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[/I][B] Barbaro still fighting
[/B] Incremental progress – that’s what Roy and Gretchen Jackson hope for each day from Barbaro, the Kentucky Derby-winning horse that has been battling the odds since a career-ending injury at the Preakness in May.
"We can’t look ahead," Gretchen Jackson said. "Barbaro has had pretty good days for a while, so we’re very grateful."
Four weeks ago, Dr. Dean Richardson, chief surgeon at the University of Pennsylvania’s George D. Widener Hospital for Large Animals, called a press conference at the New Bolton Center with grim news.
Richardson, who operated on the horse and has monitored his progress since, diagnosed laminitis in the colt’s hind left leg, calling it “basically as bad a case of laminitis as you can have.”
But during the past month, the colt has stitched together several encouraging weeks.
The left hind foot, which had most of the hoof wall removed due to severe laminitis, continues to show signs of regrowth after surgery last month to treat the condition.
“The bandage and protective boot on Barbaro’s left hind foot continues to be changed daily,” Richardson said in a recent statement released by New Bolton.
“The appearance of the foot is very good. It is dry and healthy looking, with excellent early re-growth at the coronary band (the portion of the hoof that is responsible for its continued downward growth.)”
The cast on the colt’s fractured right hind limb was changed late Tuesday 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 Richardson.
“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.”
When the Jacksons visit Barbaro, they see a bright-eyed horse, comfortable in his unnatural environment.
“The way he acts is amazing,” Gretchen said. “He’s really behaving himself and following the doctors’ orders. He hasn’t acted too bored. So many people are caring for him. He understands he needs help, so he puts up with it all because he knows he can’t do it himself.”
Recently, the Jacksons spent a few days in Saratoga, N.Y., where the premier racehorses in the country are competing. Numerous race fans offered their well wishes.
“It’s been very hard at times, there’s no denying it,” Gretchen Jackson said. “We all have sadness that comes into our lives. You deal with it the best you can. Barbaro has come through a lot. But that’s why he’s a champion. He’s headed in the right direction.”
