John Henry update.....

[my miss storm cat]

John Henry Receiving Supplemental Fluids
by: Erin Ryder, TheHorse.com News Editor
September 14 2007


John Henry, everyone's favorite equine curmudgeon, was placed back on fluid therapy this week after bloodwork showed an imbalance of electrolytes, according to Kathy Hopkins, director of equine operations at the Kentucky Horse Park.

Hopkins said the 32-year-old John was first placed on fluids during a heat wave that hit Kentucky in mid-August.

"He had some problems earlier (this summer) when we had that horrible heat," Hopkins said. "He's a Cushings horse, so sometimes just trying to keep him in balance with his electrolytes and all that, is, of course, more difficult with a Cushings horse, just like an elderly person. So we were doing exactly would you would do for an elderly person if they had a little bit of an electrolyte imbalance--you put them on fluids to straighten them out.

"It's a normal precautionary and therapeutic treatment for these older guys, just like you'd do for a human," Hopkins said.

John Henry was twice Thoroughbred Horse of the Year (1981 and 1984), won $6.5 million, and is still the richest gelding in Thoroughbred racing history. He has called the Kentucky Horse Park home since 1985.

The therapy was resumed Wednesday, when John again became dehydrated. Hopkins said the horse perked up after treatment.

"After we got some fluids into him he's back to eating everything in sight," Hopkins said. "He's back to normal John, banging on the door and saying 'I want to go for a walk.' "

Hopkins said John is in his stall and receiving fluids this morning but will be turned out this afternoon. The therapy will continue as his electrolyte levels say it is required.

"It just depends on his bloodwork--whenever his bloodwork calls for it, we'll do it," Hopkins said. "When it's back to normal and not required we'll stop it."


http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=10403

[letswastemoney]

How many more years does he have in him?