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Written by: Pet Health

Artificial Limbs for Animals

Animals with mobility disabilities are frequently rejected as pets. Dogs and cats born with missing limbs, limbs lost to trauma, or those that are unable to walk are surrendered to shelters and eventually euthanized due to lack of interest in their adoption.

Three-legged animals suffer from an abnormal gait that takes a toll on the rest of the body as they try to compensate for what is missing. In dogs with arthritis and concurrent mobility problems, placing weight on the remaining limbs is extremely difficult or impossible.

Veterinary orthotics and prosthetics (artificial limbs and braces) are becoming commonplace in modern veterinary medicine. It makes it possible for animals with challenging disabilities to not only live, but live better as well. Prosthetics and orthotics can restore the mobility of an animal when fabricated correctly. Animal prosthetics are custom made, taking into account the type of animal and its individual physical traits such as size, weight, stance, gait and lifestyle. First, a mold of the affected body part is made by casting or scanning for use with a 3D printer. Medical grade plastics are used to create the prosthetics and orthotics. In some cases, the device can be modified as the animal grows.

Not everyone can make an orthopedic device for animals. There is a high risk for harm if it is not done properly. Since dogs from different breeds can be so different, acquiring an off the shelf orthopedic device carries a high potential for failure or injury. To guarantee success, an orthopedic device must be designed and built by an experienced animal orthotist. A veterinarian certified in physical rehabilitation must then fit the device and design a therapeutic program to acclimate the animal to their new prosthetic or orthotic device. The program may take anywhere between a few days to several weeks.

The field of veterinary rehabilitation gives animals with disabilities an equal chance at having a happy life. At Animal Health and Rehab Center, we have been helping animals with disabilities live a good life for 18 years now. It is always exciting for us to see an animal that was born with missing limbs walking comfortably for the first time in their life. To see our work follow us on Instagram @DrMartaVet.

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Tags: , , , , Last modified: August 20, 2021