Barbaro develops complications to injured leg 7/10

Associated Press
Horse Racing News Wire
Updated: July 10, 2006, 3:24 AM ET

KENNETT SQUARE, Pa. -- Barbaro underwent a third procedure in less than week, this time for a new infection and "potentially serious" complications to his injured right hind leg.

The Kentucky Derby winner developed an infection in the leg in which a titanium plate and 27 screws were inserted after he shattered three bones at the start of the Preakness on May 20.

After Barbaro showed discomfort and had a "consistently" high fever, the plate and screws were replaced and the infection treated late Saturday night.

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."

Last Monday, Barbaro had the cast on his injured leg replaced and three new screws inserted. On Wednesday, another new cast was applied after the horse showed discomfort. Barbaro is also 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 -- located above the hoof which was shattered into more than 20 pieces -- 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 Saturday's procedure. Richardson said the colt was back in his stall and receiving pain medication, antibiotics and "other supportive care."

Barbaro's owners, Roy and Gretchen Jackson, who live in nearby West Grove, Pa., and trainer Michael Matz continue to visit twice daily, the statement said.

Doctors have said it could be months before they know if the colt can survive what has been called catastrophic injuries that leave him vulnerable to infection and other life-threatening complications.

Barbaro won the Kentucky Derby by 6½ lengths, was unbeaten in six races and expected to make a Triple Crown bid before his misstep early in the Preakness ended his racing career. He was taken to the New Bolton Center hours after breaking down at Pimlico Race Course and underwent five hours of surgery the next day.

At that time, Richardson said the chances of the horse's survival were 50-50.


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