Superbrains Match Wits With Barbaro
Friday, August 11, 2006
by CL Shaw & Barbaro's Big Heart
Fondly dubbed Barbaro's "Jolly Jumper" Sling, its genius innovator is Dr. John Madigan - Equine Emergency Veterinarian at UC DAVIS, Southern California. His superbrain designed the Anderson Sling which we see Kentucky Derby Winner Barbaro using since life-threatening laminitis suddenly developed and he underwent necessary hoof resection 4 weeks ago.
Superbrain Dr. Dean Richardson discovered Barbaro's acute abscessing laminitis which can develop without warning. The only way to save his left hind hoof and laminae was to perform a radical hoof resection to prevent the laminae breaking and dying. If he had not, the likelihood of keeping it from worsening was slim. If left untreated, it increases the risk of founder - where his coffin bone (middle toe) could have pulled away from his hoof wall, dropping and rotating down through his sole's soft padding beneath his abscessed heel.
While recovering from this and multiple fractures in his right leg, Dr. Madigan's Anderson Sling
became a vital life support system for America's beloved Hero. It allows him to rest his sensitive
foot, giving him time to "fully recover" from his leg fractures and resected laminitic hoof.
He is adapting extremely well to the special sling which provides immediate relief from painful pressure associated with laminitis and swelling. Hopefully, this along with pain medications,
supportive cast dressings, and special nutritionals with tender loving care will greatly reduce the
laminitis spreading to his other hooves -- a valid concern by Dr. Richardson and Medical Team Barbaro.
With top ICU care, Barbaro rests in the sling guided by friendly assistive hands which he intelligently understands. The sling itself is powered by a hydraulic system "that lowers the door to the ground and uses a winch to pull it up. It can be used to lift a stretcher and a horse safely into an ambulance. It also acts as a moveable supportive wall that can gently squeezes a standing horse
to support it safely during transport to a veterinary emergency room hospital." Dr. Madigan states
that this sling has saved hundreds of horses unable to get off the ground by themselves. Hopefully,
this device will continue to save tens of thousands more.
Meanwhile, one of Barbaro's favorite things to do is use the sling as a "buttocks and back legs" support enabling him to sit on his hind legs like your "special dog friend" begging for treats. His humorous stance amazes everyone. He's remaining bright and chipper according to Dr. Anderson who recently visited him. And what an appetite! He cannot wait to get his load of special baby
carrots topped with baby greens while resting in his sling or standing fully upright!
Besides hopping around a bit in his "Jolly Jumper" Sling, he loves to give surprise nuzzley lovebites on human shoulders. Could be he's saying, "Hey, got any more treats? Are you awake
(especially 2d or 3d shift)? Careful now, with those long needles. Oh, I'll be really good if you give me another nice, long massage!"
That's Barbaro's humorously light side. But when it comes to matching wits, think Drs. Richardson and Madigan have found it in Barbaro's superbrain!
For more information about the Anderson Sling:
http://www.news.ucdavis.edu/search/news_detail.lasso?id=7832
Courtesy of www.campaigningforbarbaro.com
www.TeamUSABarbaroLounge.blogspot.com
Friday, August 11, 2006
by CL Shaw & Barbaro's Big Heart
Fondly dubbed Barbaro's "Jolly Jumper" Sling, its genius innovator is Dr. John Madigan - Equine Emergency Veterinarian at UC DAVIS, Southern California. His superbrain designed the Anderson Sling which we see Kentucky Derby Winner Barbaro using since life-threatening laminitis suddenly developed and he underwent necessary hoof resection 4 weeks ago.
Superbrain Dr. Dean Richardson discovered Barbaro's acute abscessing laminitis which can develop without warning. The only way to save his left hind hoof and laminae was to perform a radical hoof resection to prevent the laminae breaking and dying. If he had not, the likelihood of keeping it from worsening was slim. If left untreated, it increases the risk of founder - where his coffin bone (middle toe) could have pulled away from his hoof wall, dropping and rotating down through his sole's soft padding beneath his abscessed heel.
While recovering from this and multiple fractures in his right leg, Dr. Madigan's Anderson Sling
became a vital life support system for America's beloved Hero. It allows him to rest his sensitive
foot, giving him time to "fully recover" from his leg fractures and resected laminitic hoof.
He is adapting extremely well to the special sling which provides immediate relief from painful pressure associated with laminitis and swelling. Hopefully, this along with pain medications,
supportive cast dressings, and special nutritionals with tender loving care will greatly reduce the
laminitis spreading to his other hooves -- a valid concern by Dr. Richardson and Medical Team Barbaro.
