Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro’s left hind hoof is slowly showing evidence of regrowth after surgery last month to treat laminitis.

Laminitis occurs when laminae, the strong connecting tissues that attach the pedal bone and the inner hoof wall, are inflamed. "The coronary band (the portion of the hoof that is responsible for continued downward growth of the hoof) is beginning to re-establish itself," said Dean Richardson, DVM, Dipl. ACVS, Chief of Surgery at the George D. Widener Hospital

Barbaro’s right hind leg continues to be protected in a cast. "The original fractures have apparently healed well, but the cast is necessary to protect the pastern fusion," Richardson said. "This protection is required because he must bear most of his weight on the right hind limb due to the laminitis in the left hind leg."

Barbaro remains in the intensive care unit of the University of Pennsylvania’s George D