Barbaro could be released soon, surgeon says
Derby winner could leave hospital 'in the not so distant future'
 | Barbaro goes for a walk with Dean Richardson at the University of Pennsylvania's Bolton Center in Kennett Square, Pa. |
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KENNETT SQUARE, Pa. - Barbaro’s long hospital stay finally may be winding down.
While refusing to give a timeline, the Kentucky Derby winner’s surgeon said Wednesday that Barbaro is still making good progress in his recovery.
“His departure from here depends on many things,” said Dean Richardson, chief surgeon at the University of Pennsylvania’s New Bolton Center. “In my mind’s eye, he can leave in the not so distant future.”
Richardson has been cautious in his updates since Barbaro was admitted for what doctors described as “life-threatening injuries” after breaking down at the Preakness in May.
Barbaro’s weight fluctuates, Richardson said, but that is common with hospitalized horses. He said the colt’s appetite, vital signs and blood work are good and that the horse’s coat “looks beautiful.”
“As soon as we believe he can be managed as well somewhere else, he will go somewhere else,” Richardson said.
In addition to his original injuries, Barbaro later developed a severe case of laminitis in his left hind foot.
“Right now, things are going really well and he’s a happy horse,” Richardson said, adding that Barbaro’s left hind foot remains in a bandage and the fracture in his right hind foot has healed but needs a special shoe. “He will not be allowed any kind of free exercise for a long time.”
Doctors have said that Barbaro will never race again, but that they were working to save his life and possibly preserve him as a stallion. His breeding future, however, remains uncertain.
“We haven’t asked him at this point to jump a mare. We don’t even know yet if the horse is fertile,” Richardson said. “That’s great if he ends up being a breeding stallion. ... That’s icing on the cake if we get that far.”
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