Straight from the insider's.. Barbaro had another good night!! Up and At 'em!!!!

[Fairview Horse Center]

Fusion does not occur immediately. They have put everything in place to fuse, and hope it does. It takes months to fuse the joint.

[Kenike]

DAMMIT! ESPN NEWS!! Cut the conference off! Switched to TVG, who is a little behind, BUT, maybe they'll carry the whole thing...

btw, I have to give kudos to Dr. Richardson for his truthfulness and tactful bluntness on the cost of surgery and treatment on our horses!

[Kahuna]

A commercial break during a LIVE news conference???:mad:

[Xctrygirl]

Guarded optimism. All things look good but its a long road. Oz is a long way away but at least he is on the way.

I am happy but tired.

Check with the press for more quotes.

I am hoping you all keep jingling.

Have a good night.

~E

[Noctis]

Huge hugs and kisses to the entire surgical team. And continued jingles and prayers thoughout the night

[Fairview Horse Center]

Says all the things that can go wrong, it is still a coin toss, but he seemed VERY optimistic. Both the Dr and Michael smiling and joking with relief at how well it has gone so far.

[Sannois]

The blogger reports and poster reports on this bulletin board are coming from friends of "connected" people either to New Bolton or friends of someone close to the situation and are still "unofficial".

The media cannot report anything unless it is confirmed and official.
Was excellent! Dean Richardson is an amazing man, and quite a personality.. I am sure most of you saw it, but it went well, he is standing on his leg in his stall, The cast is from just below the hock toover his hoof! He has a LCP plate.. (Locking compression plate) with I think he said 16 screws. Michael Matz was in good spirits.. The press asks such dumb questions.. One thing Richardson did say, He is not saying he is cured or fixed, its many many weeks to go, for fusion, and many things can go wrong, But hes stable now! We all have to pray!!!

[LOVEtheHUNTERS]

But hes stable now!
That's surely a good place to start!

[Meadow36]

Thought they said 23 screws - not that it matters - he's doing well!!!!! Yay!!!! Waiting all day for that news was worth it. Now keep your fingers crossed for the next few months are going to be crucial ......

[Fairview Horse Center]

Says sleep is a concern, and hopes he will continue to get up and down to sleep laying down. Said it all will cost many tens of thousands by the time it is over. Said it will be many months before he will be slowly walking.

[StrawberryFelidos]

Which channels is this on? ESPNNews? CNN?
I would LOVE to see Barbaro up in his stall :) :) :)
After all this, he is ALIVE!

[2ndyrgal]

Just watched the press conference on tvg or hrtv with Dr. Richardson and MM. Barbaro is in a cast from just below his hock to and enclosing his hoof. Comfortably in his stall and eating hay as we speak. has a spinal cath for an epidural type pain relief if necessary. they described the pool recovery system(very cool). Some really good questions which were answered well and some really stupid questions which were answered fairly. Still a "coin toss" due to chance of infection, reinjury, all the obvious stuff, but at least past the bad bits. Anyone who has ever lost a horse has felt the pain over again and is thinking all the best thoughts. And both Dr Richardson and MM were amazingly tolerant and well spoken at the press conference, which considering the stress and sheer amount of time awake, was really something. Well done by all, and especially the ones in the trenches, that got him there and will care for him 24/7 as long as it takes.

[msrobin]

I thought it was funny when that reporter asked about why other horses are put down and not given the chance to get this surgery.
When he said $10s of thousands over and over again, some people just do not have the funds like the owners of Barbaro.

At least now if a horse needs this type of surgery you know who to call.

I am just so glad he put weight on it and is eating hay. :)

[Kenike]

Exactly, Sannois...and I'm glad he didn't mince words when saying it's still a coin toss. The general population doesn't understand all the things that can go wrong during recovery/rehab with these animals.....nor do they have a clue what laminitis, colic, etc are or why infection could occur.

I'm just so happy for this news. I'll keep jingling and praying for this great horse.

[TBXCFan]

Did any of you catch what we ESPN'ers missed at the commercial break? It sounded like the question asked about the owners....

[Horsepower]

I can't thank you all enough for this thread. It is the only news I am able to access on Barbaro. I have emailed the info to tons of friends. My son who is an orthopedic surgeon for people asked me a question I didn't know the answer to. He said that in severe surgeries on humans they put them into a coma to induce sleep so that their bones can fuse while in the coma. He asked why they can't do this to horses. Does anyone know the answer? Could they keep a horse in a coma lying down on the ground and feed them intravenously until the breaks fused?

[Farrier's Daughter]

Jingling for Barbaro.

This surgery is risky and costly. I just hope it works. I was at the Potomac (Maryland) Hunt Races today and another horse broke his leg in a similar fashion. He was put down right where he fell. It was a terrible way of watching history repeating itself twice in one weekend. Today was tragic as another horse died during the same race--apparently he fell at the next hurdle and broke his neck. Let's hope Barbaro has a better outcome...

