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BARBARO
April 2003 - January 2007
In Memory of Barbaro
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Monday, January 29, 2007
Maryland Jockey Club Expresses Condolences On The Passing of Barbaro
“On behalf of the entire team at The Maryland Jockey Club, we join the Thoroughbred racing community and many world-wide Barbaro fans in expressing our sincerest and deepest sympathy on the passing of such a magnificent and beloved champion,” said Mike Gathagan, Vice President of Communications for the Maryland Jockey Club. “Barbaro will never be forgotten, having touched many lives with his stirring victory in the Kentucky Derby, and his courageous battle to overcome such a severe injury. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Barbaro’s family of connections, owners Roy and Gretchen Jackson, trainer Michael Matz, jockey Edgar Prado, and Dr. Dean Richardson and his superb team at the New Bolton Center, whose dedication and perseverance in the hard-fought effort to save Barbaro’s life has been truly remarkable.”
KENNETT SQUARE, PA. 01-29-07-- Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro was euthanized Monday after complications from his breakdown at last year's Preakness Stakes, ending an eight-month ordeal that prompted an outpouring of support across the country.
A series of ailments -- including laminitis in the left rear hoof, an abscess in the right rear hoof, as well as new laminitis in both front feet -- proved too much for the gallant colt.
"Certainly, grief is the price we all pay for love," said co-owner Gretchen Jackson at a news conference.
Barbaro battled in his ICU stall for eight months. The 4-year-old colt underwent several procedures and was fitted with fiberglass casts. He spent time in a sling to ease pressure on his legs, had pins inserted and was fitted at the end with an external brace. These were all extraordinary measures for a horse with such injuries.
"Clearly, this was a difficult decision to make," chief surgeon Dr. Dean Richardson said. "It hinged on what we said all along, whether or not we thought his quality of life was acceptable. The probable outcome was just so poor."
Richardson, fighting back tears, added: "Barbaro had many, many good days."
Roy and Gretchen Jackson were with Barbaro on Monday morning, with the owners making the decision in consultation with Richardson.
"We just reached a point where it was going to be difficult for him to go on without pain," Roy Jackson said. "It was the right decision, it was the right thing to do. We said all along if there was a situation where it would become more difficult for him then it would be time."
Richardson said he was comfortable the right decision was made and could tell Barbaro was not his usual self early Monday morning.
"He was just a different horse," he said. "You could see he was upset. That was the difference. It was more than we wanted to put him through."
On May 20, Barbaro was rushed to the New Bolton Center, about 30 miles from Philadelphia in Kennett Square, hours after shattering his right hind leg just a few strides into the Preakness. The bay colt underwent a five-hour operation that fused two joints, recovering from an injury most horses never survive. (Courtesy of the Associated Press)
Sunday, January 28, 2007 News Update
'Not a good day' for Barbaro
Update from Dr. Dean W. Richardson on Barbaro's condition
KENNETT SQUARE, PA - On Saturday, January 27, Barbaro was taken back to surgery because we could not keep him comfortable on his right hind foot. That foot developed a deep subsolar abscess secondary to bruising when he went through a period of discomfort on the left hind foot. It is not laminitis but the undermining of the sole and part of the lateral heel region are potentially just as serious. We attempted to manage the right hind foot in a cast and then in a custom fabricated brace but it was impossible to have access to the foot for treatment as well as acceptable stability and comfort. We elected to place his right hind in an external skeletal fixation device in order to provide the foot a chance to heal. This means that two steel pins have been placed transversely through his right hind cannon bone. These pins are connected to external sidebars that in turn are connected to a lightweight alloy foot plate.
This results in the horse eliminating all weight bearing from the foot; the horse's weight is borne through the pins across his cannon bone. There is significant risk in this approach but we believed it was our only option given the worsening of the right hind foot problem. The major risk of the external skeletal fixation device is that the bone bearing the weight can fracture. Unfortunately, we felt we needed to take this risk because this approach offered our only hope of keeping Barbaro acceptably comfortable.
He had a perfect recovery from anesthesia and has been in and out of the sling since then. His left hind foot appears to be stable at this time. We remain concerned about both front feet. Remarkably, his attitude and appetite were excellent overnight.
We will continue to treat Barbaro aggressively as long as he remains bright, alert and eating. This is another significant setback that exemplifies how complex his medical situation remains because both hind limbs have major problems.
