Barbaro develops complications 7/9

Associated Press
Horse Racing News Wire


KENNETT SQUARE, Pa. -- Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro has developed "potentially serious" complications to his injured right hind leg, and underwent surgery to treat a new infection.

The infection developed in the leg where a titanium plate and 27 screws were inserted after the 3-year-old colt shattered three bones at the start of the Preakness on May 20.

The hardware was replaced and the infection treated Saturday night after Barbaro showed discomfort and had a "consistently" high fever.

Surgery was performed by Dr. Dean Richardson at the University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center, where Barbaro has been recovering in the intensive care unit.

In a statement released by the hospital Sunday, Richardson emphasized that the complications are "potentially serious."

"Barbaro had developed some discomfort and a consistently elevated temperature so we believed it was in his best interest to remove the hardware and thoroughly clean the site of the infection," Richardson said. "We also applied a longer cast on that leg for additional support."

It is the third procedure in less than a week for Barbaro. He had the cast on his injured leg replaced and some new screws inserted Monday, and on Wednesday another new cast was applied. Also, Barbaro is being treated for a small abscess on the sole of his left hind hoof, according to the hospital.

Richardson said Barbaro's main fracture is healing well, but the pastern joint -- a joint above the hoof -- continues to be a concern. The joint, which doctors are attempting to fuse, was stabilized with "new implants and a fresh bone graft."

Barbaro took longer to recover from the anesthesia from this latest procedure, but Richardson added the colt was back in his stall and receiving pain medication, antibiotics and "other supportive care."

Barbaro's owners and trainer continue to visit twice daily, the statement said.



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