[certifiedgirl]

Finally!!! Now perhaps I can get my barn chores done- I've been running in and out of the house all day waiting for the news. I don't remember being this anxious since my own horse's surgery (and I didn't know the outcome of that until 1am)!
Still jingling here though!

[Mali]

I couldn't hear the question asked about the owners ( I'm hoping there will be a transcript somewhere), but I did hear Dr. Richardson say he received a 16-hole plate, and 23 screws. I didn't hear the part about the P1 being in 20 pieces.

[mvb]

Still jingling and praying. Thank you all so much on this board. I also had no other way to get news, Cnn was still saying he was in surjery 20 minutes ago. Thank you so so so much!

[annikak]

I can't thank you all enough for this thread. It is the only news I am able to access on Barbaro. I have emailed the info to tons of friends. My son who is an orthopedic surgeon for people asked me a question I didn't know the answer to. He said that in severe surgeries on humans they put them into a coma to induce sleep so that their bones can fuse while in the coma. He asked why they can't do this to horses. Does anyone know the answer? Could they keep a horse in a coma lying down on the ground and feed them intravenously until the breaks fused?

no can do- they depend on movement to create blood flow- for lack of better way to say it. Their blood will actually pool- like they keep saying, their vascular system is poor-
Its why you have to worry about older horses being down. Sick foals at NB stay on mattresses, where they have their own tech to turn them every 1/2 hour or so. Horses are meant to stand for 23 hrs of the day- and move that whole time, too. Its a good think that Barbaro appears to be a smart kinda guy and is being good. So nice there is a pulse, and so nice that he is eating.... Jingles

[Kenike]

I couldn't hear the question, but assume it was if they'd talked to the owners, yet, given the answer was that both the Dr. and MM talked to them and they're happy with the news.

I'm so sorry to hear about the horses who perished today while doing their job. So sad!!! Barbaro just gives us a glimmer of hope among those who don't get the chance to make it.

[War Admiral]

Yes, echoing everyone else, thanks so much for all the updates - don't have TV here either!

Jingles continue!

[msrobin]

The blogger reports and poster reports on this bulletin board are coming from friends of "connected" people either to New Bolton or friends of someone close to the situation and are still "unofficial".

The media cannot report anything unless it is confirmed and official.


Understood. Didnt think of that.

At least we know whats going on now.

[StrawberryFelidos]

Thank you for the AWESOME news :) :winkgrin: :)
If anyone locates a complete transcript or an online video clip, please send the link this way!!!

[Marli]

I have just finished watching the news conference- my only thought during the comments was just how fortunate this horse is - the wonderful trainer, his owners and all those that are connected with him.

It's relieving to know that (according to Dr. Richardson) in his opinion, Barbaro is/has been in the top condition and it's to his advantage now for his recovery. Most amazed to hear him (Dr. Richardson) speak of how Barbaro got up/down even last evening, with the splint on. What an athlete!

There's no doubt it's going to be a l-o-n-g recovery, and barring any complications (infections/reinjury) he'll still need all the prayers we can muster to see him through this. Clearly, it's still a coin toss for a successful recovery but with all the faith of his owners and trainer, their love, care & compassion and the excellent staff of doctors and nurses at the New Bolton Center, at least he's got a fighting chance!

Edgar Prado - the courage you demonstrated in restraining Barbaro from further injuring himself has provided this great athlete his chance at survival. God Bless You. :yes:

[VirginiaBred]

Praise God, and keep up the jingling!!!!!

[CSSporthorses]

Oh thank god. I probably didn't catch up from everything I missed, but I found the first post talking about post-op and kept going from there. I was calling my parents every chance I could get from the bowling alley, begging to hear those words, "he's out of surgery", but they kept telling me no ... I decided I'd better not keep calling as I was afraid of hearing the other horrible phrase and didn't feel like breaking down in tears in front of a lot of people. Then again, had I been told he was actually out of surgery, back in his stall, and eating hay, I would've broken down crying anyhows. So, maybe its a good idea I waited till now to find out.

I've still got ESPN turned on, waiting to hear something myself. Unfortunately, I have to get up really early so I must get to bed. If anyone finds a link online of the news conference, please post so I can @ least catch up when I get home tomorrow.

Good job Barbaro, we all knew you were a strong boy. And thank you Edgar, for pulling him up and giving him a chance @ survival.

[TBXCFan]

Here's where the doctor mentions the 20 pieces...

http://tcm.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=33671

(I hope the URL takes, I'm still learning the new format)

[WarHorse]

(AP) BALTIMORE Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro came out of a day-long surgery Sunday to repair three broken bones in his right rear leg and “practically jogged back to the stall,” the colt’s surgeon said.

http://cbs3.com/sports/local_story_140224155.html

The rest of the story is a re-hash.

I didn't get to see the conference.

The longest surgery I attended was three hours, and the mare took forty-five minutes to recover, and fifteen to get her back to her stall. But that was abdominal surgery, not a leg.

I don't have a curb chain, so I'll be vibing for a successful outcome.

[Noctis]

I just also really want to thank everyone for posting so many updates for those of us who didn't have access (and still dont) to TV or the channels that everything was being broadcasted on! Thank you so much! And final jingles for the evening (at least on here for me) and prayers for EVERYONE involved.