Barbaro remains in the Intensive Care Unit of Penn's George D. Widener Hospital at New Bolton Center.
Updates will be provided when new information is available.
For more information on Barbaro, please see www.vet.upenn.edu.
Thursday, January 18, 2007 News Update
Barbaro continues to gradually improve
KENNETT SQUARE, PA - Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro continues to gradually improve. "Barbaro's comfort level is improving steadily, and we are gradually tapering off his pain medication," said Dr. Dean W. Richardson, Chief of Surgery. "His vital signs are stable, and his appetite is good."
Barbaro remains in the Intensive Care Unit of Penn's George D. Widener Hospital at New Bolton Center.
The next update will be posted on Wednesday, January 24, unless there is a significant change in Barbaro's condition.
For more information on Barbaro, please see http://www.vet.upenn.edu/.
Saturday, January 13, 2007 News Update
Barbaro undergoes planned procedure
KENNETT SQUARE, PA - As previously planned, Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro was placed under general anesthesia this morning to fully examine his left hind foot. "While his condition was unchanged over the last two days, we were unable to fully assess his left hind foot with him in his stall," said Dr. Dean W. Richardson, Chief of Surgery. "In today's procedure, another area of undermined hoof wall was removed. The left hind deep digital flexor tendon was cut to help decrease the pull on the coffin bone by that tendon. This was previously done in July, but the tendon had healed and was pulling on the coffin bone, contributing to the malalignment of the coffin bone. Because he has been more uncomfortable on his left hind, we put a cast back on the right hind lower limb for additional support."
Dr. Richardson reports that "Barbaro was awoken from anesthesia once more in the recovery-pool and had an uneventful recovery. He continues to receive intensive management for his discomfort on the left hind foot."
Barbaro remains in the Intensive Care Unit of Penn's George D. Widener Hospital at New Bolton Center.
The next update will be posted on Tuesday, January 16, unless there is a significant change in Barbaro's condition.
Friday, January 12, 2007 News Update
Barbaro comfortable overnight
KENNETT SQUARE, PA - According to his medical team, Kentucky Derby winner
Barbaro rested comfortably overnight. "We do not believe that this setback puts him all the way back to where he was in July," said Dr. Dean W. Richardson, Chief of Surgery. "He has much more healthy tissue on the bottom of the left foot than he had at that time. He spends part of each day in his sling, and he is eating well and acting bright."
The colt's right hind leg, injured at the Preakness on May 20, 2006, is also being closely monitored. "We have a solid column of bone to work with in the right hind limb," said Dr. Richardson. "There are no signs of infection in either limb at this time. It is very disappointing to have him go through this setback, but we will continue to try to keep him comfortable and assist his healing with reasonable and humane measures."
Barbaro remains in the Intensive Care Unit of Penn's George D. Widener Hospital at New Bolton Center.
The next update will be posted on Tuesday, January 16, unless there is a significant change in Barbaro's condition.
For more information on Barbaro, please see < http://www.vet.upenn.edu/>www.vet.upenn.edu.
Thursday, January 11, 2007 News Update
Barbaro is stable and acceptably comfortable
January 11, 2007
KENNETT SQUARE, PA-- Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro's management has
been changed to include sling support for several hours during the
day, according to Dr. Dean W. Richardson, Chief of Surgery. "He is
getting up and down on his own and continues to eat and have stable
vital signs. Radiographs (X-rays) taken yesterday revealed no
additional complications in either hind leg. We are considering
several additional therapeutic options at this time. He is stable
and acceptably comfortable."
Barbaro remains in the Intensive Care Unit at Penn's George D.
Widener Hospital for Large Animals.
Updates will be provided when new information is available.
Wednesday, January 10, 2007 News Update
Barbaro suffers setback
January 10, 2007
KENNETT SQUARE, PA — Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro has had a significant setback over the last 24 hours. He became acutely more uncomfortable on his left hind foot. The foot cast was removed and some new separation of the medial (inside) portion of his hoof was found. This required some additional debridement (removal of the damaged tissue) last night.
He is being treated much more aggressively at this time for his discomfort. He is continuing to eat well and is otherwise stable. Updates will be provided when new information is available.
