Barbaro continues to improve entering October

Kennett Square, PA (Sports Network) - Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro finished the month of September with continued progress from his career ending injury suffered May 20 in the Preakness Stakes. It has now been more than four months since the three-year-old shattered his right hind leg.

"He is doing very, very well," said Dr. Dean Richardson, Chief of Surgery. "His appetite and vital signs continue to be excellent."

The cast on his right hind leg will be changed within the next week, but only if needed. Barbaro's left hind foot, the one with laminitis, has a protective bandage. The bandage on the hoof is changed daily.

Barbaro remains in the Intensive Care Unit of the University of Pennsylvania's George D. Widener Hospital and is brought outside every day to walk and graze.

"The left hind foot is progressing well, especially as it grows down from the coronary band," said Dr. Richardson. "However, we remain cautious, because Barbaro will still need several more months of healing before we'll know how well the overall hoof structure can be restored."