[Boston Chicken]

Good news. Thank you so much for all the updates. I didn't see the press conference (baseball was on :mad: ) but am so grateful to know he made it through. May the good news continue.

On the cheesy side of things, I drove through an evil thunderstorm tonight - on the other side, the most massive and brilliant rainbow stretched across the lake. I have never seen anything like it. It was almost fiery it was so bright. My friend in the car with me said, "It's a Barbarobow" :sadsmile: This was about 6:30 tonight.

[adventurebeachponies]

Barbaro has a lot of great things going for him that have been mentioned but to keep the positive energy and jingles going I am going to list what I have gleaned from my exhaustive internet searches for information...

1) He is in great physical condition and extremely intelligent. According to those who raised him from a baby he doesn't mind stall confinement and loves human interaction. I am sure he will be provided a 24/7 stall attendants and possibly companion animals to keep him from boredom and to insure he doesn't get too boisterous and reinjure himself.

2)On a side note I had a horse that could easily spring to his feet on three legs repeatedly as he was extremely athletic (how I came to witness him do this over 15 times in a row is the subject of another thread)... he was a stone cold athlete and perhaps, Barabaro has this same ability... the physical strength and dexterity to do something the "average horse" finds difficult. This ability to get up and down and sleep on his side will be a huge advantage.

3) He is in the care of some of the most talented veterinarians in the Nation at a facility that is known for being cutting edge. It was extremely fortunate that he so close to this equine center at the time of his injury.

4) Despite the severity of the breaks Prado's efforts to stop him quickly resulted in there not being any breaks in the skin... having dirt and bacterial entry into a wound on the track would have been truly catastrophic of epic proportions.

5) Barbaro has an entire nation, an entire planet praying and jingling like mad for him and along with others I think he was a horse of destiny...I am very optimistic that somehow this special horse will beat the odds and make it.

Those are just a few of the "good" things we can be thankful for...

[evermore]

To put it in very simple terms... when a horse steps or puts weight/pressure on a foot, that action aids greatly in the circulation of blood and other fluids in that limb.

As you can imagine there is a fine line with recovering/rehab horses regarding weight-bearing enough to encourage good circulation and too much stress on the injured area.

A big THANK YOU for the updates!

[NeuroticShowMom]

I just also really want to thank everyone for posting so many updates for those of us who didn't have access (and still dont) to TV or the channels that everything was being broadcasted on! Thank you so much! And final jingles for the evening (at least on here for me) and prayers for EVERYONE involved..


Well said Noctis. Thank you so much everyone!

[adamsmom]

On the cheesy side of things, I drove through an evil thunderstorm tonight - on the other side, the most massive and brilliant rainbow stretched across the lake. I have never seen anything like it. It was almost fiery it was so bright. My friend in the car with me said, "It's a Barbarobow" :sadsmile: This was about 6:30 tonight.

Omigod. That made me cry....with happiness!
What a wonderful thought!!

:winkgrin:

[Lookout]

Not entirely. The vascular system is not poor. The leg and especially the foot are highly vascularized, some of the most vascular areas of their bodies. But since there aren't any muscles below the knee to pump blood they must rely on movement to do so. That does not make it poor, just different than other mammals.
no can do- they depend on movement to create blood flow- for lack of better way to say it. Their blood will actually pool- like they keep saying, their vascular system is poor-
Its why you have to worry about older horses being down. Sick foals at NB stay on mattresses, where they have their own tech to turn them every 1/2 hour or so. Horses are meant to stand for 23 hrs of the day- and move that whole time, too. Its a good think that Barbaro appears to be a smart kinda guy and is being good. So nice there is a pulse, and so nice that he is eating.... Jingles

[Delidog]

I am Praying for Barbaro at this point
and Have Spent the Last 18 Hours Doing Just That
He IS a Nations' Horse Now......Michael.....Love You & D.D.
You Have Done the Best You Can...There Is No Better Horseman Than Michael Matz!!!
All the rest is up to God

Godspeed Dear Barbaro!!!!!
We are Here For You

[adamsmom]

Just posted: http://www.nytimes.com/2006/05/22/sports/othersports/22barbaro.html?pagewanted=1&ei=5094&en=d75f776ef0a661a5&hp&ex=1148270400&partner=homepage

[WarHorse]

The jockey made a statement:

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/horseracing/preakness/bal-prado0521,0,2367728.story?coll=bal-home-headlines

Prado describes himself as more of a "horse lover" than a horse racer. There likely was no one who felt worse than the 38-year-old jockey when Barbaro broke down before the first turn.

I think he made a fantabulous job of pulling Barbaro up. And I bet he's sore as heck because of it.

[shawneeAcres]

TO answer the question about why he could not be put in a coma, in addition to the concerns regarding circulation to lower limbs, a more pressing problem is that a horse's weight is so vast that any length of timelying down will letierally crush the lungs and pneumonia will set in, a hors simply cannot lay for that length of time. I am cautioously optimistic, honestly I dod not think he would make it this far with such a devastating injury. Unfortunately horses cannot be treated as are humans for a variety of reasons, but I hop[e and pray Barbaro makes it thru with some ability to lead a functional life.

