Barbaro has `very significant setback,' surgeon says

I am hoping the mods will keep this in GD long enough for people who do not visit the Lounge that often to get an update through the following article, which has some of the best information on the recent setback Barbaro has had. For those interested in frequent updates, they are coming in via www.timwoolleyracing.com.

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By Mike Jensen

The Philadelphia Inquirer

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"I think we're in for tough times right now," Dean Richardson, chief of surgery at the University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center, said Monday afternoon. "I think we're going to have some tough days ahead. I'm being realistic about this. When a horse has a setback like this, it's a problem."

After Barbaro's temperature spiked to 102 degrees Saturday and the Kentucky Derby winner showed signs of discomfort, Richardson performed surgery that evening. Monday was a better day for the horse, the surgeon said.

"Right now, he's happier, has a normal heart rate, normal temperature," Richardson said, speaking to reporters at the Kennett Square facility. "He's eating like crazy - making lots of manure. He looks pretty happy today. Now, we have to see how he responds to everything that's going on."

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"We're trying to fuse that joint," Richardson said. "It's not fused. The only way it's going to become comfortable is if it becomes solid. . . . These kinds of cases tend to be all or none. You've got to get the horse comfortable. He's not there right now. . . . If we can't get him comfortable, it's going to be a difficult problem."

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http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/sports/15008900.htm

Hadn't heard anything in a while. Sorry he is having a tough time now.

Amazing the care those expensive horses get. Don't get me wrong, I like horses and think good care of animals is important, but, I know too many humans who can't get even the most basic medical care.

There is something seriously wrong with the distribution of wealth when horses get such grand health care and working people can't afford simple care.

do has application for human health care--a legacy of great benefit that goes beyond the individual animal, of course.

Vets have a lot more leeway to experiment than do human doctors. Barbaro's surgery was one of the most difficult ever attempted on a horse. The surgery itself seems to have gone well. It may well be that some of the work done on him will benefit some human accident victim down the road.

I sincerely hope that he can overcome these infections and that he makes it to enjoy a long and happy life. He's a wonderful horse who seems to be surrounded by good people who obviously care for him beyond his financial value.

all of us, humans, animals, fish, plants, and polar ice caps. Of course we would have to stop wars first.

There is a DISTRIBUTION problem. Oh, I said that already, didn't I? ;)

as quickly as possible. If this is one of the ways to go about it, the more's the better. KEEP SPENDING, folks!!!!

Besides, what better cause to put money into than funding a veterinary teaching hospital and professors/staff salaries? The feds and states have slashed funding in recent years, and that's a national tragedy. Veterinary medicine is a vital part of public health, and companion animals are extremely valuable to us from a psychological persepctive.

People who don't like the idea of spending money to pay for medical care for companion animals or livestock should be sure to never own any. Those who own them MUST be free to decide, and their insurance companies must have input.

But I have been around way to much of this to feel optimistic.

I hold the average thoroughbred in much higher esteem than I do the average human.

And Barbaro was no average thoroughbred.

the "odds" prior to the infection were up around 60-40 and now they have slipped. The two abcesses are a real problem, to my way of thinking. The infectious process is likely to get Barbaro down, even with the best of care. The other alarming thing was that the main surgery took about 15 hours until the time he came out of the anesthesia--I don't know how that will effect him overall. And--some of the writers are talking about whether his siblings carry his great qualities. Yikes!
I am hoping every day that this guy has the spirit to win this race.

I have been in both stall and paddock with the great John Henry.

I spent time with Go Man Go over the last ten years of his life.

And I broke down with Barbaro - cried like a child. Even tho his image was filtered thru the medium of teevee, I just knew this was one of the top horses of all time.

Ruffian, Secretariat, Slew, Alydar, you name it...

My money would have been on Barbaro - every time.

And I will bet you that I would have at least broke even.

On edit what a terrible fucking name, but what a horse.

but I never saw him run.

I only metioned horses I actually saw racing.

I imagine many folks love him as a friend. People who care for horses would understand.

We paid for surgery for a 30-year-old pony, because the kids begged us. He lived another happy year before we had to put him down ( and it took enough meds to kill a draft horse - he did not want to go but would have suffered and starved to death if allowed to live with his condition. )

Sad how young these horses are. I wish the racing community would re-think the appropriate age to begin competing with their animals. Young bones are not ready for the stress of a full time race career.

Just my two cents.

John Henry was the most inspiring horse I have ever seen. The Satchel Paige of the track. He never lost the absoutely obssessive will to win.

Owners of speed horses want those years on the back side of the horse's career for breeding.

I imagine that kind of infection is very troublesome to get out of Barbaro, and it does seem strange that it would appear so late. I'm encouraged to hear Richardson say ending all this was never even considered or approached, but I know that can change quickly. This whole effort was a longshot for the long haul, and I'm thankful Barbaro is getting the best care; he sure deserves no less. Here's hoping Barbaro's good appetite and spirit on Monday are positive signs for him.

I am feel sorry for the poor animal being forced to preform for its human masters.