I know previous posters were concerned at how skinny he looks. When Levi was in the clinic for one summer, he looked like Bobby. Those TBs drop weight if you look at them wrong, then add in the lose of muscle mass…
Bobby will make it! POSITIVE ENERGY!!!
Thanks again VB for the updates! I have Barbaro and his family in my prayers, jingles and thoughts. Glad to hear Edgar Prado got to visit again and won the ESPY!
Ditto, tomorrow at 7
From the Baltimore Sun
Barbaro responding well to treatment
Fighting case of laminitis, Derby winner 'acceptably comfortable,' for now
By Paul McMullen
Sun Reporter
Published July 14, 2006, 4:10 PM CDT
KENNETT SQUARE, Pa. -- The waiting game continues for Barbaro, his owners, trainer and the doctors treating him.
Thursday brought a bleak update, but today, the colt’s veterinary surgeon provided more encouraging news in two statements issued by the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. The most recent came at 4 p.m.
“His vital signs, including heart rate and pulse, remain good,” Dr. Dean Richardson said in the statement. “We are treating his laminitis aggressively and he continues to respond well and is acceptably comfortable.”
Barbaro’s comfort is a major factor in the difficult deliberations involved in deciding whether to euthanize the horse.
“We monitor his condition very closely because signs can change quickly,” Richardson said in the statement. “However, it’s important to remember that Barbaro’s treatment could easily continue for several weeks, and if all goes well, even months. Our goal is to keep him as comfortable as possible, and clearly that comfort level will be a major indicator for our treatment decisions.”
The colt’s owners, Roy and Gretchen Jackson, and trainer Michael Matz are in constant communication with Richardson.
Barbaro’s medical crisis began less than a furlong into the Preakness, when he sustained three fractures in his right hind foot.
Those injuries required more surgery last Saturday. Wednesday morning, the horse underwent a partial hoof wall resection to treat what Richardson described as a “catastrophic” case of laminitis.
Barbaro continued to spend most of his time in a sling supporting his weight.
“Barbaro was out of his sling for more than 12 hours yesterday, and he had a calm, restful night, sleeping on his side for more than four hours,” Richardson said in a statement released this morning.
“While his condition is stable, it remains extremely serious.”
Ive been amazed that here in Wi they have had the Barbaro story on EVERY newscast this week!!! Ive also seen stories on the major cable network news stations
And actually heard i think the pres of the TB association or something like that on a news cast talking about how in this time of global strife Barbaro is an innocent soul fighting – something EVERYONE can hope for and believe in. Something to root for. Something innocent. Almost a hero – a role model…I must say I agree.
Still thinking of you buddy
That poem on page 43 is LOVELY. It has brought big tears to my eyes. Jingling like crazy for Barbaro.
I don’t think he has an infection in his right hoof. The infection was in the right leg, the left hoof is laminitis.
Since Barbaro’s laminitis is not related to diet or metabolic factors, his diet would not be as much of a factor as a horse who founders on grass or carbohydrate overload, etc. He has a mechanical form of laminitis affecting only one hoof. The systemic type, caused by diet or metabolic problems, would likely affect all or at least the front hooves. It is really important that Barbaro is able to lie down for several hours at a time so he can get the weight off all four feet.
Candlelight Vigil
Is anyone planning on actually GOING to NB and doing a vigil there…outside? I’m closeby, so I’d be game! What do you think?
I think that would be completely amazing. I wish I were close…
Light a candle there for me, if you do go.
When the NB vet came to my farm to take care of the rescued horses he suggested I go there and ask for some because there was more than Barbaro could ever eat, surely most of it has gone to waste. I agree, donating to a rescue would have been a great idea. However there aren’t any rescues close enough to make the trip cost effective to pick up treats. Perhaps some of the employees took some home at least. I would have loved to have gone and gotten some, I went through so many apples and carrots when I had Nate and Kelly and Brick, all fosters that they would have really enjoyed them.
I hope Barbaro gets to enjoy many treats, apples and carrots for many years to come.
It’s easy to second guess other people’s choices. It’s not easy to live through the toughest times you can go through with a horse you love.
The Jackson’s behavior throughout this has been impeccable and beyond reproach. For anybody to question their choices or the quality of his care, in this very difficult and painful time, is reprehensible.
The fact is they bred and raised this colt and know him better than anybody on this forum.
The fact is that they’ve made it clear by their actions and instructions to their vets that Barbaro’s comfort and quality of life are their only concern.
They see Barbaro every day and in this way are able not only to contribute to his care, but personally assess and assure themselves of his his well-being and comfort.
They’ve chosen to spare no expense. However much some may envy it, the fact is it’s their money to spend as they choose. (besides, the lessons the vets learn from this will benefit many others, as will the many donations to the Barbaro fund.)
