Barbaro has cast changed

By: SPORTS NETWORK

Kennett Square, PA (Sports Network) - Doctors at the George W. Widener Hospital for Large Animals, removed the cast that Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro had on his right hind leg since surgery was performed on Sunday, May 21.

Barbaro was under general anesthesia while the old cast was removed and replaced with a new one. His doctors are encouraged with his progress.

"His leg looks excellent," said Dr. Dean Richardson. "The incision has healed well and judging by the radiographs, the graft is opacifying ("taking")."

Barbaro shattered his leg early during the running of the Preakness Stakes on May 20 at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore. More than five hours of surgery was performed the next day by Dr. Richardson, Chief of Surgery at the New Bolton Center.

"Callus is forming nicely," noted Dr, Richardson, "and all of the implants (plate and screws) look unchanged."

Barbaro is owned by Roy and Gretchen Jacons of nearby West Grove, Pennsylvania.