[Marli]

For those of you that do not have access, here's a partial audio of Dr. Richardson discussing the operation and his recovery-

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/front.htm

Just underneath the article brief, there's a place to hear 'audio- Doc's Diagnosis'. It's short but to the point.

[Bugs-n-Frodo]

Sending my heart felt JINGLES to "OUR" wonderful boy, Barbaro! what a fantastic horse and I PRAY that he recovers "completely" and can stand to stud.

JINGLE JINGLE JINGLE!!!

[A Splash of Color]

A huge thank-you to Emily for starting this thread, and another one to all those who contributed and kept the rest of us informed!

[yaya]

Great X-ray shots in the Yahoo slideshow

http://news.yahoo.com/photos/ss/events/sp/052206barbaroinjured/im:/060522/photos_sp/2006_05_21t162024_450x312_us_horse_racing_barbaro; _ylt=AtzzQ6xqCOKer01yUU3818OMKsMA;_ylu=X3oDMTA5bGc yMWMzBHNlYwNzc25hdg--

[adamsmom]

The jockey made a statement:

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/horseracing/preakness/bal-prado0521,0,2367728.story?coll=bal-home-headlines



I think he made a fantabulous job of pulling Barbaro up. And I bet he's sore as heck because of it.

I hate that Edgar feels badly, because he likely saved Barbaro's life.

[Lord Helpus]

I'm SO UPSET. My local late news (Raleigh, NC) just had a story on Barbaro's surgery, which I thought was amazing, since this is not a racing oriented state. The end of the story showed Prado getting BOO'D (sp?) by *fans* at Belmont today.

Huh? They were unhappy with him so they boo'd him? For what? For Barbaro breaking down? I guess the *fans* blamed Prado for ruining their exactas and trifectas.

WHAT A BUNCH OF LOWLIFE BOOBS.

[adamsmom]

I'm SO UPSET. My local late news (Raleigh, NC) just had a story on Barbaro's surgery, which I thought was amazing, since this is not a racing oriented state. The end of the story showed Prado getting BOO'D (sp?) by *fans* at Belmont today.

Huh? They were unhappy with him so they boo'd him? For what? For Barbaro breaking down? I guess the *fans* blamed Prado for ruining their exactas and trifectas.

WHAT A BUNCH OF LOWLIFE BOOBS.

I CANNOT comprehend such idiocy. What a bunch of uneducated morons!!
I used to think that Belmont fans were educated horseplayers, but obviously not.

I'm appalled.
:mad:

[Peggy]

I CANNOT comprehend such idiocy. What a bunch of uneducated morons!!
I used to think that Belmont fans were educated horseplayers, but obviously not.

I'm appalled.
:mad:A friend reported that he'd seen this on the CBS news--not sure if it was the local or national version. I couldn't believe it either; I know the NYC fans have a rep for booing beaten favorites but this is beyond belief.

Sleep tight Barbaro!

[Mardi]

I can't believe that. There must be an explanation.

[tntarab]

Wow...there is a picture of Barbaro coming out of the pool...

http://sports.aol.com/horseracing/story/_a/derby-winner-barbaro-undergoes-surgery/20060521132809990002

[Shahrazade]

WOW! That x-ray photo is really interesting. All those pins! Gosh! Poor guy... sending loads of jingles his way.

[Kenike]

They boo'd him? WTF???? Is there somewhere we can overload papers, or something, with nasty letters to the fans?? I can't believe those people could be so calous! That man likely saved Barbaro's life, and yet he's EXTREMELY distraught over the happenings...why can't they get that?

Holy cow....

[WarHorse]

And thanks for the updates. I can breathe while I work today.

[Sannois]

Omigod. That made me cry....with happiness!
What a wonderful thought!!

:winkgrin:
I logged off last night after I saw the press conference! Have had nothing but good feelings about the boys continued suuccess! This guy is a fighter and a true champion! My prayers and congratulations to MM and all his family, And thankyou Dr. Anderson!!! You are some surgeon!!! Not going to stop jingling!! :sadsmile:

[Tap2Tango]

I'm so glad he came out of surgery all right! I kept waiting for the press conference on ESPN but all i got was the stupid Yankee game(sorry, sox fan here!!!!) I was so happy to get the great news. I hope it only gets better and better from here!

[Boston Chicken]

Checking in this morning. I wish I could have seen the press conference - we only got the damn Yankees up here too (hello??? This is Boston). The local news just ran a story "Barbaro will survive" - if only it were so certain and simple. Hoping for continued good news.

Lead story on Today Show - hoping for interviews

[DMK]

here's the bloodhorse article w/pics

http://tcm.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=33671

As for Prado being boo'd I think we can assume it is entirely unrelated to the Preakness. Even for NY racing fans, that's just harsh. But I can see them forgetting all about Saturday if they didn't like what he did on Sunday....

