The right hind leg cast of Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) winner Barbaro was removed Nov. 6, according to his medical team at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine's New Bolton Center. "Barbaro was placed under general anesthesia for the cast removal," said Dr. Dean Richardson, chief of surgery. "In addition, his foot was trimmed and a new shoe was glued on. A padded bandage with plastic and fiberglass splints was placed on his lower limb for support."Barbaro's lower right hind leg had been in a cast since surgery at New Bolton following his accident at the Preakness Stakes (gr. I) May 20. "He had a perfect pool recovery and immediately stood; he walked easily back to his stall," said Richardson. "He used all of his legs quite well."
Barbaro's left hind foot, which had laminitis, was also fully evaluated while he was under anesthesia. "There are no signs of new problems with that foot, but the hoof needs several more months of growth before we will know how much foot structure and function will be recovered," said Richardson.