Barbaro's vet says cast on injured leg could come off next week

[a kennedy]

LOUISVILLE (AP) — Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro could take another step on the road to recovery next week without the cast on the right hind leg he shattered in the Preakness nearly six months ago.

Dr. Dean Richardson said Wednesday night that Barbaro has been walking so well lately, that "we're probably going to be removing the cast next week."

The cast would be replaced by a splinted bandage. The 3-year-old colt's left hind foot continues to grow back after 80% of the hoof was removed when laminitis struck in mid-July.

"He still does not have a normal left hind foot," Richardson said. "He still needs a normal hind foot before he can live a normal life as a horse. He still has a long way to go."

Richardson said there has been no determination when Barbaro might leave the University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center in Kennett Square, Pa., where he has been since his career ended when he took a misstep a few strides out of the starting gate in the Preakness.

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/horses/2006-11-01-barbaro-cast_x.htm :bounce: :applause: :woohoo: :bounce: :thumbsup: :loveya: :woohoo: :applause:

[dropkickpa]

1. If money were no object

I have always wanted to work at the New Bolton Center. Unfortunately, vet tech's in large animal medicine get paid even worse crap than they do in clinics.

Glad to hear Barbaro is doing so well!!

[Pool Hall Ace]

2. He still has a long way to go, but it's nice to hear

that he's slowly improving. :)

[xchrom]

3. woo-hoo!!! you rock barbaro!

no matter what -- that horse is the greatest --- love him!

[dpbrown]

4. Good for you Barbaro!

Keep, um, growing that hoof!


:yourock:

[wildhorses]

5. thanks for the update--

for barbaro :hug: and you too a kennedy :hug:

[a kennedy]

6. You're welcome wildhorses.....

:hug: ya back.

[MrCoffee]

7. Great news! thanks for the update

[sarge43]

8. Also thank you

I was wondering how he was doing. :thumbsup: