feed and when he goes out to graze, he acts like he thinks he could train."
Doctors remain cautious about Barbaro's prognosis because, according to Dr. Richardson, there is no assurance that he will surmount all of his medical problems. "Right now, he is a surprisingly happy horse," he said. "He is gaining weight and has had his pain medications reduced without any effect on his well being. His strength and overall appearance have been improving since he became well enough to be walked outside each day."
August 16 Update
After almost three months in ICU, Barbaro has started going outside to hand graze. "We felt he was ready for a change of scenery, so last week we took him outside to pick his own grass," said Dr. Dean Richardson, Chief of Surgery. "He's not outside for a long time, but it's enough to let him enjoy the fresh air and sunshine. If he remains this comfortable, he will be hand-grazed daily."
"I'm very pleased with his progress," said Dr. Richardson. "His appetite remains strong, he sleeps well, and we continue to monitor him closely. He is measurably gaining weight and his overall attitude is great."
August 9 Update
Barbaro is doing well this morning after the cast on his right hind limb was changed late yesterday afternoon under general anesthesia. "The leg looked good under the cast, especially considering the length of time that he has been in a cast," said Dr. Dean Richardson, Chief of Surgery. "The radiographs also were encouraging. There is no sign of active infection. This is further supported by his markedly improving blood values over the last two weeks. He had an excellent pool recovery; he is a very intelligent horse and has definitely figured out the whole process."
August 3 Update
Barbaro’s left hind hoof is slowly showing evidence of regrowth after surgery last month to treat laminitis. Laminitis occurs when laminae, the strong connecting tissues that attach the pedal bone and the inner hoof wall, are inflamed. "The coronary band (the portion of the hoof that is responsible for continued downward growth of the hoof) is beginning to re-establish itself," said Dean Richardson, Chief of Surgery at the George D. Widener Hospital.
Barbaro’s right hind leg continues to be protected in a cast. "The original fractures have apparently healed well, but the cast is necessary to protect the pastern fusion," Dr. Richardson said. "This protection is required because he must bear most of his weight on the right hind limb due to the laminitis in the left hind leg."
August 1 Update
Chief of Surgery Dean Richardson reports that Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro's condition continues to be stable. The colt's left hind foot, which has laminitis, is monitored closely for signs of infection. "We change his left hind foot bandage daily, and it looks good," said Dr. Richardson. "His right hind leg also looks good, and his appetite remains strong."
July 28 Update
Barbaro continues to be stable after another comfortable night according to Chief of Surgery Dean Richardson. His right hind leg cast was changed late Wednesday. "We took new radiographs, and they look good," said Dr. Richardson. "No problems were evident." In addition, the modified foot cast on Barbaro's left hind foot, which has laminitis, is changed daily so the foot can be treated and watched for signs of infection.
July 26 Update
According to Chief of Surgery Dean Richardson, Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro slept well after his left hind foot bandage was changed Tuesday. "I'm happy with the appearance of this foot, which is doing as well as can be expected," said Dr. Richardson. "Over the last several days, his temperature has been normal and his blood work has significantly improved suggesting that the infection in his right hind is under control." His heart rate is also consistently normal now, a good indication that he is stable and comfortable.
July 19 Update
Barbaro remains in stable condition with good vital signs after a restful night and continues to eat well a week after the bad news about laminitis in he left hind foot. (details on that below)
Dr. Dean Richardson said, "Yesterday afternoon we changed his right hind leg cast to take new radiographs and to examine the incision. The radiographs looked good; the plates we placed on July 8 to fuse the pastern are intact and the fetlock fusion is unchanged. The leg and the incision looked as good as we could have hoped." The right hind leg cast supports the repair of the injury suffered at the Preakness on May 20, and it extends from the colt's foot to just below his hock.
The modified foot cast, which acts like a bandage on Barbaro's left hind foot after the treatment for laminitis, was also changed yesterday. The foot cast is rigid and provides stability and support, but will be changed often so that the hoof can be treated. Both cast changes were performed with Barbaro lightly sedated in a sling. He has adapted very well to being managed as needed in the sling. "He is a very intelligent horse," said Dr. Richardson.
July 13 Update
There was a press conference on Thursday, July 13, with Dr. Dean Richardson at the University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center to update everyone on Barbaro's current condition. Things don't look very good right now, but they are doing everything they can to help him recover. Here are my notes that I took as I listened on the telephone. You can read the full transcript of the teleconference here.