With top ICU care, Barbaro rests in the sling guided by friendly assistive hands which he intelligently understands. The sling itself is powered by a hydraulic system "that lowers the door to the ground and uses a winch to pull it up. It can be used to lift a stretcher and a horse safely into an ambulance. It also acts as a moveable supportive wall that can gently squeezes a standing horse
to support it safely during transport to a veterinary emergency room hospital." Dr. Madigan states
that this sling has saved hundreds of horses unable to get off the ground by themselves. Hopefully,
this device will continue to save tens of thousands more.
Meanwhile, one of Barbaro's favorite things to do is use the sling as a "buttocks and back legs" support enabling him to sit on his hind legs like your "special dog friend" begging for treats. His humorous stance amazes everyone. He's remaining bright and chipper according to Dr. Anderson who recently visited him. And what an appetite! He cannot wait to get his load of special baby
carrots topped with baby greens while resting in his sling or standing fully upright!
Besides hopping around a bit in his "Jolly Jumper" Sling, he loves to give surprise nuzzley lovebites on human shoulders. Could be he's saying, "Hey, got any more treats? Are you awake
(especially 2d or 3d shift)? Careful now, with those long needles. Oh, I'll be really good if you give me another nice, long massage!"
That's Barbaro's humorously light side. But when it comes to matching wits, think Drs. Richardson and Madigan have found it in Barbaro's superbrain!
For more information about the Anderson Sling:
http://www.news.ucdavis.edu/search/news_detail.lasso?id=7832
Courtesy of www.campaigningforbarbaro.com
www.TeamUSABarbaroLounge.blogspot.com
posted by WMCLSS @ 1:25 PM
18 comments
18 Comments:
Dr. Larry Bramlage/Road & Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington, KT -
'Barbaro's hoof resection procedure must be taken week by week. Typically, it costs $10,000.00 for Fetlock Arthrodesis, the medical surgery performed removing 80% of his hoof wall.
There's no way to determine Barbaro's costs and due to complications, you take it week by week.
While battling Laminitis, the laminae become full of blood initially but then ischemia, or stoppage of blood occurs killing off healthy tissue. The immune system's inflammatory response happens and severe inflammation and swelling come on suddenly. Stoppage of circulation kills the coffin bone, creating skin ulcers.
Laminitis is reversible. But in Barbaro's case it cannot heal until his broken leg mends completely so his weight can be evenly distributed.
Horseracing experts say economic considerations are playing a major role in Barbaro's extensive medical treatments.
However, horses with extensive fractures and dislocated hock like Barbaro's are rarely operated on due to the low success rate and high medical costs. With what Barbaro has faced his surgeries are unprecented.'
We realize there are many factors that went into Gretchen and Roy Jacksons's decision to save their beloved Barbaro 's life. The high-priced siring stud fees earnable from Barbaro, the medical treatments keeping him comfortable are important factors. But the most important one of all is LOVE. He is a member of their family and America's Champion Hero. Never have we seen such outpouring of prayers and hopes for an incredibly spirited fighter. WE BELIEVE IN MIRACLES, BELIEVE IN BARBARO
AMEN, COULD NOT HAVE SAID IT BETTER!
THANK YOU
After spending days researching and understanding Laminitis and Founder...ran across some interesting comments. Echoes what the horsedoctor sees first is his patient's discomfort.
If the horse cannot tolerate walking then don't make him walk. And before taking radiographs, the affected hoof has to be stabilized after pain meds like 2 grams of aspirin are given. Once getting the horse comfortable, then x-rays can be done to see if the coffin bone (horse's middle toe they walk on ) has rotated and if so, how much.
Laminitis comes superfast without warning! The affected horse can be fine one minute and then Woosh it happens -- almost like a rupturing aneurysm (ballooned area of blood forms in the brain). The good news is that not all laminitis leads to founder. Usually if laminitis is left untreated as in the case of Apollo or Nureyev then it is far more difficult to treat it. Obviously, stall rest alone was not enough for Nureyev who went down hill during a 10 week course until doctors figured out you also needed to allow the animal to rest laying down and not all the time resting in the sling Barbaro is using.
At least we know Barbaro is in excellent hands at NBC and the medical ICU staff figured out pretty quick when the casts were too tight or infection was rising. Barbaro is so frightenly smart that in short order, he knew the sling was his friend and he settled into his sling rest routine easilly. Someone said that he's now doing so well that they can change his foot casts right there in the stall. And, they don't have to heavily sedate him -- just a little to take the edge off, that's all. Do know that nutritionals are playing a key role to boost Bobby's immune system and heard that they are giving him Spirulina wafers. Went over to the website www.springtimeinc.com and found it helps prevent laminitis AND treats effectively existing laminitis.
Worried about him not being able to graze because I know there is a tendency for injured horses recovering indoors often get stomach ulcers. Saw the the spirulina wafers also prevent this frequent problem associated with horses who cannot graze outdoors for themselves.
It is great and comforting knowing that he continues to get the best of care, prayers, and love.
Keep getting stronger Bobby, we believe you'll beat the odds.
