Jennifer Rench
(610) 925-6182
jrench@vet.upenn.edu
Gail Luciani
(215) 898-1475
luciani@vet.upenn.edu
Veterinarians change Barbaro’s right hind leg cast
October 10, 2006
KENNETT SQUARE, PA – Veterinarians at Penn’s George D. Widener Hospital changed Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro’s cast yesterday, Monday, October 9. “We placed Barbaro under general anesthesia to remove the old cast on his right hind limb and took new radiographs to assess the continued healing of the original injuries,” said Dr. Dean Richardson, Chief of Surgery. “I was pleased with the continued progression of healing and the overall condition of this leg.” Barbaro had another successful pool-recovery, and was resting comfortably in his stall after the procedure. In addition to replacing the cast, doctors trimmed his feet and applied a new shoe on the right hind foot. A few hours after recovery, he was taken back outside to graze and was comfortable on both hind legs.
“There are no signs of infection and the primary incisions have healed surprisingly well,” said Dr. Richardson. “Because he has had a cast on for so long, there are a few cast sores, but nothing serious.”
Barbaro’s left hind foot, which had laminitis, continues to gradually improve. “There is good growth along the quarters (closer to the heel) but there will need to be much more healing along the front of the hoof,” said Dr. Richardson, who cautioned that “we still have many months of healing ahead of us.”
Barbaro remains in the Intensive Care Unit of the University of Pennsylvania’s George D. Widener Hospital, where he is recovering from injuries suffered at the Preakness on May 20.
The next update will be posted on Tuesday, October 17, unless there is a significant change in Barbaro’s condition.
For more information on Barbaro, please see www.vet.upenn.edu.
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