Racehorse fighting for life after developing laminitis
By RICHARD ROSENBLATT
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
KENNETT SQUARE, Pa. (AP) — Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro has developed a severe case of laminitis, a potentially fatal disease caused by uneven weight distribution in the limbs, and his veterinarian called his chances for survival “a long shot.”
Dean Richardson (left), the chief surgeon who has been treating Barbaro since the colt suffered catastrophic injuries in the Preakness on May 20, said the Derby winner’s chances of survival are poor.
“I’d be lying if I said anything other than poor,” Richardson said Thursday at a news conference at the University of Pennsylvania’s New Bolton Center. “As long as the horse is not suffering, we’re going to continue to try” to save him.
“If we can keep him comfortable, we think it’s worth the effort.” If not, Barbaro could be euthanized at any time. Richardson said if Barbaro doesn’t respond quickly to treatment, “It could happen within 24 hours.”
Richardson said the laminitis, a painful condition, has all but destroyed the colt’s hoof on his uninjured left hind leg.
“The left hind foot is basically as bad a laminitis as you can have. It’s as bad as it gets,” Richardson said, while adding that horses can recover from the disease. He said he has discussed the situation closely with owners Roy and Gretchen Jackson, who have stressed that their main concern is for Barbaro to be pain free.
Richardson said Barbaro’s injured right hind leg — the one that shattered at the start of the Preakness — is healing well, but because a horse has to be evenly balanced to carry his weight, laminitis set in on the other foot.
A procedure called a hoof wall resection removed 80 percent of Barbaro’s left rear hoof. Both rear legs are now in casts.
“The reason we cut away the hoof wall is because the hoof wall is not connected” to the bone, Richardson said. “If you had a nail that was separated from the end you’d pull it off. It’s dead tissue that’s in the way of living tissue. It’s a problem in horses due to excessive weight bearing inflammation.”
Richardson said it would take several months for the hoof to grow back. “What we’re doing on this horse is absolutely unusual, but it’s not unheard of.
“It’s a devastating problem in horses that nobody has a solution to.” Perhaps what makes it even more wrenching is that the horse is acting normal.
“This horse, you look at him in the stall — his ears are up, he’s bright. He’s looking around,” Richardson said. “He’s spending some time in the sling. Other times, he’s out of the sling. We are not torturing this horse.”
The grim update came after nearly six weeks of what was considered to be a smooth recovery. Barbaro underwent five hours of surgery May 21 so a titanium plate and 27 screws could be inserted into three broken bones and the pastern joint. He has had three more operations in recent days.
“I really thought we were going to make it two weeks ago,” Richardson said. “Today I’m not as confident.”
Barbaro won the Derby by 6 1/2 lengths, was unbeaten in six races and expected to make a Triple Crown bid before his misstep ended his racing career. He was taken to the New Bolton Center hours after breaking down and underwent five hours of surgery the next day.
At that time, Richardson said the chances of the horse’s survival were 50-50.
Since the breakdown, there has been a public outpouring of sympathy as well-wishers, young and old, showed up at the New Bolton Center with cards, flowers, gifts and goodies. And thousands of e-mails poured in to the hospital’s Web site to voice concern and support.
(c) 2006 Associated Press
Comments (33)
I've placed BARBARO, on the PRAYER list in NYC and PA as well as world wide...with PRAYER, and sending positive light, we can be of great service to our beloved animals. God speed complete healing to sweet Barbaro, who has overcome great odds thus far.
Please keep Barbaro in your prayers tonight. Guide and keep those who are caring for him.
Here's a tiny crumb of good news, at least:
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/more/07/14/barbaro.better.ap/index.html
Elizabeth - thanks for that crumb - at this point - even crumbs are good
Richardson says Barbaro is doing 'much better'
Associated Press
Posted: 3 hours ago
KENNETT SQUARE, Pa. - 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.
Barbaro chronology
May 6: Wins Kentucky Derby by six-and-a-half lengths for sixth straight win.
May 20: Breaks down at start of Preakness; shatters three bones in right hind leg.
May 21: Undergoes five-plus hours of surgery at New Bolton Center in Kennett Square, Pa.; titanium plate and 27 screws inserted; surgeon Dean Richardson calls chance of survival a "coin toss."
May 22: With a fiberglass cast from hock to hoof, settles into stall in intensive care unit.
May 27: Fitted with special three-part, glue-on horseshoe for left hind hoof, helping reduce risk of laminitis.
May 29: Stall at Fair Hill in Elkton, Maryland, filled by half-brother, Man in Havana.
May 30: Jockey Edgar Prado visits; Richardson says recovery still months away.
June 10: Stood in stall as Jazil won Belmont Stakes.
June 13: Placed under general anesthesia to have cast changed for first time; Richardson says "his leg looks excellent."