[FourWands]

I saw a live clip of Prado yesterday from Belmont. He was walking through paddock area and I don't think he was able to take a step without someone approaching him to hug him, shake his hand or at least say a kind word.

Maybe he beat a hometown favorite last night but he didn't look booed from my vantage point.

[Boston Chicken]

The Today Show interviewed Dr. Richardson. Barbaro is doing well this morning - "very interested in the mares around him and trying to bite people. Acting just like a 3 year old stallion TB colt should." He reiterated that they are trying to give the horse a good quality of life long term and that will be months before they know if that is possible. He looked tired but was very gracious to the questions.

[BeastieSlave]

I was so glad to see the Today Show have the interview with Dr. Richardson. I haven't seen anything on my stupid t.v. All my updates so far have been from the computer :yes:

[Badger]

X-rays, before and after the surgery:
http://us.news3.yimg.com/us.i2.yimg.com/p/rids/20060522/i/r2697608640.jpg
http://us.news3.yimg.com/us.i2.yimg.com/p/rids/20060522/i/r2475418352.jpg
http://us.news3.yimg.com/us.i2.yimg.com/p/rids/20060522/i/r3079804668.jpg
http://us.news3.yimg.com/us.i2.yimg.com/p/rids/20060522/i/r1097957905.jpg

[MHM]

Within about 5 minutes of his Today show appearance, Dr. Richardson was on the ABC morning show. He said just about the same thing there. I wonder if he also did CBS?

Hope everything goes well for Barbaro from now on!

[sophie]

Thank you SO much, everyone, for all the updates and links to photos-articles.
I have been watching this thread like a hawk since Sunday morning.
I breathe a little better today knowing that surgery went well and Barbaro seems in good spirits.
He's got a looong road ahead of him.
I'll keep jingling!

ps that recovery pool is so neat!

[LOVEtheHUNTERS]

Just checking in this morning. Glad to hear the big guy had a good night. Looks like it will be an easier day than yesterday!

Keep the good news coming!

[Fred]

Thank you all for the updates. still praying and hoping

[Equine Connection]

Thanks very much for the updates and links. Very encouraging news. What an incredible horse and what a surgeon and team! Our thoughts and prayers are with Barbaro, MM, and the owners that Barbaro will continue to improve each day, and that Barbaro can have a healthy and safe breeding career to carry on his legacy.

[411]

It's such a relief to hear how well the surgery went. Thank you all for the updates. I still can't believe how upset I've been about a horse I've never even met, but I know you all understand and that it made it easier.

After watching the press conference, it's obvious that Barbaro is in the best possible hands. Dr. Richardson came across very, very well. I can't believe how patient he was answering all those questions after what was probably the most stressful and intense surgery of his life.

As for Prado, what he did on Saturday was far more impressive to me than any of his many wins. He has long been my favorite jockey for his racing skills, but his quick thinking, compassion and athleticism used to stop -- and save -- Barbaro on Saturday was nothing short of heroic.

[fish]

Thanks for posting those radiographs. That's quite an arsenal of metal he's got in there!

[SmileGee]

Thank you so much....I am still choked up over the entire thing...what a BRAVE horse, jockey, trainer....I am glad that he is in the best hands. Please keep the updates coming.

[Angela Freda]

Can we try to get an address for Prado and flood him with thank yous? I'm sure he has an agent? Totally uncalled for and dispicable. I can only imagine how badly this man feels. That people would add to that is just so unkind.

[Joanne]

I have basic cable. No CNN, no ESPN, etc., but I get plenty of channels carrying infomercias. For the past several months, Adelphia has been giving us of week of some of their various digital channels; mostly stuff I would never watch. Last week, however, I was dismayed to see ESPN news. But what do you, know, they broadcast the live interview with Dr. Richardson and Michael Matz (?spelling) last evening. It was excellent except for the commercial ESPN popped during the midst of the interview for Ezcite (the male enhancement pill). After a minute of that, they went back to the interview.

thanks to whoever posted the links to the pictures of Barbaro at the hospital.

Wishing him the best recovery and hopefully lots of ladies in his future.

[Tiramit]

Amazing photographs and radiographs - thanks for posting them! Quick question regarding the future (knock on wood): will he be able to flex his ankle with all of that metal, or is it now a "fused" joint?

[summerhorse]

Amazing photographs and radiographs - thanks for posting them! Quick question regarding the future (knock on wood): will he be able to flex his ankle with all of that metal, or is it now a "fused" joint?


It's fused forever. But most horses adapt quite well provided they can bear normal weight on it.

[buschkn]

Such great news that he has done so well so far, still jingling for long term success and a healthy happy life!!

As for fused- it WILL be fused, if all goes well, but currently the plates and screws are just holding the fragments together. Those fragments will hopefully all form one big callus of bone and all fuse together. The plates are not strong enough to support the weight of a horse, so the hope is that all those pieces will heal together in one big "glom" of bone. Either way, he will definitely never bend the ankle again. It is quite sad to think of that magnificent boy not being able to run and play like he was born to, but I am just SOOOO happy to hear he is alive and eating and acting like a normal horse. I am sure if he gets over the hump he will figure out his own way to frolic and run! :)

[Glimmerglass]

AP article - updated at 8:45 am EST 5-22-06 (http://www.timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=484424&BCCode=BNSPORTS&newsdate=5/22/2006)

Just an excerpt ..

