Kentucky Derby absentee, Uncle Mo diagnosis complete
“Uncle Mo has been diagnosed with cholangiohepatitis”, by a veterinarian team, consisting of, Dr. Bill Bernard, Dr. Doug Byars, and Dr. Tom Divers.
After weeks of speculating and debating over Uncle Mo’s long illness, veterinarians have found the cause of the bay colt’s continued disturbance. He is suffering from a liver ailment called cholangiohepatitis. The ailment entails inflammation of the liver
and the bile passages.
According to the Merck Veterinary Manual the inflammation causes hepatic failure in horses and ruminants. The results have been conclusive after a two month probing. A biopsy of the colt revealed that his liver and lymph nodes had an infection.
The veterinarians further said “The cause of how he contracted cholangiohepatitis is unknown”.
Bernard, Byers, and Divers were all teamed up by Repole before the Kentucky Derby to assess the physiological state of Uncle Mo. Since they were unable to tell when he contracted the disease it cannot be deduced whether he was suffering from it before the
Wood Memorial Stakes or not.
The three year old is conditioned by Todd Pletcher and owned by Repole Stables.
The Son of Indian Charlie was diagnosed with a gastrointestinal infection after he performed poorly in the April 9, 2011 Wood Memorial Stakes.
Uncle Mo had won all his starts as a two year old and his seemingly out of flair performance in the Wood Memorial Stakes startled his owner and trainer both. He was third in that race. He was also treated with antibiotics.
Uncle Mo missed out on the Kentucky Derby because of the same lingering stomach problem. His owner wanted him to be hundred percent fit or else he was not going to race him. Following his non recovery from the ailment he was sent to WinStar Farm.
He was shifted there as it would have been easy for veterinarians to monitor him. Ever since the colt has moved to WinStar Farm, he is reported to have gained 67 pounds. His blood appears good and he seems more energetic.
Owner, Mike Repole, commented in this by saying “As long as Uncle Mo is 100% healthy, he’ll be sent back to Todd Pletcher’s barn”, Repole said. “My hope is for him to arrive back with Todd before Aug. 1. I want to personally thank Dr. Bernard, Dr. Byars,
Dr. Divers, and all of the other participating vets for their treatment of Uncle Mo”.
As a respite cholangiohepatitis is easily treatable with antibiotics. With the grace of God, Uncle Mo shall recover. This news was also welcomed by Mike Repole, who insisted that Uncle Mo would be shifted to Todd Pletcher’s barn, and, resume racing if he
is one hundred percent fit. His owner intends to race him in the Travers Stakes, which is to take place on, August 27, 2011.
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