Barbaro's Condition Is 'Guarded'
July 12, 2006 — -- The latest word on Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro is that he still faces tough odds. His condition is guarded.
"It seemed like he was in less and less danger as time passed, but now this," said Laura Hillenbrand, author of "Seabiscuit," the story of another turnaround racer. "I am so impressed with the horse's attitude. To go from sweeping over the ground effortlessly to being wadded up in a little stall for months must be so trying on such a creature, but he seems so bright and happy."
Veterinarian Dean Richardson at the University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center, said Barbaro's condition is "potentially serious" and doctors are looking at all possible treatments to keep Barbaro comfortable.
Barbaro shattered three bones in his right hind leg at the start of the Preakness Stakes on May 20. The colt has undergone four cast changes and three surgical procedures in the past week.
Richardson replaced the titanium plate and 27 screws and has also treated several infections.
Barbaro's recovery had gone smoothly until the recent series of setbacks. On Saturday, Barbaro underwent three hours of surgery.
The colt's condition is scheduled to be discussed at a newsconference Thursday.
A major concern centers on the infection in the right rearpastern joint - located above the hoof that was shattered into morethan 20 pieces. While most of the fractured bones have healed, thejoint that connects the long and short pastern bones remainsproblematic.
Saturday's surgery lasted three hours, and Richardson replacedthe hardware that had been inserted into the leg the day after thePreakness.
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