Things continue to go well for Barbaro

By: SPORTS NETWORK

Kennett Square, PA (Sports Network) - Doctor Dean Richardson, chief of surgery at the George D. Widener Large Animal Hospital, reports that Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro remains comfortable in the Intensive Care Unit.

"Barbaro is doing well on both hind limbs," said Dr. Richardson. "Because of this, we do not plan to change his right hind cast in the next two weeks."

Barbaro suffered career ending injuries during the running of the Preakness Stakes on May 20 at Pimlico Race Course. Richardson and his surgical team operated on the colt the following day.

The colt's left hind foot developed laminitis, but Barbaro seems comfortable with that foot as well.

"He needs to continue to improve over the next few months before we will have a better idea about his long term comfort." said Dr. Richardson. "Barbaro's appetite and his attitude right now are phenomenal; he attacks his feed and when he goes out to graze, he acts like he thinks he could train."

Dr. Richardson advises that Barbaro still has a long way to go before a positive prognosis can be given.

"Right now, he is a surprisingly happy horse," he said. "He is gaining weight and has had his pain medications reduced without any effect on his well being. His strength and overall appearance have been improving since he became well enough to be walked outside each day."

Last week Dr. Richardson reported that Barbaro is no longer using the sling.

"His comfort level has improved to the point that when he was in the sling, he wasn't using it at all. The sling is only bearing the horse’s weight when he wants it to, and Barbaro’s comfort level has improved to the point that he was not using the sling to support his weight."