“If he develops laminitis in another foot, we will NOT continue.”
…and a half! :no:
Poor boy, I hope he’s not too miserable. I know they will do the right thing for him…let’s hope the “right thing” is clear and allows the big guy to recover to a meaningful, comfortable life.
Downgraded to Poor. 
pray
We need faith and prayers. He is in the best hospital in the world, has the best doctors and owners.
Jingles for Barbaro.
Huh? I’m watching it on ESPN right now! ESPN News, to be exact
Look for ESPN News. It is channel 142 on Time Warner Cable in Raleigh/Durham area.
I feel like I am being “prepared”.
The vet however seems to be getting the point across to the press what the problem is. though I think he is about to reach out and choke someone if they ask about the treatment procedures again. Dont we all wish there was the wonder book out there that you could open up and find the exact and perfect treatment for what ever is wrong with the horse.
So do I…and I’m on the verge of tears (hormones are still up, I guess)
http://news.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=34393
Classic winner Barbaro has developed a severe case of laminitis in his left hind foot, according to Dr. Dean Richardson of the University of Pennsylvania’s New Bolton Center, where surgery was conducted May 21 to repair multiple fractures in his right hind ankle.
Richardson said Thursday that Barbaro’s chances of surviving this much-feared complication were “poor.”
This just SUCKS.
Can’t really find a more eloquent summation than that right now. What awful news…this poor, brave horse, and the poor people who have gone to incredible lengths of hope and accomplishment to help him.
I had really let myself believe he was going to sail through after the last couple of months of fantastic news. I can’t even imagine that he might be lost after all of this. :no:
We will keep praying and hoping hard for you, dear Barbaro.
Many thanks to Virginia for the ongoing updates.
Thankfully I have never had to deal firsthand with founder, so please describe hoof resectioning (I “think” I want to know…
)…
They took off most of his hoof wall. It’s like if your fingernail comes loose–you cut off the dead part. He has about 20% left.
What can they do if anything? I am so terribly sad.
Doctors Say Barbaro Has Catastrophic Injury
Dr. Dean Richardson at the New Bolton Center says Barbaro has a catastrophic case of laminitis but his owners have no short-term plans to put him down.
Richardson said Barbaro has a “poor” chance of recovery, but a recovery would not be unheard of, and he has seen horses recover from laminitis.
“The horse had some major complications and he has had more serous complications this week,” Richardson said.
The horse has a severe case of laminitis in his left foot and his doctors have removed a large potion of his hoof, he said.
Laminitis is an extremely painful condition for a horse. Richardson said it would take at least 6 months for a recovery.
“The horse had no problems until he experienced problems with his right foot and then developed laminitis in his left foot,” Richardson said.
But he said frankly that Barbaro’s recovery was a long shot.
“We are putting a lot of work into this case,” Richardson said. “We aren’t giving up.”
Richardson said he also called the press conference to counter rumors that Barbaro was being put down.
“The Jacksons only concern is the horse’s comfort,” Richard said. “It is a bad situation for the Jacksons.”
Richardson said Barbaro was on pain medication but didn’t have a temperature and was eating normally.
Barbaro became a national figure after his huge victory at the Kentucky Derby and serious injury at the Preakness.
His visitors at Penn’s New Bolton Center included Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell.
Owners Roy and Gretchen Jackson, who live down the road in West Grove, Pa., were daily visitors, as was trainer Michael Matz. They remained the colt’s side during his health struggles.
“If that was me in that stall, I don’t think I’d have as good an attitude he has,” Roy Jackson said in early July. “He just seems to know he’s got to go through this. It was the same thing with his racing. He knew what he had to do and did it.”
The Jacksons were not alone.
“It’s impossible for us to thank everybody who has supported the horse as he goes through this,” Jackson said. “It’s meant the world to all of us.”
Barbaro and the New Bolton Center had been flooded by well wishes from fans after Barbaro’s accident
KEEP up the MEGA jingles!!
I thought Richardson was going to break down. He said, “if you look at this horse, it would be really hard to put him down right now.” and then practically ran from the stage. What he must be feeling- knowing that they are doing everything, and having this horse in such dire straights-
It was deeply moving to see how much Richardson truly cares…
Jeannine Edwards (ESPN) will be broadcasting at 1pm today on ESPN News with additional updates on the story.
Oh god how heartbreaking.
http://www.phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/news/47-07132006-683246.html
It does not sound good at all. Jingles and love to everyone involved in this.
What a gallant and brave horse he is, and I just wanted to hug Dr Richardson. Now THAT is a vet with a huge, huge heart. This must just be devastating for him, and for the Jacksons. Jingling madly!!!