He said Barbaro was showing positive signs and "acting much more like a 3-year-old colt should act."

Barbaro was trying to bite in his stall and even showing interest in a group of mares who stopped by to visit.

"There's some mares there, and he's extremely interested in the mares," Richardson told ABC's "Good Morning America."

Nevertheless, he emphasized that the horse had a long road ahead, and would never race again.

"Realistically, it's going to be months before we know if he's going to make it," Richardson told CBS' "The Early Show." "We're salvaging him as a breeding animal."

Barbaro's surgery to repair three bones shattered in his right rear leg at the Preakness went about as well as Richardson and trainer Michael Matz hoped. It wasn't long after surgery when Barbaro began to show signs he might make it after all.

After a dip into a large swimming pool before he was awakened -- part of New Bolton's renowned recovery system that minimizes injury risk -- Barbaro was brought back to his stall, where he should have been calmly rested on all four legs.

Barbaro had other ideas.

"He decided to jump up and down a few times," Richardson said, smiling. "But he didn't hurt anything. That's the only thing that really matters. It had Michael worried."

That's not much to worry about after the agony of the previous 24 hours. Barbaro sustained "life-threatening injuries" Saturday when he broke bones above and below his right rear ankle at the start of the Preakness Stakes.

AP Image: Barbaro post surgery walking (http://www.timesunion.com/ASPLib/Enlarge.asp?Location=/Shared/Graphics/NewsDB/AP/BARBARO%20SURGERY%209aeba129-c136-474c-8712-329099125f8b.jpg&Caption=In%20this%20photo%20provided%20by%20the%20 University%20of%20Pennsylvania,%20Dr.%20Dean%20Ric hardson%20leads%20Kentucky%20Derby%20winner%20Barb aro%20back%20to%20a%20stall%20following%20surgery% 20at%20the%20George%20D.%20Widener%20Hospital%20fo r%20Large%20Animals%20at%20the%20University%20of%2 0Pennsylvania's%20New%20Bolton%20Center%20on%20Sun day,%20May%2021,%202006,%20in%20Kennett%20Square,% 20Pa.%20Kentucky%20Derby%20winner%20Barbaro%20unde rwent%20more%20than%20five%20hours%20of%20surgery% 20Sunday%20to%20repair%20three%20broken%20bones%20 in%20his%20right%20rear%20leg%20and%20afterward%20 ^practically%20jogged%20back%20to%20the%20stall,^% 20the%20colt's%20surgeon%20said.&CredString=%20(University%20of%20Pennsylvania,%20S abina%20Louise%20Pierce%20/%20AP)&Alt=BARBARO%20SURGERY&Height=342&Width=512)

[circusponydreams]

Those x-rays are incredible! What an amazing job Dr. Richardson and his team did.

[sporthorsefilly]

Thanks so much to Edgar Prado for pulling Barbaro up the way he did. He is a true horseman.

Thanks to Michael Matz for giving all of us a chance to dream.

Thanks to the owners of Barbaro, for their love for their horse.

Thanks to Barbaro for that dream, may you live long and produce a TC winner!

BIG thanks is to Dr. Richardson and his team for the wonderful work they did in putting Barbaro back together.

Keep praying.

Thanks for the xrays and the photo from the pool!

Dr. Jacque Jenny was the mastermind of that pool. He was one of the surgeons who save Hoist the Flag nearly 40 years ago, who had a similar hind leg injury.

PRAYING FOR BARBARO :)

[maple_brook]

Just wanted to say thanks to everyone who is posting links to articles/photos and keeping us all informed. Although after looking through those pictures of Barbaro and Prado, I have tears streaming down my face again.

Come on big guy. You have the heart of a champion. You can make it through this!!!!

[Adelita]

Thank goodness he's done well so far. As to the jumping up and down...I would have had a heart attack if I was there!

Question. Are there any neutraceuticals or calcium or something they can give him to encourage his bones to heal?

[Arado*TB]

Thanks for all the updates, photo's and links.
I was watching as much news coverage as I could find when they showed him in his stall w/ his cast and just being interested in his " horsey nurse". It was good to see him, if nothing else it made me feel better.

[goobs]

Prado is a HERO - a true HERO - for the immediate action he took on Saturday. My heart broke in half while watching the race. Like everyone else I was in shock with tears welling in my eyes. The pictures of the race and of Barbaro's xrays were heart wrenching to look at.

The only silver lining to that cloud was that noone was harmed (human wise) and that Barbaro is making a good recovery. I truly hope he will be able to stand at stud - my heart tells me that he will be able to do so. (I have a beautiful mare that I would love to introduce to him!)

I am hoping the crowds were "booing" not at Prado and Barbaro but to show the dissapointment they felt towards the situation at hand.

