Celebrity and cure
June 2nd 2008 08:38
A celebrity illness has the effect of stimulating action and new interest across the broader community in a condition or disease. It can result in a renewed interest in preventative screening, or research for a cure. When Kylie Minogue was diagnosed with breast cancer the media devoted countless newspaper columns and television minutes to covering her story. The MJA (Medical Journal of Australia) reported a "Kylie Effect" with a 40% increase in mammograms in the first two weeks of publicity.
When Barbaro was pulled up in the Preakness Stakes he had a right leg that was broken in three places. One bone shattered into 20 pieces. His initial surgery lasted five hours and he required 27 pins and a stainless steel plate.
Over an eight month period Dr Dean Richardson worked tirelessly in assisting his recovery and recuperation. After the initial complications they were for much of the time optimistic that Barbaro could make a full recovery. In the end it was a case of laminitis that led to the point of no return. The only time that Barbaro was subject to pain was the point when the inflammatory condition, laminitis, developed in both his front legs. Dr Richardson noted at the time the decision to euthanise was made that "he was a totally different horse yesterday morning. He had gone through the entire night before for the first time ever being uncertain of himself, not knowing what to do, not knowing how to get up or down."
(photo: Sabina Louise Pearce)
Laminitis kills thousands of horses each year. Not only thoroughbred racehorses, but also the many other breeds of working horses, ponies and pets.
The Barbaro Fund has been set up (Ridingwithbarbaro.org) to raise money for research into treatment for this affliction, as well as research money to find a cure. Millions of dollars have been raised through donations from organisations (mostly racing and veterinarian) and the general public.
Most of the research is being undertaken at the University of Pennsylvania where Barbaro was treated for those many months. Of course Barbaro was a 'celebrity' of his kind. Special, loved and admired. But his lasting legacy may be the better treatment, and possible cure, for the debilitating and often deadly condition that kills horses of any size or stature all around the world.
This is my favourite Kylie song (a duet with the articulate and super talented, Nick Cave).
Where The Wild Rose Grow:
When Barbaro was pulled up in the Preakness Stakes he had a right leg that was broken in three places. One bone shattered into 20 pieces. His initial surgery lasted five hours and he required 27 pins and a stainless steel plate.
Over an eight month period Dr Dean Richardson worked tirelessly in assisting his recovery and recuperation. After the initial complications they were for much of the time optimistic that Barbaro could make a full recovery. In the end it was a case of laminitis that led to the point of no return. The only time that Barbaro was subject to pain was the point when the inflammatory condition, laminitis, developed in both his front legs. Dr Richardson noted at the time the decision to euthanise was made that "he was a totally different horse yesterday morning. He had gone through the entire night before for the first time ever being uncertain of himself, not knowing what to do, not knowing how to get up or down."
Barbaro and Dr Richardson
(photo: Sabina Louise Pearce)
Laminitis kills thousands of horses each year. Not only thoroughbred racehorses, but also the many other breeds of working horses, ponies and pets.
The Barbaro Fund has been set up (Ridingwithbarbaro.org) to raise money for research into treatment for this affliction, as well as research money to find a cure. Millions of dollars have been raised through donations from organisations (mostly racing and veterinarian) and the general public.
Most of the research is being undertaken at the University of Pennsylvania where Barbaro was treated for those many months. Of course Barbaro was a 'celebrity' of his kind. Special, loved and admired. But his lasting legacy may be the better treatment, and possible cure, for the debilitating and often deadly condition that kills horses of any size or stature all around the world.
This is my favourite Kylie song (a duet with the articulate and super talented, Nick Cave).
Where The Wild Rose Grow:
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