LEXINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 28, 2013) — Veterinarians at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital remain pleased with Rachel Alexandra’s progress following abdominal surgery resulting from foaling complications in mid-February.
Earlier this month, the 2009 Horse of the Year foaled a 140-pound bay filly with a small heart on her head. The next day, Rachel Alexandra was transported to Rood & Riddle to have a colon injury repaired. She was in serious condition for several days.
Dr. Brett Woodie, who performed the surgery, calls her recovery “better than expected.”
The equine hospital says the mare’s appetite was good enough that she was taken off IV fluids and nutrition on Saturday. Rachel Alexandra continues to hand walk and graze several times a day. Her vitals are normal and her trademark spirit has returned, including a nip here and there.
Dr. Bonnie Barr often credits her progress to the champion mare’s strong will and intelligence, noting that Rachel Alexandra “let’s us take care of her.” For much of her day, that is Medicine Technician Brent Comer, who grooms and keeps Rachel company each day. The two have become fast friends, with Comer providing ear massages and a full buffet of treats.
“We continue to hope for steady, uneventful, daily progress,” Rood & Riddle said in a press release.
The equine hospital will provide another update next week, unless a change in Rachel Alexandra’s condition occurs.
She won the 2009 Kentucky Oaks and many other races. In 2009, she became the first filly in 85 years to win the Preakness Stakes.
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