Barbaro Watch.

Even as he has been cautious, and even pessimistic, about Barbaro's chances for survival, veterinarian Dr. Dean Richardson is more upbeat now than he was a few weeks ago.

Still, Barbaro isn't out of the woods:

The New Bolton surgeon was quick to add, however, that he still could not say if the colt's survival was "for sure," and anticipated Barbaro's hospitalization to continue for several more months.

"It is important to keep in mind that Barbaro has not been saved yet," Richardson said. "It is not like anyone can say it has been proven. I certainly can't emphasize that enough, and unfortunately it is the truth. Until he is doing what a normal horse can do I am not going to consider it a success."

Though the risk for the colt developing laminitis in his front feet was fairly low, Richardson noted he would always be at higher risk of having the disease and other problems in the currently infected foot.

Dr. Richardson answered many questions in an online chat.

Snip:

Pittsburgh, PA
Dr. Richardson, can you please describe a day with Barbaro in regards to his schedule (including the grazing outings)? What occurs in regard to his treatments and care taking and at what times? I know many people would like to hear about his day.

Dr. Richardson
He gets ICU checks by the nurses four times daily (vital signs, checking how much he is eating, drinking, manure/urine production etc.) He is fed grain mixes four times daily. He receives free choice alfalfa and timothy mix hay. I change his LH foot bandage around 6 am and walk him about 30 minutes in the late afternoon. He is no longer being put in a sling. Previously, we were letting him out of the sling from about 7 pm until 9 am. The Jacksons and Mr. Matz visit at various times and Mrs. Jackson always brings some Lael Farm grass hand picked for him. He gets groomed and bathed at various times. Medications are given at various intervals. Previously he was on a number of constant intravenous infusions and epidural pain medication. His management is much simpler right now because he is doing so well.