Prosthetic Limbs for Horses: A Closer Look

Horses have traditionally been considered obligate four-legged animals; however, the dogma is changing.
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Horses have traditionally been considered obligate four-legged animals; however, the dogma is changing. Three-legged horses that walk easily with the assistance of a prosthetic limb are not as uncommon as they once were.

Case in point: Midnite is a 4-year-old Miniature Horse who was seized from an allegedly neglectful owner. He was placed at Ranch Hand Rescue in Argyle, Texas, where staff members were instantly faced with the fact that the colt had no hoof on his right hind leg. His new caretakers contemplated euthanizing the Midnite for humane reasons, but instead, began exploring the possibility of a prosthesis. Not long after, he was fitted with a prosthetic limb and now leads a relatively normal life at the rescue, galloping and playing with the help of his new leg.

According to Ted P. Vlahos, DVM, MS, Dipl. ABVP, of Sheridan Equine Hospital PC, in Wyo., who is experienced in working with equine prosthetics, one of the keys to successful management of a horse with a prosthesis is working with a certified prosthetist to ensure proper molding, fitting, and construction of the artificial limb.

"All of our prosthetic limbs have been custom made by our local human prosthetic company, Hanger Prosthetics and Orthotics in Sheridan," Vlahos said. There are also several companies that specialize in equine prosthetics

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Written by:

Stacey Oke, MSc, DVM, is a practicing veterinarian and freelance medical writer and editor. She is interested in both large and small animals, as well as complementary and alternative medicine. Since 2005, she’s worked as a research consultant for nutritional supplement companies, assisted physicians and veterinarians in publishing research articles and textbooks, and written for a number of educational magazines and websites.

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