When a horse has an injury such as happened to Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro in the Preakness Stakes (gr. I), the end result has often been euthanasia. Veterinarians are attempting to save Barbaro’s life, and limb. However, if the blood supply to the injured limb becomes compromised, or infection or other complications arise, veterinarians may consider amputating the horse’s limb and fitting him an artificial leg (prosthesis) to save his life.

While not all animals adapt to artificial limbs and the unusual care they require (such as standing on three legs while the stump is being cleaned or the prosthetic is being replaced), there have been success stories. These successful amputees include valuable breeding stock (stallions and mares), and even a pony who survived Hurricane Katrina.

The first amputation/prosthetic application in the United States took place in about 1970. Since then there have been advances made in surgical techniques, materials used for the prosthesis (various metals/plastics and types of foot pads), and ways to attach the artificial limb. However, amputation is not the solution to every catastrophic case, nor do all horses survive even if the amputation is successful.

Each injury is different, each amputation case is different, and surgeons handle the remaining stump and attachment of the prosthesis differently. Surgeons must create a stump with a tough covering over the end (one uses grafted frog from the foot) in order to prevent problems with bearing weight. Once the stump heals, a cup-like attachment with straps is used to attach and remove the prosthesis as needed (similar to human prostheses)