Get well soon Barbaro - you need your fighting spirit now more than ever!

[Gunnar]

I heard nothing yesterday and was so excited to log on this morning, knowing the COTH would no if anyone knew. I am jingling like mad for this brave horse and thank all involved for saving his life.

Jingling for you Barbaro!!!! You will be forever in my thoughts!:sadsmile:

[Susan P]

Well see, now New Bolton has made Kennett Square not just the mushroom capital of the world (which by the way depends on the racing industry) and can't leave out Longwood Gardens, but thanks to this brilliant surgeon has drawn all eyes on this state of the art facility in Kennett which will only bring in more funds to make it even better. Their Field Service is great too and reasonably priced. With all that they offer, nothing to compare, they don't have to be so nice but they always are. Without these great facilities Barbaro would not have had a chance.

But the prayers made the biggest difference. Let's not stop since he's not out of the woods yet.

[teal tea]

I'm so glad to hear everything went ok during the surgery. I was so upset when I saw Barbaro injure himself at the Preakness. I have dial up (yeah I know it's bad) and my phone line was out and I could not get on the board. It was so hard not being able to read and post w/ everyone else. My only news source was ESPN and I had to wait through endless baseball replays to get any news. And I did get online a bit through my cell phone. It was dodgy reception however. I was praying hard though.

I'm still praying and jingling b/c I know there's still much more that Barbaro has to go through. My heart goes out to the owners, the jockey Mr. Prado, and Michael Matz.

[BeastieSlave]

It is quite sad to think of that magnificent boy not being able to run and play like he was born to, but I am just SOOOO happy to hear he is alive and eating and acting like a normal horse. I am sure if he gets over the hump he will figure out his own way to frolic and run! :)

I have a 15 y.o. OTTB mare with a fused right front ankle. That gal loves to run! She runs laps around the pasture EVERY morning after she eats - just for the joy of running! To watch her, you wouldn't know she can't bend that ankle. My trainer has an Oldenburg mare whose left hind ankle is fused. She just had her first foal in February (a little over a year after surgery to fuse the ankle) and I was watching mom and baby running two weeks ago.

If Barbaro comes through it all - he'll get around just fine. From the look of those x-rays it will be a pretty long time before he'll be allowed to test it out though. I'll keep jingling and checking here for the best updates :yes:

[Twinkletozzz]

Thank you for the encouraging update. I am jingling and praying constantly for this courageous horse and all the loving caring people who are working so hard on his behalf. Like someone else said, I loved on my horses in a different way this weekend.

[evermore]

Thank goodness he's done well so far. As to the jumping up and down...I would have had a heart attack if I was there!

Question. Are there any neutraceuticals or calcium or something they can give him to encourage his bones to heal?

Bone cells are one of the body's fastest healing cells. Many times osteocytes get too enthusiastic about their healing job and produce too many. Sometimes this is exactly what is needed and other times it causes problems.

[Lookout]

Wow, that is amazing!
It looks like the P1/P2 joint is still dislocated. They did say he was having another surgery later this week, I wonder if it's to repair that.

X-rays, before and after the surgery:
http://us.news3.yimg.com/us.i2.yimg.com/p/rids/20060522/i/r2697608640.jpg
http://us.news3.yimg.com/us.i2.yimg.com/p/rids/20060522/i/r2475418352.jpg
http://us.news3.yimg.com/us.i2.yimg.com/p/rids/20060522/i/r3079804668.jpg
http://us.news3.yimg.com/us.i2.yimg.com/p/rids/20060522/i/r1097957905.jpg

[equescool]

<<< http://www.synthes.com/html/Norian_SRS.4317.0.html?PHPSESSID=e703996da1f4b212e 85b38f31c754bdf

Norian SRS (Skeletal Repair System) is an injectable, fast setting carbonated apatite cement used to fill defects in areas of compromised cancellous bone during restoration or augmentation of the skeleton.

Norian SRS hardens to form dahllite, which closely replicates the mineral phase of bone and gradually remodels to bone in the body via osteoclastic resorption and new bone formation.>>> Has anyone ever heard of this stuff, and has it ever been tried on horses?

[Stewie]

Did anyone else notice this? I saw Edgar looking down and back to the right hind during the post parade. He and Barbaro were trotting alongside the lead horse, and he looked back and down for a few strides. Wonder if he felt that hind end do something funky? I know all the reports are saying it is an athletic injury, but my first thought when I was watching the post parade was 'What's he feeling?'.
Now, my reception is not the greatest, but I'd be curious if anyone esle noticed it. It's probably just pure coincidence, and Barbaro looked sound as could be.
My heart goes out to Barbaro and his crew, and Edgar being able to pull the horse up like he did is a testament to his horsemanship. Barbaro is in great hands...we're all rooting for you, big fella!

[Boston Chicken]

He appeared to be checking that his shoes were all on still - he had been jigging and bouncing. He did the same thing on both sides equally. The horse was sound.

The vets have also said they saw no evidence of anything pre-existing.