Tuesday, September 19, 2006 News Update
Gail Luciani
Barbaro continues to improve
KENNETT SQUARE, PA According to veterinarians at Penn’s George D. Widener Hospital, Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro continues to gradually improve. “He had an excellent week,” said Dr. Dean Richardson, Chief of Surgery. “We replaced the boot on his left hind foot with a bandage because the hoof is doing well.”
In addition, Barbaro continues to be comfortable in the cast that has been on his right hind leg for the past three weeks. “We won’t change it unless there is a reason to do so, and we will continue to monitor his comfort closely before deciding when to replace or remove this cast,” said Dr. Richardson. “He is enjoying his daily excursions outside to graze, and his appetite is excellent.”
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, September 26, unless there is a significant change in Barbaro’s condition.
Tuesday, September 5, 2006 News Update
Gail Luciani
Barbaro continues to do well
KENNETT SQUARE, PA -Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro continues to please veterinarians with his progress after his most recent right hind leg cast change last week. "Barbaro is wearing the new cast satisfactorily," said Dr. Dean W. Richardson, Chief of Surgery. "We continue to monitor him closely, and depending on how he progresses, we may change it again within the next two weeks."
The colt's left hind foot, which has laminitis, continues to improve gradually, according to Dr. Richardson. The bandage on this foot is changed daily.
"Barbaro's appetite is great, and we take him out each day to hand graze him," said Dr. Richardson. "His vital signs remain normal, and he seems very happy."
Barbaro is 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, September 12 unless there is a significant change in Barbaro's condition.
Monday, August 28, 2006 News Update
Gail Luciani
Barbaro has cast change
KENNETT SQUARE, PA -Veterinarians at Penn's George D. Widener Hospital changed the right hind leg cast of Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro yesterday, Sunday, August 27. "The cast was changed because there was a small crack in it,"said Dr. Dean W. Richardson, Chief of Surgery. "Based on new radiographs that were taken, the leg looked excellent under the cast. The pastern joint looks completely fused, and there is only a small area in the long pastern bone that has a little farther to go before we take him out of the cast completely."
In addition, the radiographs showed that there were no signs of infection. The cast change took place under general anesthesia, and Barbaro had another successful pool recovery before returning to his stall.
The colt's left hind foot has laminitis, but Barbaro seems comfortable with that foot as well. The bandage on the left hind foot continues to be changed daily.
According to Dr. Richardson: "Barbaro is bright and happy this morning with an excellent appetite."
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,September 5 unless there is a significant change in Barbaro's condition.
For more information on Barbaro, please see http://www.vet.upenn.edu/>www.vet.upenn.edu
Thursday, August 17, 2006 News Update
Gail Luciani
Barbaro has had a very good week
KENNETT SQUARE, PA Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro continues to do well, and is being hand-grazed for 20 – 30 minutes a day. “His blood work is completely normal and his vital signs are good,” said Dr. Dean Richardson, Chief of Surgery. “I can’t complain. Barbaro has had a very good week.” Dr. Richardson also reports that Barbaro is no longer using the sling. “His comfort level has improved to the point that when he was in the sling, he wasn’t “using” it at all. The sling is only bearing the horse’s weight when he wants it to, and Barbaro’s comfort level has improved to the point that he was not using the sling to support his weight.”
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, August 22 unless there is a significant change in Barbaro’s condition.
Monday, August 14, 2006 News Update
Gail Luciani
Barbaro well enough to hand graze outside
KENNETT SQUARE, PA After almost three months in the Intensive Care Unit of Penn’s George D. Widener Hospital, Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro has begun brief outings to some grassy areas adjacent to the ICU to hand graze. “We felt he was ready for a change of scenery, so last week we took him outside to pick his own grass,” said Dr. Dean Richardson, Chief of Surgery. “He’s not outside for a long time, but it’s enough to let him enjoy the fresh air and sunshine. If he remains this comfortable, he will be hand-grazed daily.”
Photos will be available on the Penn Vet Web site later today that show Barbaro being walked to the ICU’s grazing area. “I’m very pleased with his progress,” said Dr. Richardson. “His appetite remains strong, he sleeps well, and we continue to monitor him closely. He is measurably gaining weight and his overall attitude is great.”
The photos show the cast on the right hind leg, which encloses the foot and extends up to just below the hock, the bandage on the left hind foot and support wraps on Barbaro’s front legs.