June 18: A month after injury, colt's recovery is going smoothly. "He's a lively, bright, happy horse. If you asked me a month ago, I would have gladly accepted where we are today," Richardson said.
July 3: Cast replaced; two bent screws are replaced and three new ones are added across the pastern joint.
July 5: Cast replaced because of discomfort; receives treatment for small abscess on sole of uninjured left hind hoof.
July 8: Develops "potentially serious" complications to injured leg; undergoes surgery to treat new infection in leg; Cast replaced, this time with a longer one that provides additional support; doctors replace plate and many of the screws.
July 10: Cast replaced again, this time with a shorter one. Richardson believes there will be "some tough days ahead."
July 13: Richardson confirms that Barbaro has developed a severe case of laminitis, a potentially fatal disease caused by uneven weight distribution in the limbs, and calls his chances for survival "a long shot."
"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.
The vet, who has been treating Barbaro since the colt's breakdown, said Thursday that Barbaro looks fine - "his ears are up, he's bright, he's looking around." But that doesn't reflect the true nature of his condition.
"I'd be lying if I said anything other than poor," he said. "As long as the horse is not suffering, we are going to continue to try to save him. If we can keep him comfortable, we think it's worth the effort."
Barbaro is being treated aggressively with pain medication and remains in the same stall he's been in since being brought to the intensive care unit.
Only the sight of fiberglass casts on both hind legs - a longer cast is on the right leg - gives any indication that something is terribly wrong with Barbaro.
"If you look at this horse, it'd be hard to put him down," Richardson said.
That precisely is the awful task that could be imminent because of a disease that has no cure.
"It's a devastating problem in horses that nobody has a solution to," Richardson said.
Until his misstep at the Preakness, Barbaro's career was nothing short of brilliant.
He won his first five starts, including the Florida Derby. His 6 1/2-length victory at the Derby was so convincing he was being hailed as the next likely Triple Crown champion - and first since Affirmed since 1978.
But seconds after the gates swung open at Pimlico, that career was cut short when the colt broke down, his right hind leg flaring out awkwardly because of three broken bones.
Race fans at Pimlico wept and within 24 hours the entire nation seemed to be caught up in a "Barbaro watch," waiting for any news of his surgery and condition.
And for the longest time, it all seemed to be going well.
Barbaro's first six weeks of recovery were relatively smooth - despite five hours of surgery to insert a titanium plate and 27 screws into his three shattered bones.
Each day brought more optimism: Barbaro was eyeing the mares, nickering, gobbling up his feed and trying to walk out of his stall. There was great hope Barbaro somehow would overcome the odds and live a life of leisure on the farm, although he'd always have a hitch in his gait.
Richardson, along with owners Gretchen and Roy Jackson and trainer Michael Matz, all believed the colt had a chance to recover.
Until last week, when Barbaro's condition steadily worsened.
The colt underwent three surgical procedures and four cast changes on the injured leg, followed by a hoof wall resection.
"I really thought we were going to make it two weeks ago," Richardson said. "Today I'm not as confident."
Within hours of the grim update, roses and apples began arriving at the hospital, and hundreds of get-well e-mail messages were posted on a Web site set up by the New Bolton Center.
The vet didn't mince words: "It's as bad a laminitis as you can have. It's as bad as it gets."
He said he has discussed the situation closely with the Jacksons, who have stressed that their main concern is for Barbaro to be pain free.
Several telephone messages left for the Jacksons and Matz were not returned.
Richardson said Barbaro's injured right hind leg was healing well, but because a horse has to be evenly balanced to carry his weight, laminitis set in on the other foot. Secretariat, the 1973 Triple Crown winner, was euthanized due to laminitis in 1989.
"The reason we cut away the hoof wall is because the hoof wall is not connected" to the bone, he said. "If you had a nail that was separated from the end you'd pull it off. It's dead tissue that's in the way of living tissue."
Richardson said it would take several months for the hoof to grow back, and as long as six months to be completely healed.
Barbaro has been fitted with a sling to prevent sudden movements and allow him to shift his weight from side to side. The main goal is comfort.
"The sling is on only some of the day, when it's off, he can lie down," Richardson said. "We are not torturing this horse."
Edgar Prado, the jockey credited with saving Barbaro by quickly pulling him up in the Preakness, was devastated by the grim prognosis.
"It's very upsetting," he said. "Barbaro has shown to everyone what a fighter he is. He showed it on the track and with all the surgeries he's had. It just goes to show what kind of courage he has. He's a true champion, and is fighting every step of the way.
"All we can do now is hope and pray. We'll need a miracle, but maybe it will happen."
Father God-- Barbaro and McGee are better, but still have a way to go. Thank You for their progress. Thank You in advance for their complete healing!
So Be it!
