Uncle Mo diagnosed with inflamed liver
June 3, 2011WHITESTONE, N.Y. (AP) - Uncle Mo has been diagnosed with an inflamed liver, although last year's 2-year-old champion could resume training this summer.
The colt's diagnosis was announced Friday after seven weeks of testing.
Uncle Mo was diagnosed with a gastrointestinal infection following his third-place finish in the Wood Memorial in April. He trained up to the Kentucky Derby, but trainer Todd Pletcher scratched him because of health concerns the day before the May 7 race.
Owner Mike Repole hopes Uncle Mo can return to Pletcher's stable in New York before Aug. 1. He's optimistic the colt can race again, but Uncle Mo's progress during the next three months will be the deciding factor.
After a biopsy of the liver and lymph nodes, Uncle Mo was diagnosed with cholangiohepatitis, a severe inflammation of the liver and bile ducts. A team of three internists said it does not know how Uncle Mo contracted the disease.
Since the colt has been out of training at WinStar Farm in Lexington, Ky., the internists said Uncle Mo has gained 67 pounds. In addition, there has been improvement in his blood work, energy level and attitude.