Paynter, who won Horse Racing’s prestigious 2012 Haskell Invitational at Monmouth Park in July and has been battling colitis at Upstate Equine Medical Center in Schuylerville, N.Y., has developed a new problem ….he was diagnosed with the deadly hoof disease laminitis yesterday (Tuesday).
Laminitis is a painful and, most times, fatal hoof disease that can be described as inflammation of the hoof laminae, or the interlocking tissues that attach the hoof wall to the coffin bone within the hoof. This disease causes the coffin bone, which is kind of shaped like a stingray, to rotate nose down and in severe cases, begins to come thru the bottom of the hoof.
“He has been diagnosed with our nightmare scenario of laminitis, and it seems it is rapidly progressing,” owner Ahmed Zayat said via his Twitter account. “After taking additional X-rays of the foot and discussing with some foot experts, Dr. Laura (Javsicas) has found out that he has developed (laminitis) in three of his four legs, which is heartbreaking.”
I have to be honest with you readers….The odds are stacked against Paytner’s, of whom trainer Bob Baffert described as a “serious racehorse”, survival as he now has Laminitis in three of his feet, Colitis, an infection at a catheter site and also developed clotting in his veins as a result of low protein.
As recent as this morning (Wednesday) Payter was “resting comfortably” and is having “a decent day”.
“Poor Paynter…I don’t know how long he can fight this out so bravely without having pain and suffering,” Zayat said. “So far, Dr. Laura (Javsicas) is very conscious of having his pain under control. But we need to look at all these problems”.
“My deep concern is that he if is a healthy horse, he can fight laminitis since it is the beginning (of the disease), but to be a sick horse and fight all these issues all at once, it is asking for too much.
“We need to be compassionate and merciful and treat our star with the respect and love that he deserves while giving him the best chance in fighting for his life. Please pray. I am at loss in what the right thing to do is here, but I will leave it up to his caring and loving vet to decide the right courses of action.”
Kristy….whatever works, I’m all for it !
William…agreed….
SILVER LINING HERBS for Laminitis. I’m telling you put him on it ASAP!
The 3 year olds have had a rough year. It’s harder to feel bad for any of the others over Paynter. He most likely won’t make it. He was just coming into his own after the great showings in the Belmont and Haskell. Hopefully he gets better or the pain ends quickly. derbydeals.com