The fact is that they keep 8 rescued ottbs at their farm. And we don’t know what else they’ve done for ottbs or what they contribute to whom. Frankly, it’s not our business…
I’m praying for Barbaro. I’ve seen / known several laminitic horses in my life and so I do feel some hope for him.
The first had rotated both front feet right through the soles, shortly after qualifying for the olympic team. His new owner, her vet and farrier rehabbed him to the point that she was able to compete him to gp.
The 2nd had chronic laminitis, but was sound for flat work most of the time and always sound for turnout. He had 1 bout while in my care, which we treated promptly.
The 3rd rotated both front feet right through the soles. She had about 25% resections of both toes, from the ground to coronet bands. She didn’t have the quality of care that Barbaro is getting, so suffered terribly for months, but had the best available to her owner at the time. Still, she carried her pregnancy to term and foaled out a healthy foal. She remained sound for light riding for several years and probably would have for much longer, but fell into the wrong hands.
The 4th was in the care of a bo who was being well paid to provide injury care at the time and didn’t bother to notify the horse owner or provide any care for the laminitis. The owner, who was unable to come to the barn for several days, came out and found him down with both coffin bones rotated through the soles. She had him euthanized immediately.
I’ve seen one horse with significant rotation in treatment by the equine podiatrist I studied with. I’ve also seen video of that podiatrist treating foundered feral horses in the Caribbean. The government is hoping he’ll be able to restore them to enough health to resume breeding and reproducing.
I also diagnosed 1 horse with chronic laminitis when the owner buted her so the symptoms were completely masked when the vet arrived.
In every case but one that I’ve seen, there has been what I would call a successful outcome. The one that failed was a failure of the bo, imho.
My understanding is that a resection provides a place for infection and abcessing to drain, reducing pressure on the remaining hoof and foot.
Barbaro is bright-eyed and eating. I agree that his low weight is actually a help at this time.
Thanks, VB for the updates- glad that today was okay- and no backwards steps were taken…
Go Barbaro!
Jingles…
(happy 2 years on the COTH, VB! I sure am glad you are here! 
)
Remember to light candles…
there are over 800 now (last night it was about 600).
http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/candles.cfm?l=eng&gi=barba
Don’t know if this exact link will work, but it’s the best I could do 
how about Barbaro for SI Sportsman of the Year?"
I love Edward Prado, and I know if it weren’t for his amazing ability, Barbaro would never have made it. But I really feel that Barbaro, with all of the adversity he has been through and how he continues to fight each day should get the award. I’m not sure if SI would consider awarding this to an animal, but I sure am going to write them a letter to support Barbaro…
I don’t think he’d work for Sportsman of the Year, but maybe for Athlete of the Year?
My continued thanks to Alex & Tim:
Update 239: Just spoke to Michael Matz and Barbaro had another comfortable night last night (friday night). Dean Richardson called Michael. Michael said he was up and down 2 - 3 times, again showing that he is OK using himself to move around. All vital signs are normal.
I also saw Kathy Anderson, who saw Bobby around 4pm yesterday (she tried to call me last night but apparently my phone was on the blink). She also said that when she saw him he looked the same (as her positive report the day before). She also noted the pulse in his front feet was normal. She saw 35 baskets of goodies being delivered as she was leaving!
updated 7:15 am, saturday morning
Update 238: Added an update to the Fan Media page that links to Barbaro Livingston’s work and Anna’s lovely pastel.
A nice article in the Philly Inquirer: Barbaro said to be in good spirits, stable condition that notes the fan outpouring of late (lots of people here contributing no doubt) and Edgar’s visit yesterday, excerpt:
The day’s upbeat report was accompanied by an outpouring of sentiment from Barbaro’s fan base. Numerous floral arrangements - one of roses in the shape of a horseshoe - and carrots and apples seemed to arrive at New Bolton on Friday by the minute. A woman brought in a single orchid and wondered about the latest news. Barbaro’s trainer, Michael Matz, put a number of arrangements in the back of his car after an early evening visit.
Earlier in the day, Barbaro received a visit from another old friend. Barbaro’s jockey, Edgar Prado, stopped by to see the horse early Friday morning before riding at Belmont Park later in the day. He left New York at 4:30 a.m., got down to the Kennett Square facility, then drove back to Long Island with his wife, who had visited the day before.
“He looked much better than I thought he would,” Prado told a New York Post reporter at Belmont Park. “He is very smart, and he knew me right away. I fed him, walked with him, and he put his head on my shoulder and fell asleep.”
Ed, thanks for getting the Prado interview!
the poem was lovely, thank you.
and thank you again VB for the updates. I will be lighting a candle for Bobby tonight, 7pm, and sending him the most positive healing thoughts and prayers.
Hang on Bobby.
xo
Gail
I’m encouraged by these new reports. I am not a good pray-er, but I’m trying
If you put your heart into your prayer God will hear you. The Bible says “The fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” Barbaro needs that kind of prayer and with God all things are possible, I believe that. :yes: <><
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