Ben's Cat Continues to Improve After Colic Surgery

Image: 
Description: 

Photo: Anne M. Eberhardt
Ben's Cat at Christina Welker's Spring Ridge Farm

Four-time Maryland Horse of the Year and earner of more than $2.6 million Ben's Cat remains in critical condition but is said to be improving since undergoing surgery at Hagyard Equine Medical Institute near Lexington to repair an epiploic foramen entrapment July 6.

Known as "The Pride of Maryland" during his 63-race career, the 11-year-old Parker's Storm Cat gelding retired in June to Bayne and Christina Welker's Spring Ridge Farm in Versailles, Ky. He continues to be under the care of internal medicine specialist Dr. Rana Bozorgmanesh.

ANGST: Ben's Cat Settles Into New Kentucky Home

"Ben is in the best possible hands and continues to receive around-the-clock care," Christina Welker said. "He was bright and interactive when I visited him today, and it took a bit of weight off my shoulders to see how pleased both Drs. (True) Baker and (Rana) Bozorgmanesh were with his progress thus far.

"From the team at Hagyard to King Leatherbury and all of Ben's fans, everyone has been amazingly compassionate and supportive. This horse has an incredible amount of positive energy surrounding him."