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Barbaro future looks bleak

Apologies for yesterday's disappearing post -- TypePad had some outtages that resulted in data loss.

Meanwhile, Barbaro is having problems of his own:

Racehorse Barbaro Has Life-Threatening Complication

By Nancy Kercheval  (Bloomberg) — Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro has suffered "the most feared” complication in his left hind foot and will be euthanized if his pain can’t be controlled, his surgeon said.

The three-year-old colt developed laminitis, an inflammation in his uninjured hoof from an unequal distribution of weight, said Dean Richardson, the chief surgical veterinarian at the University of Pennsylvania’s George D. Widener Hospital.

The horse underwent surgery yesterday to remove 80 percent of the hoof and was put on pain medications and suspended part of the day in a sling to reduce discomfort, Richardson said at a news conference at the hospital in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, 36 miles southwest of Philadelphia.

“Barbaro has an acute rather severe bout of laminitis in the left hind foot,” Richardson said. “We will only go on as long as everyone involved, when they look at the horse, can be convinced he is acceptably comfortable.” Barbaro, who shattered his right hind ankle in the Preakness Stakes, may start to show signs that he is in unbearable pain in as little as 24 hours. Richardson said.

With jockey Edgar Prado riding, Barbaro posted a seven- length victory in the 132nd Kentucky Derby on May 6 to give the colt six straight victories and more than $2.3 million in winnings.

Two weeks later at the Preakness, the horse jumped through the gate prematurely, and then snapped his ankle about 200 yards after the start of the race.

The colt was taken to the animal hospital where he underwent more than four hours of surgery May 21 to implant a plate and 27 screws to help the ankle fuse. He had four medical procedures in the past nine days to add a new plate and screws, a fresh bone graft and to treat an abscess.

(c) 2006 Bloomberg News

Comments (18)

Don't know what to say. Lately, it seems that any animal I am praying for has a terrible outcome. I am not ready to lose this horse.

Well, I was hoping to get through the day without crying uncontrollably but that's shot to hell now.
Lois T

You hit the nail on the head Lois and Elizabeth - my sentiments exactly

beth: stop it....
that is plain silliness there :)

Don't give up on him yet, they are still trying and they said he is still comfortable and that the owners will go as long as he comfortable. That was on the Tim Woolley site.

As most of you certainly have been, I have been following the Barbaro (Bobby) Updates with great concern.

The last update I saw, which is on Tim Wooley's website. (Tim Wooley is a trainer at Fair Hills.)

It mentioned Bobby is a longshot to recover, but there are still chances of recovery. He is comfortable and they are not giving up yet.

Bobby is in a sling part of the time and has free movement. Bobby looks good and is eating well and comfortable. He has a strong constitution.

Let's all stay positive for this magnificent horse.

I am praying harder than I have ever prayed for this horse - and for Vivi - it is just so discouraging but I am not giving up the faith - just a little weak right now.

I'm just heartsick about this latest development in Barbaro's recovery. He was doing so well for so long. I just hope he can withstand this latest problem.

Teresa

Latest update on Barbaro:

Update 220: The focus of the press conference was the new, significant problem of laminitis in the left hind foot. No doubt this will be widely covered by all the media. Barbaro's current state is extremely serious however, he does remain comfortable. They will continue to work around the clock to try to overcome this setback as long as he remains comfortable. One issue that Dr. Richardson emphasized was that the Jacksons will not tolerate any discomfort for Barbaro. More to come later.
Updated Thursday 11:30am

My prayers go out to Barbaro and the Jacksons!!!

Like all of you, I am just heartsick over this latest bad news about Barbaro. He's been through so much and done so well.... and now this???
And as for Vivi, will she ever be found???

It's really a sad situation with Barbaro. Some how he's managed to be be alert, eat well, and look around , I hope he can get through this too. Prayers for him and the family.
As far as Vivi being found, we certainly hope so . Their are some very ambitious people looking for her , and with all the help coming from the Atlantic to Pacific Oceans YES she will be found... soon! Just gotta keep the faith...

I too am deeply sad about this bad turn of events for Barbaro, but this guy is eating well and staying without temp. Don't count this fighter down yet ladies. Barbaro is an extraordinary race horse, with an extraordinary will.

When things look bleak, we do not need to give up. We need to pray that much harder. Everyone pray hard and let God and Barbaro know you have not given up on him yet.

That felt good, haven't given a sermon in a while on this blog. Smile ladies, we have not lost the battle yet with Barbaro or any of the others. Please pray for McGee and Sharon too please, McGee is not eating today Sharon just posted.

Hugs from Kathleen and Tinkerbell in Memphis, TN

I just read the Barbaro post. I am praying that this beautiful horse will recover and enjoy a long life with his wonderful owners. I feel that now he is owned by the whole world. I'm just sick about this, but he has a strong will. I'm lighting a candle now for Barbaro and all our lost and sick animal friends.
Vivi will be found. She has the whole country working for her reunion with her family.

Sharon

My thoughts and prayers are with you and McGee

Barbaro:
Update 316: Another comfortable night last night for Barbaro (tuesday night).

Update 315: Wm & CL left a wonderful comment in Barbaro Updates 21 as an explanation of how Barbaro has captured our imagination. The following is a short excerpt:

While Barbaro recovers, immense obstacles are being overcome as Americans recover. His struggle and our struggles are easy to understand. That is what grabs our hearts. In the imortal words of Seabiscuit's trainer, Tom Smith, and owner Charles Howard: "You never throw away a whole life just because it gets banged up a little bit." We believe Barbaro's owners, Roy & Gretchen Jackson, are of the same mindset including Dr. Dean Richardson and his medical team. Barbaro's same fierce fighting spirit and champion heart inspire us to go the extra mile for him while he is doing the same for us. He is giving us our second chance as we give it back to him.

So, Barbaro, we will sit and rest awhile with you when our hearts and soul get weary. From R. Loveland and B. Graham's words--'You Raise Me Up'--this is for you.

"You raise me up so I can stand on mountains,
You raise me up to walk on stormy seas.
I am strong when you are on my shoulders,
You raise me (us all) to more than I (we) can
be."

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ptbkgrj pnuih rzutpjs ryxkvj xqtovzrl ehrvcipzm lwodc http://www.mlsfz.eghmsbjlw.com

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