Press Conference

[Buffymommy]

Originally Posted by prudery

The only update is that the next 24 hours will be crucial, and that the horse is bright and alert in his stall.

Thank you.

[prudery]

Just saw a clip of him in his stall--don't know if it was absolutely current, but both hinds were bandaged/casted . As of now, everything is still being tried for salvation . Jeannine Edwards is recapping now. Barbaro is NOT to be put down immediately . He is bright and eating . The prognosis is still poor . 75% of the left hind hoof was cut away yesterday . The laminitis is thought to have been triggered by the infection in the pastern fracture . Richardson is persevering because thehorse is such a trooper .

Originally Posted by prudery

Just saw a clip of him in his stall--don't know if it was absolutely current, but both hinds were bandaged/casted . As of now, everything is still being tried for salvation . Jeannine Edwards is recapping now. Barbaro is NOT to be put down immediately . He is bright and eating . The prognosis is still poor . 75% of the left hind hoof was cut away yesterday . The laminitis is thought to have been triggered by the infection in the pastern fracture . Richardson is persevering because thehorse is such a trooper .

This is going to sound dumb but why can't they amputate the foot and use a prosthetic?

[sumitas]

i think that's a great question. the major problem at this point is that left foot. it has to be an option.

[prudery]

Originally Posted by oracle80

This is going to sound dumb but why can't they amputate the foot and use a prosthetic?

They could have amputated the right hind after the trio of fractures, but now the left has laminitis from the weight transfer, so there are no choices ... If the left leg was amputated, weight bearing would be assumed by the broken right hind until the horse found the balance to weight the prosthesis . The right hind couldn't be amputated now, because this would further stress the leg that developed laminitis . That is my take . A horrible situation, but the horse is still trying---so should everyone else . When I say leg, that means either the right damaged leg, or the left foot with laminitis .

[Downthestretch55]

Somebody asked about laminitis...

http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/tod...65041&subsec=1

Besides Secretariat, as stated in the article, Sunday Silence also developed complications.

Barbaro, you're in my thoughts and prayers.

[Samarta]

Haven't posted in awhile, and it saddens me that my first post back is on this thread. I can only hope as all of you are that some kind of miracle happens and he pulls through, but the last thing anyone wants to see is this horse suffer anymore than he already has. Everyone involved with Barbaro has been nothing but class since day one and I'm talking way before the Preakness. I can't imagine what his connections are going through right now. My thoughts go out to them and their wonderful Kentucky Derby Champion. His potential was endless and I know Oracle said it in a post a while back, but I think it bears repeating...Not only is he an undefeated Derby winner, he might have been the best ever to run on the turf. That's how I good I think he was. God speed big boy!

[timmgirvan]

Amen,Sam! Unbelievable story....