Alpaca foal with amputated leg gets prosthetic limb
- 6 months ago
An alpaca foal with an amputated leg is able to run again - thanks to a prosthetic limb.
The two-month animal named Oracle was given the specially-made leg - made in a 3D printer.
Oracle, that lives at a farm in Belgium, had to have its lower part of the foreleg amputated a couple of weeks ago.
Orthopaedic technician Wesley Michiels, from Pet Orthopedics, made an adaptable prosthesis which will extend as he grows.
Pet Orthopedics, which started in April 2013 in Belgium, is known for its prosthetics and bandages but also for the wheelchair walker carts for disabled animals.
According to the orthopedics, alpacas are prone to bone inflammation, which often requires amputations.
Wesley explained: "Alpaca's are prone to develop osteomyelitis due to several factors.
"Oracle had this and was treated with antibiotics, but it didn't solve the infection.
"This is why we had to amputate the leg to set hold to the infection and to treat it.
"So we informed the vets who did the amputation to try to do the amputation in the wrist joint.
"Oracle is a stallion with good genes and he can live a perfectly good life with a prosthesis.
"As he is still a foal, we opted for an adaptable prosthesis that can be adjusted to the socket.
"Initially, they always walk slightly clumsily because they have to get used to it, but it will be fine!
"The important thing here is to have a prosthesis measured as soon as possible so that he can get used to it immediately.
"Because Oracle still has a lot to grow, we have made a prosthesis that can be extended as it grows.
"The cooker in which his leg is also adaptable and easily replaceable, which is why we don't have to make a complete prosthesis when it will no longer fit over time.
"Of course, Oracle also needs to practice a bit more, but the first steps looked hopeful again!"
Discussing how he made the orthopedic leg, Wesley explained: "I’m always busy with searching for the best prosthetics and orthotics for animals.
"I’m very interested in 3D printing so that is something I use more and more.
"With 3D prints you can make more complexed designs that give you the opportunity to make special and adjustable prosthetic devices.
"Because the alpaca must grow, I wanted something that can grow to."
To learn more about Pet Orthopedics and the work they do for animals, visit their website: https://petorthopedics.be/en/
Or Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pet.orthopedics
The two-month animal named Oracle was given the specially-made leg - made in a 3D printer.
Oracle, that lives at a farm in Belgium, had to have its lower part of the foreleg amputated a couple of weeks ago.
Orthopaedic technician Wesley Michiels, from Pet Orthopedics, made an adaptable prosthesis which will extend as he grows.
Pet Orthopedics, which started in April 2013 in Belgium, is known for its prosthetics and bandages but also for the wheelchair walker carts for disabled animals.
According to the orthopedics, alpacas are prone to bone inflammation, which often requires amputations.
Wesley explained: "Alpaca's are prone to develop osteomyelitis due to several factors.
"Oracle had this and was treated with antibiotics, but it didn't solve the infection.
"This is why we had to amputate the leg to set hold to the infection and to treat it.
"So we informed the vets who did the amputation to try to do the amputation in the wrist joint.
"Oracle is a stallion with good genes and he can live a perfectly good life with a prosthesis.
"As he is still a foal, we opted for an adaptable prosthesis that can be adjusted to the socket.
"Initially, they always walk slightly clumsily because they have to get used to it, but it will be fine!
"The important thing here is to have a prosthesis measured as soon as possible so that he can get used to it immediately.
"Because Oracle still has a lot to grow, we have made a prosthesis that can be extended as it grows.
"The cooker in which his leg is also adaptable and easily replaceable, which is why we don't have to make a complete prosthesis when it will no longer fit over time.
"Of course, Oracle also needs to practice a bit more, but the first steps looked hopeful again!"
Discussing how he made the orthopedic leg, Wesley explained: "I’m always busy with searching for the best prosthetics and orthotics for animals.
"I’m very interested in 3D printing so that is something I use more and more.
"With 3D prints you can make more complexed designs that give you the opportunity to make special and adjustable prosthetic devices.
"Because the alpaca must grow, I wanted something that can grow to."
To learn more about Pet Orthopedics and the work they do for animals, visit their website: https://petorthopedics.be/en/
Or Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pet.orthopedics