Wednesday, August 9, 2006 News Update
Gail Luciani
Another smooth cast change for Barbaro
KENNETT SQUARE, PA — Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro is doing well this morning after the cast on his right hind limb was changed late yesterday afternoon under general anesthesia. “The leg looked good under the cast, especially considering the length of time that he has been in a cast,” said Dr. Dean Richardson, Chief of Surgery. “The radiographs also were encouraging. There is no sign of active infection. This is further supported by his markedly improving blood values over the last two weeks. He had an excellent pool recovery; he is a very intelligent horse and has definitely figured out the whole process.”
The cast on the right hind leg encloses the foot and extends up to just below the hock. It will continue to be changed regularly until the fractures and joint fusions have healed completely enough to sustain full weight bearing.
The bandage and protective boot on Barbaro's laminitic left hind foot continues to be changed daily. “The appearance of the foot is very good. It is dry and healthy looking with excellent early regrowth at the coronary band,” said Dr. Richardson.
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, August 15 unless there is a significant change in Barbaro’s condition.
Tuesday, August 8, 2006 News Update
Gail Luciani
Cast change planned for Barbaro later today
KENNETT SQUARE, PA Doctors at Penn’s George D. Widener Hospital plan to change the right hind leg cast of Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro later today. "Changing the cast gives us the opportunity to take new radiographs and evaluate the progress of the fracture healing and joint fusions," said Dr. Dean Richardson, Chief of Surgery.
"His left hind hoof continues to show signs of regrowth and looks healthy," said Dr. Richardson. The colt’s left hind foot, which had most of the hoof wall removed due to severe laminitis, has a daily bandage change for examination and treatment.
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.
Thursday, August 3, 2006 News Update (8:30 a.m. release)
Gail Luciani
Barbaro continues to improve
KENNETT SQUARE, PA — Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro’s left hind hoof is slowly showing evidence of regrowth after surgery last month to treat laminitis.
Laminitis occurs when laminae, the strong connecting tissues that attach the pedal bone and the inner hoof wall, are inflamed. “The coronary band (the portion of the hoof that is responsible for continued downward growth of the hoof) is beginning to re-establish itself," said Dean Richardson, Chief of Surgery at the George D. Widener Hospital.
Barbaro’s right hind leg continues to be protected in a cast.
“The original fractures have apparently healed well, but the cast is necessary to protect the pastern fusion,” Dr. Richardson said. “This protection is required because he must bear most of his weight on the right hind limb due to the laminitis in the left hind leg.”
Barbaro remains in the Intensive Care Unit of the University of Pennsylvania’s George D. Widener Hospital.
The next update will be posted on Tuesday, August 8, unless there is a significant change in Barbaro’s condition.
Tuesday, August 1, 2006 News Update
Gail Luciani
Barbaro's condition remains stable
KENNETT SQUARE, PA Chief of Surgery Dean Richardson reports that Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro’s condition continues to be stable. The colt’s left hind foot, which has laminitis, is monitored closely for signs of infection. “We change his left hind foot bandage daily, and it looks good,” said Dr. Richardson. “His right hind leg also looks good, and his appetite remains strong.”
Barbaro remains in the Intensive Care Unit of the University of Pennsylvania’s George D. Widener Hospital.
The next update will be posted on Thursday, August 3, unless there is a significant change in Barbaro’s condition.
Friday, July 28, 2006 News Update
Gail Luciani
Barbaro's condition remains stable; radiographs look good
KENNETT SQUARE, PA Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro continues to be stable after another comfortable night according to Chief of Surgery Dean Richardson. His right hind leg cast was changed late Wednesday. "We took new radiographs, and they look good," said Dr. Richardson. "No problems were evident." In addition, the modified foot cast on Barbaro’s left hind foot, which has laminitis, is changed daily so the foot can be treated and watched for signs of infection.
"Barbaro has a strong appetite, and he has been enjoying hand-picked grass and ‘healthy snacks' daily," said Dr. Richardson.
Barbaro remains in the Intensive Care Unit of the University of Pennsylvania’s George D. Widener Hospital.
The next update will be posted on Tuesday, August 1, unless there is a significant change in Barbaro’s condition.
Monday, July 24, 2006 News Update
Gail Luciani
Barbaro's condition remains stable
KENNETT SQUARE, PA Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro had an uneventful weekend, and continues to be comfortable according to his doctors at the George D. Widener Hospital. “He’s maintaining an excellent attitude,” said Chief of Surgery Dean Richardson. “We change his left hind foot cast regularly, and we may change his right hind cast some time this week.”
