A week after a setback in his recovery from a broken pastern bone and bout of laminitis, Barbaro continues to gradually improve, according to the latest report from the University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center.
“Barbaro’s comfort level is improving steadily, and we are gradually tapering off his pain medication,” said Dr. Dean W. Richardson, chief of surgery, on Thursday, Jan. 18. “His vital signs are stable, and his appetite is good.”
Barbaro remains in the intensive care unit at New Bolton's George D. Widener Hospital.
Barbaro, the winner of the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I), has been at the clinic since injuring his right rear pastern bone during the May 20 Preakness Stakes (gr. I). As his recovery from that injury progressed, the colt suffered from laminitis, an often fatal condition, in his left rear hoof. His recovery from the laminitis took a turn for the worse last week when he underwent surgery to have more of the hoof removed.
Over the Jan. 13-14 weekend, however, he showed considerable improvement in his comfort level, according to Richardson.