News / Sports
Kentucky Derby Winner Barbaro Faces Setback in Recovery
The three-year-old colt Barbaro is now facing a new challenge to his recovery. Surgeon’s removed damaged tissue from the left hind hoof of the Kentucky Derby winner. It was the right hind leg of Barbaro that was shattered in at the Preakness Stakes last May.
As a result of that fracture, severe laminitis set in and doctors had to remove 80 percent of Barbaro’s left hind hoof. Laminitis is caused by uneven weight distribution in the limbs.
Just last week Barbaro had a new cast placed on his left hind foot as a means of realigning a bone. It is believed that the change in casts may have caused some degree of inflammation, that according to Dr. Kathleen Anderson.
The inflammation in the left hind foot has caused discomfort for Barbaro and resulted in surgeons removing damaged tissue from the area.
While the setback did come at a time when Barbaro was apparently making great progress, it hasn’t dampened the hopes of his handlers and doctor’s who believe he is capable of recovery. Anderson said “We all know most horses don't get this far. The bottom line with Barbaro is the fractured leg is the one that would have been the end of most horses. He won't be getting to the big green field any time soon, but I don't think this is insurmountable.”