Barbaro spends several hours daily in a sling. “He is out of the sling overnight because he is very smart about lying down and sleeping,” said Dr. Richardson. “He continues to eat a diet designed to maximize protein and caloric intake, and his body condition is good for a horse that has had (and is having) his problems. His diet includes a selection of the best quality hay.”
The next update will be posted on Wednesday, July 26 unless there is a significant change in Barbaro’s condition.
For more information on Barbaro, please see www.vet.upenn.edu.
Friday, July 21, 2006 News Update
Gail Luciani
Barbaro's condition remains stable
KENNETT SQUARE, PA — According to Chief of Surgery Dean Richardson, Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro remains in stable condition. “He had another restful night and his vital signs are good,” said Dr. Richardson. “We continue to monitor him closely and he is responding as well as can be expected to treatment.”
Barbaro is in the Intensive Care Unit of Penn’s George D. Widener Hospital where he is being treated for fractures in his right hind leg, which he received at the Preakness on May 20, as well as laminitis in his left hind foot.
The next update will be posted on Monday, July 24 unless there is a significant change in Barbaro’s condition.
Thursday, July 20, 2006 News Update
Gail Luciani
Barbaro remains stable
KENNETT SQUARE, PA Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro remains in stable condition after another restful night according to Chief of Surgery Dean Richardson. “His vital signs are good and his attitude remains positive,” said Dr. Richardson. “He slept well and is comfortable this morning.”
Barbaro is in the Intensive Care Unit of Penn’s George D. Widener Hospital where he is being treated for fractures in his right hind leg, which he received at the Preakness on May 20, as well as laminitis in his left hind foot.
Wednesday, July 19, 2006 News Update
Gail Luciani
Barbaro's condition unchanged
KENNETT SQUARE, PA -- Chief of Surgery Dean Richardson reports that Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro remains in stable condition with good vital signs today. "Barbaro spends several hours a day in a sling, which he has adapted to very well," said Dr. Richardson.
Slings, which were originally designed for rescuing horses, are now common in the treatment of horses with conditions that include neurological problems or muscular skeletal injuries. They have been in use for many years for long-term management of a horse's movement. "We have a lot of experience in using slings for equine support," said Dr. Richardson. "In Barbaro's case, it is a part-time aid that we use to increase his comfort level."
Barbaro continues to be monitored closely in the Intensive Care Unit of the George D. Widener Hospital at the University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center.
Monday, July 17, 2006 News Update
Gail Luciani
Barbaro stable, comfortable with foot cast
KENNETT SQUARE, PA Chief of Surgery Dean Richardson reports today that Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro’s vital signs are good and that he had another quiet, restful night. “He remains in stable condition, and he is eating well,” said Dr. Richardson. “We continue to manage his pain successfully, and he is alert.”
Barbaro is tolerating his right hind leg cast well; this cast supports the repair of the injury suffered at the Preakness on May 20. To treat a severe case of laminitis in the colt’s left rear hoof, last week Dr. Richardson and his surgical team performed a hoof wall resection that removed 80 percent of the hoof. Doctors then applied a modified fiberglass foot cast to protect the hoof; this foot cast will be changed as needed so that the hoof can be treated and watched for signs of infection. The foot cast is rigid and provides greater stability and support than a bandage.
“It is important for people to understand that this is not a ‘routine’ laminitis. The care involved in treating a hoof with this degree of compromise is complex,” said Dr. Richardson.
Barbaro continues to be monitored closely in the Intensive Care Unit of the George D. Widener Hospital at the University of Pennsylvania’s New Bolton Center.
For more information on Barbaro, please see www.vet.upenn.edu
Wednesday, July 12, 2006 News Update
Gail Luciani
Barbaro’s condition guarded
KENNETT SQUARE, PA Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro is continuing to rest comfortably today according to Dr. Dean Richardson, Chief of Surgery. “As we said yesterday, Barbaro’s condition is potentially serious, and we are aggressively seeking all treatment options,” he said. “Today we will focus on further diagnostics and keeping our patient comfortable.” Barbaro is being treated for fractures received at the Preakness on May 20 as well as discomfort in his left hind foot.