Tried to post earlier but server must have gone done briefly. Here goes again. Laminitis vs. Founder. After researching, discovered laminitis can lead to founder but does't always. Founder is the worst possible form where the collin bone (middle toe) rams itself straight through soft tissue hoof's bottom sole. Think of a hovercraft cushioning the hoof wall so that the laminae cushion the middle bone toe keeping it from giving way. Theorists believe that as blood moves away from the damaged laminae, then it simply collapses under intense weight and pressure with incredible pain.
The poor horse often has difficulty even taking small step on soft ground and cannot move at all except for a splayed look pretty much like Aflex Alex did temporarily in one of his recent races where he did't fall and actually recovered -- impressive! Anyhow, its those dreadfully painful abscesses loaded with infection that makes it worse. Thankfully, Barbaro's was caught in time and has top notch care 24/7. Dr. Richardson and his staff are insuring that he gets the right stuff!
Think it was Afleet Alex but close enough. Glad to see medical expertise on founder and laminitis are in one easy location. Kudos to whoever did this. Many THANKS and may Bobby continue to get stronger on his race to cross the finish line with all 4 hooves healthy! Hardly can wait until we start seeing even better reports that Bobby will be stable and good. Just keep having those ACNs and ACDs.
Thank you for the funny and informative way of presenting info on Bobby's sling. Love he part where he bobs around, or boings a lot like a skirming little kid.
Thanks much for having the easy link right to the article. Wanted to know more about the I guess somewhat now famous sling he uses has a rocking robbin Bobby.
Cool article on Bobby. Informative and funny at same time. Agree that Barbaro gives everybody a run for their money at NBC with his brilliant mind--think I read somewhere or heard that Peter Brete said he was the most intelligent horse he has ever trained and ridden.
Bobby if you're listening -- keep them all on their toes and guessing. LOL Humor is good for the soul! P.S. You are my namesake!
Glad to see Barbaro is getting the intelligent brains attention he deserves. He has gone through so much and yet has a really upbeat attitude. Still, he is definitely nobody's fool. Love the part where he's a bit of a mischief maker but it's all in fun. What a guy!
May you never grow out it, Barbaro!
Now if you manage to get out of it by yourself then you would be Houdini, huh there O Great One?
Looking forward to more good reads on Bobby. Thanks for expressing his lighter side.
Bobby, never quit and let your hoove grow. Remember, rest lots and enjoy those massages. Speaking of massages, I could really use one right now.
Oh Well, Bobster later gater! Have another ACE (another Comfy evening) ACE!
Nice, really nice job. Glad the UC DAVIS article was linked. Appreciate the effort put into this equally as well as Bobby's humor. Thanks again for making me laugh when for weeks all I could do was grab tissues, pray, and cry a lot hoping Bobby would turn around and beat those odds people mention a lot.
Keep the Faith Bobby. Believe in Miraces & GROW HOOF GROW; MEND LEGS MEND. AMEN
FUNNY STUFF! Glad Barbaro is mending the way he should. The article you wrote with his help has me laughing when I found it so hard for the last 4 weeks to find humor in much of anything. Lost sleep, could not focus because I was praying and thinking of Barbaro!
Truly overjoyed he is in good hands and can match wits with the best brains! Go Barbaro go, boy and keep healing.
This was about as funny as the poem we read at Tim Woolley's Racing about Mike Rea keeping himself up on his saddle using crazy glue. Thanks, the LOL was what made by evening.
Looking forward to reading more of Barbaro's comedic humor. We learned more about the truth on laminitis better here than searching hours on the internet. Thank you for making life so much easier finding it right here at our fingertips.
Want another ACN, Barbaro, hear us? Be good and only bite gently the ones you love the most!
Wow, didn't realize Bobby's sling was so amazingly useful for numerous ways to lift a horse safely when he gets injured. Wonder why it was called the ANDERSON SLING. The linked UC DAVIS article did not mention how it got its name. Anyone out there know? If you do, maybe you could include it in a followup post or blurb or article. Thanks, and Barbaro be cool dude!
RoGer,
Will check into how the Anderson sling got its name. My guess initially, is that it was named for possible Dr. Madigan's mentor or family member who assisted him in its development or in honor of someone very dear to him....maybe a partner in his memory. Good question, will let you know, it may take a few days but will definitely try to get the right answer. Later for now.
If anyone else finds the answer to Roger's question: How did the Anderson sling get its name feel free to respond in the blog post here.
Apreciate it!
In reading Dr. Bramlage's comment on Barbaro's hoof resection surgery. That is not cheap. Veterinary insurance covers on part of it. Sure the Jackson's are still paying out a bundle with barbaro's medical expenses. Heard or read from Alex that Barbaro has political connections that are helping out too. Wonder what those are. Anyone know?
Another good question, Ken T. Will look into that one and see what we can find out...hmmm. Maybe Barbaro will whisper the answer when he's feeling up to it.
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