Statement on the Barbaro Surgical Procedure

Major surgery on Barbaro began at 1 p.m. this afternoon and ended at approximately 7 p.m. According to orthopedic surgeon Dr. Dean W. Richardson, the operation went satisfactorily and Barbaro is in his recovery stall. "Barbaro presented with a case that was about as difficult as such an operation could be," said Richardson.

Barbaro had fractured his leg in three places. During the surgery, the bones were set and will be allowed to fuse in place over time. Recovery will take many months.

"While we do not anticipate complications, surgery is only the beginning for a horse that has undergone major surgery," Richardson said. "We are optimistic, but right now we are focusing on Barbaros recovery."

About Dean W. Richardson, DVM

Dr. Dean W. Richardson is Chief of Surgery and the Charles W. Raker Professor of Equine Surgery at Penn Vets Widener Hospital at New Bolton Center. He is an internationally recognized orthopedic surgeon whose research focuses on cartilage repair. Dr. Richardson has been part of New Bolton Center since 1979.

About New Bolton Center

The University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicines New Bolton Center in Kennett Square, Pa., is one of the busiest large animal teaching veterinary clinics in the nation. Each year the George D. Widener Hospital for Large Animals sees more than 6,000 patient visits, and its Field Service sees more than 19,000 patient visits. In addition to its role as one of the nations finest equine surgical facilities, New Bolton Center encompasses hospital facilities for the care of large animals and livestock as well as diagnostic laboratories serving the agriculture industry and the monitoring of emerging infectious disease.  

About The University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine

Penn's School of Veterinary Medicine is one of the worlds premier veterinary schools. Founded in 1884, the school was built on the concept of Many Species, One Medicine©.

The birthplace of veterinary specialties, the school serves a distinctly diverse array of animal patients at its two campuses, from companion animals to horses to farm animals. The schools Matthew J. Ryan Veterinary Hospital, located on Penn's campus in Philadelphia, Pa., houses classrooms, laboratories, medical care and one of the nations busiest urban veterinary emergency rooms.  In addition, the school successfully integrates scholarship and scientific discovery with all aspects of veterinary medical education.