“He’s facing tough odds and his condition is guarded,” said Dr. Richardson. “Our entire staff is determined to do all they can for this magnificent horse.” All decisions are being made in constant consultation with the owners, who continue to be only interested in his comfort.
Barbaro remains in the Intensive Care Unit of the George D. Widener Hospital at the University of Pennsylvania’s New Bolton Center.
Watch for a media advisory for a press conference later this week. For more information on Barbaro, please see www.vet.upenn.edu.
The University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine Background
Penn’s School of Veterinary Medicine is one of the world’s premier veterinary schools. Founded in 1884, the School was built on the concept of Many Species, One MedicineTM. The birthplace of veterinary specialties, the School serves a distinctly diverse array of animal patients, from pets to horses to farm animals at our two campuses. In Philadelphia, on Penn’s campus, are the Matthew J. Ryan Veterinary Hospital for companion animals, as well as classrooms, laboratories and the School’s administrative offices. The large-animal facility, New Bolton Center, in Kennett Square, Pa., encompasses hospital facilities for the care of horses and food animals as well as diagnostic laboratories serving the agriculture industry. The School has successfully integrated scholarship and scientific discovery with all aspects of veterinary medical education.
Barbaro Banner and card signed at Pimlico Race Course,
Baltimore Maryland by fans with well wishes.
Photo Credit: Sabina Louise Pierce, University of Pennsylvania
(click on photo for larger image)
Friday, May 26, 2006
Barbaro continues to do well; is wearing special horseshoes
Sent by Ronald Ozio - University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine
KENNETT SQUARE, PA – As of 11:00 a.m., EDT, Barbaro’s condition is excellent. “He looks good, everything is fine,” said Chief of Surgery Dean W. Richardson. “His appetite is particularly good today.”
Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro continues to take small steps toward recovery from a shattered hind leg. The 3-year-old colt broke bones above and below his ankle at the Preakness on May 20, ending his racing career.
A special horseshoe designed and patented by the Farrier Service at the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Veterinary Medicine has been applied to Barbaro’s hoof. “One of the complications that can occur following leg fractures in horses is the risk of developing laminitis in the opposite foot from bearing extra weight,” said New Bolton Center farrier Rob Sigafoos. “To reduce this risk, we applied a supportive shoe to Barbaro's left hind foot immediately following the surgery for the fracture of his right hind leg.”
Sigafoos explained that the shoe is designed to reduce the risk of laminitis in several ways:
· By supporting the sole of the left hind foot
· By containing materials that minimize weakening and possible infection of the sole
· By being built up to extend the length of the left hind foot, which compensates for the additional length of the right hind limb created by the cast.
Barbaro remains in intensive care at the George D. Widener Hospital for Large Animals at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine’s New Bolton Center.
The University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine Background
Penn’s School of Veterinary Medicine is one of the world’s premier veterinary schools. Founded in 1884, the School was built on the concept of Many Species, One MedicineTM. The birthplace of veterinary specialties, the School serves a distinctly diverse array of animal patients, from pets to horses to farm animals at our two campuses. In Philadelphia, on Penn’s campus, are the Matthew J. Ryan Veterinary Hospital for companion animals, as well as classrooms, laboratories and the School’s administrative offices. The large-animal facility, New Bolton Center, in Kennett Square, Pa., encompasses hospital facilities for the care of horses and food animals as well as diagnostic laboratories serving the agriculture industry. The School has successfully integrated scholarship and scientific discovery with all aspects of veterinary medical education.
Anonymous donor launches Barbaro fund for hospital at New Bolton
Posted on thoroughbredtimes.com at: 5/23/2006 6:32:23 PM
An anonymous donor has given an undisclosed amount to launch a fund named for Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Barbaro that will benefit the George D. Widener Hospital at the University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center.
The university's department of veterinary medicine has established a website where donors can offer their support for animals treated at the New Bolton Center.
Donations will go directly to a fund for the Widener Hospital and not specifically for Barbaro's care at the clinic.
"It is wonderful that we can create something so very good out of Barbaro's tragedy and to help celebrate animal athletes," said Gretchen Jackson, who owns Barbaro with her husband, Roy. "This fund in Barbaro's name will honor him and provide a lasting resource to help care for animals treated at the Widener Hospital."
More information can be accessed by clicking here
Transcript of Press Conference at the University of Pennsylvania’s New Bolton Center regarding Barbaro May 23, 2006
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