[Sarah616]

Did anyone else notice this? I saw Edgar looking down and back to the right hind during the post parade. He and Barbaro were trotting alongside the lead horse, and he looked back and down for a few strides. Wonder if he felt that hind end do something funky? I know all the reports are saying it is an athletic injury, but my first thought when I was watching the post parade was 'What's he feeling?'.
Now, my reception is not the greatest, but I'd be curious if anyone esle noticed it. It's probably just pure coincidence, and Barbaro looked sound as could be.
My heart goes out to Barbaro and his crew, and Edgar being able to pull the horse up like he did is a testament to his horsemanship. Barbaro is in great hands...we're all rooting for you, big fella!

They said it was after he bucked, Edgar Prado looked back checking to see if he still had both shoes.

[INoMrEd]

:) I hugged all my horses today in a different way. :sadsmile:

Amen to that..... my horse too was hugged with a lot more emotion that normal yesterday and today.

Today's Los Angeles Daily News showed a picture of his Barbaro's x-ray. It appears as though plumbers tape was used with the 23 screws holding that right hind together. We're all rooting for Barbaro!

[LessIsMore17]

Thank you for the AWESOME news :) :winkgrin: :)
If anyone locates a complete transcript or an online video clip, please send the link this way!!!

My friend sent me this link of the press conference, it's the whole thing.
http://cbs3.com/national/topstories_story_141183945.html

[War Admiral]

Oh, YAY!!! Thank you so much LessIsMore!

[Boston Chicken]

First time I've seen the press conference. Great to see MM looking less ashen and a little more relieved, poor guy.

As an aside, may I just say, that surgeon is quite a handsome man :D

Thanks so much for the link! I must get some work done now!

[MHM]

Has anyone found a transcript of the whole press conference? It would be interesting to read the Q&A portion, which was not on the video clip.

[Boston Chicken]

The full Q&A was on the clip posted just above. The cameras are there until the Dr. stands up and leaves the room.

[MHM]

The full Q&A was on the clip posted just above. The cameras are there until the Dr. stands up and leaves the room.

Really? For me, the clip ends at the start of the Q&A, and loops back to the beginning of the press conference. Shoot.

[Seahorsefarmtobe]

thosze ambulances are unbelievable!

[CurlyLindsay]

New Bolton set up a Barbaro Information page which will be updated (I hope) with news on his condition regularly: http://www.vet.upenn.edu/newsandevents/news/Barbaro.htm There's an update from today reiterating the morning's news- says another update will be posted tomorrow 3pm EST.

[Sannois]

Great link! that hospital is incredible..
And just cause I am thinking about it! I know its been said but THANYOU so much to all the thought people who have posted pictures and links for information in the past 48 hours! it has made a big difference in getting factual information, not just heresay!!! Your all the best!! :yes:

[stephjm]

Thank you for the link to the hospital. I have put it on my favorites list so I can check it regularly. And I too appreciate the people who have posted links and pictures, information, etc., it has been so much easier to just come on here and read how he is doing than try to sift through news accounts, etc.

[CSSporthorses]

I just happened to still be in the house when The Today Show had an interview with Michael. I was all teary to begin with, but when the reporter asked Michael what his greatest memory was with the colt, I lost it. With tears in his eyes and choked up, he said the derby, when the announcer said, and here comes Barbaro. They showed the same pictures that we've seen already (the pool and him back in his stall eating) but that didn't stop me from crying again.

[Jaegermonster]

Could somebody start a thread and post ONLY the links to the xrays, surgical stuff, Upenn and such as that and then close it real quick? I would love to view all that stuff but I just can't sit here and click through 2000 and some posts trying to find it all when 1900 of them are mostly chat.

[charlieo]

www.wjz.com, channel 13 Baltimore is continuing to cover the recovery as well. There is supposed to be a slide show of pictures -- haven't found it yet.

[StrawberryFelidos]

Here's the newest update from the above website:
http://wjz.com/topstories/local_story_141103513.html

Article Quote:
For the second straight day, Barbaro was on his feet in his stall Tuesday. He was even scratching his left ear with his left hind leg. Both are good signs, two days after surgeons spent more than five hours pinning together the leg bones he shattered in the Preakness Stakes on Saturday.

"He's actually better today than he was even yesterday and he was pretty good yesterday," Dr. Dean Richardson said. "He's walking very well on the limb, absolutely normal vital signs. He's doing very well."

:) :) Let's hope he continues to improve on this path!

[CSSporthorses]

YaY !!! What a good boy he is ... I hope he continues on this path. I have faith in him, he has such a strong will to live and knows there are tons of people who love him and are cheering him one!!!

[farmgirl88]

This just brings tears to my eyes, whata horse! He is never once out of CT folk's minds and hearts. Every class i go to in my 2000+ student high school, I am asked by my teachers for updates and we always take 5 to talk about him. So he is in the minds and hearts of non-horsey people just thought I'd let you all know. Im so happy to hear how well he is doing...what a horse....simply amazing..

[Arado*TB]

A little snipet of news,Barbaro was scratching his left ear, w/ his left foot......totally bearing weight on the right hind!:D What a brave boy he is.