GTs
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Dean Richardson, D.V.M., chief of surgery at the University of Pennsylvanias New Bolton Center, is optimistic about the healing of Barbaros broken right hind leg but remains guarded about the Dynaformer colts recovery from laminitis in his left hind foot.
There has been recent speculation that the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1) winner could leave New Bolton soon, but Richardson said the colts condition remains unchanged. Richardson also commented on the appearance of Barbaros right hind leg.
The shoe on his right hind foot was further modified as his strength improved, Richardson said. We are aware that there is some public concern about his abnormal motion on the right hind limb, however, this is not unexpected. His gait may be abnormal as he learns to adapt to having fusions of two major joints in his lower limb and to the special shoe. In addition, the fracture had some collapse on the medial [inside] part of the pastern region after he developed laminitis on the left hind foot.
Although this is visually unattractive, the mechanics of the lower leg are not seriously affected because the pastern and fetlock joints are fused.
Richardson said the goal all along has been to give Barbaro a leg that would be functional and comfortable enough to live happily.
The right hind has healed well enough that we are optimistic about that possibility, Richardson said. However, Barbaro's left hind foot, which had laminitis, remains a more formidable long-term challenge. The foot must grow much more for him to have a truly successful outcome.
Barbaro has been in the Intensive Care Unit of New Boltons George D. Widener Hospital for Large Animals since he shattered his leg during the Preakness Stakes (G1) on May 20. He is eating well and has a bright eye and happy demeanor, according to reports from his medical team.
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Dean Richardson, D.V.M., chief of surgery at the University of Pennsylvanias New Bolton Center, is optimistic about the healing of Barbaros broken right hind leg but remains guarded about the Dynaformer colts recovery from laminitis in his left hind foot.
There has been recent speculation that the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1) winner could leave New Bolton soon, but Richardson said the colts condition remains unchanged. Richardson also commented on the appearance of Barbaros right hind leg.
The shoe on his right hind foot was further modified as his strength improved, Richardson said. We are aware that there is some public concern about his abnormal motion on the right hind limb, however, this is not unexpected. His gait may be abnormal as he learns to adapt to having fusions of two major joints in his lower limb and to the special shoe. In addition, the fracture had some collapse on the medial [inside] part of the pastern region after he developed laminitis on the left hind foot.
Although this is visually unattractive, the mechanics of the lower leg are not seriously affected because the pastern and fetlock joints are fused.
Richardson said the goal all along has been to give Barbaro a leg that would be functional and comfortable enough to live happily.
The right hind has healed well enough that we are optimistic about that possibility, Richardson said. However, Barbaro's left hind foot, which had laminitis, remains a more formidable long-term challenge. The foot must grow much more for him to have a truly successful outcome.
Barbaro has been in the Intensive Care Unit of New Boltons George D. Widener Hospital for Large Animals since he shattered his leg during the Preakness Stakes (G1) on May 20. He is eating well and has a bright eye and happy demeanor, according to reports from his medical team.
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