Rachel Alexandra improving after week from surgery

By: SPORTS NETWORK

Lexington, KY (Sports Network) - Retired champion Rachel Alexandra remains in stable condition one week after undergoing abdominal surgery at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington, Ky.

The 2009 Horse of the Year has been taking short walks and has an improved appetite this week. She is being treated by veterinarians Dr. Bonnie Barr and Dr. Brett Woodie.

Rachel Alexandra foaled a filly on Tuesday, Feb. 12 and shortly afterward began experiencing complications. She was admitted into Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital the next day with excess fluid in her abdomen and had abdominal surgery performed Wednesday, Feb. 13.

She underwent exploratory abdominal surgery which discovered an infection. A damaged section of her small colon was surgically repaired.