Barbaro has life-threatening inflammation in hind foot/ESPN NEWS

This is a very abbreviated version of the press conference held this morning on ESPN News. Dr. Richardson was forthright and open in his discussion with the press, who called in asking some excellent questions about Barbaro's condition and his prognosis.

What was apparent to me, while watching the press conference, was that everyone concerned with Barbaro is focusing on his comfort at this time. This is their main focus, as they continue to monitor his recovery from surgery to deal with the Laminitis in his left hind foot. This condition is critical.

This being said, and before I quote the article found on the ESPN website after the press conference, I wish to note that Dr. Richardson stressed that Barbaro is eating well, his G.I. functions are excellent and he shows interest in his surroundings. These are all vital signs to monitor as well as more conventional medical diagnostics.

They additionally keep him more comfortable by placing him in a sling at times, to help him manage his weight and give him support. He is able to lay down and get up as he wishes too.

Below is the most recent update from ESPN.

Associated Press
Updated: July 13, 2006, 11:24 AM ET

KENNETT SQUARE, Pa. -- Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro was fighting for his life Thursday after developing a severe case of laminitis, a potentially fatal disease brought on by uneven weight distribution in the limbs.

Dean Richardson, the chief surgeon who has been treating Barbaro since the colt suffered catastrophic injuries in the Preakness on May 20, called the Derby winner's chances of survival "poor."

"I'd be lying if I said anything other than poor," Richardson said Thursday at a news conference at the University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center. "As long as the horse is not suffering, we're going to continue to try [to save him].

"If we can keep him comfortable, we think it's worth the effort."