Perhaps BARBARO is OUR teacher in some way...he's demonstrating such tenacity and courage (strength of the heart) and FAITH in life itself! I pray the doctors and all involved will learn the 'Barbaro teachings' of patience and faith, "don't give up on me, while I don't give up on life" I place the whole situation and all involved into the HOLY LIGHT into Gods hands for the highest good for all concerned. Peace be still, I am loving Barbaro, and all the healing energies of the purest light to come to his aid. Blessings abound!
Judi in Jersey - So beautifully expressed and spoken. This beautiful creature of God certainly has taught us all a lot about the strength to pursue life even when in pain or there are trials. Barbaro has shown us these can even make us stronger.
With my severe arthritis I find the need to do this each day, and Barbaro has given me so much hope. I'm sure his pain right now far outweighs any I will ever experience, and just look at him - he is indeed a champion in every way!
Barbaro has also taught his caretakers, doctors, jockey and owners (as well as us) a love "that passeth all understanding." So many have risen to the occasion to help this beautiful boy, just as I find so many kind people helping me when they see me in pain. The lesson of love and compassion is also incredible.
Vivi and some of these other wonderful creatures have taught us these lessons too - and will continue to teach us these lessons.
FOX SPORTS REPORTS BARBARO HAD ANOTHER GOOD NIGHT AND IS IN A GOOD FRAME OF MIND - ATTACHED IS THE LINK TO THE STORY - KEEP PRAYING
http://msn.foxsports.com/horseracingstory/5772724?FSO1&ATT=HCP>1-8393
This is the story in case the link didn't work
KENNETT SQUARE, Pennsylvania. (AP) - Barbaro had another good night in the intensive care unit, and the Kentucky Derby winner's assistant trainer said Sunday the colt "is in a good frame of mind."
"He had another good night," Peter Brette said. "He's doing fine. He's in a good frame of mind."
Brette has been visiting Barbaro almost every day since the colt shattered his right hind leg at the Preakness Stakes on May 20.
Barbaro's condition was stable through Saturday, and Brette seemed more upbeat than he was last week.
"He was bright," Brette said. "He sort of at least had a bit of sparkle in his eye."
The 3-year-old colt has the painful and often fatal condition laminitis in his left hind leg, and 80 percent of his hoof wall was removed Wednesday.
On Saturday, Barbaro's chief surgeon Dr. Dean Richardson reported that Barbaro was in stable condition - four days after he said the colt had laminitis "as bad as it gets" and termed his chance of survival poor.
I want to thank the person who sent the tim wolley site last week. It's a really nice blog and has great updates on Barbaro.
Here's some more good news - I will post on this blog so as to not interfer with the Vivi posts...;
Sabina Louise Pierce, Barbaro's Penn photographer (who was just on NBC10) sent me this e-mail describing her visit to Bobby yesterday (wednesday). She gave me permission to reproduce it below:
I got to see "Big B" as I like to call him, yesterday, I call him that as he is so larger than life, in spirit and in personality. He was in his sling when I came in and he was bobbing around a little sitting back like a dog..It was too dark in his stall so I couldn't get a shot of it as much as I would have liked too. He had his face in a fan that is fastened to his door, and even though the ICU is air conditioned and cool, he seemed to be enjoying the breeze. The lights were off in his stall with just some natural light filtering in from the back window so it made tough for photos, but I tried my best. I had come in with Dr. Raker, and Dr. Palmer to photograph them for Penn's alumni magazine.. Dr. Raker was very pleased to see Barbaro as he had not seen him since the week after the accident. He was happy to see him in high spirits, and full of emotion, being a typical stallion.. He smiled a lot, and said Big B was really bright in his eye. It was good to hear from such an expert!
Barbaro let us enter his stall for a few shots, exacting his toll of carrots and sweets that we all were glad to give him.. He is funny, he has so much to choose from with all the treats coming from admirers that he is fickle, one minute wanting a green peppermint, the next a sugar cube, and then a few baby carrots.. I always try to have something in my pocket for him being so patient with me, but with his wide array of tastes these days, I found myself begging through the door for something different to wet his appetite. He humored us all putting his ears up for a few seconds as I coaxed him with my kind words and snaps of the shutter and he enjoyed being scratched behind his ears and under his forelock. He seems to know me and my camera, even though I'm not an everyday visitor, and will let me enter his stall willingly these days with out too much of a threat of a peck.. which Dr. Raker pointed out to me any emotion, a threat of a nip, or a sweet nuzzle is positive. It shows he is full of plenty of life for the good fight. After I left Barbaro yesterday, I went for a ride on my mare and she was ancy to run.. I let her go on an open stretch and she ran like the wind.. Well, as fast as her little quarter horse feet could take us gaining speed until her body was in a full stretch. I cheered her on. Afterwards, as we walked it off, I could only imagine what it would have been like to have been on Barbaro.
Cheers, Sabina
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