|
Three legged dogs and cats are not an unusual sight in veterinary clinics. Pets often lose limbs due to severe trauma, cancer or even hereditary defects. On-going research in the field of prosthetics could allow these pets to function like their four-legged friends and just might benefit humans as well!
Dogs and cats appear to move almost normally with three legs so amputations are often offered for injured pets. However, new insights into how our pets manage pain and disabilities may soon change this perception. A veterinarian certified in canine rehabilitation says that “a three legged gait can take a toll on other limbs and the spine due to abnormal posture.” Young pets could experience even bigger problems. “Living longer with 3 limbs makes these animals more prone to disc problems and possibly severe cases of arthritis”. Pets with concurrent problems, such as hip dysplasia and cancer, could do worse after amputation. But, help appears to be on the way. Orthopets is working with veterinary surgeons to utilize titanium implants in the pet’s leg bone as an attachment for prostheses. Most prosthetic devices are known as “socket prosthetics”, that is, the stump of the limb is placed inside the prosthetic and everything is held up with straps. Owners often find these cumbersome and pets are likely to chew on the apparatus.
New technology, known as an integrated prosthetics, may open up more possibilities for how prosthetics are used in humans. By using the implants, these devices appear “to allow the patient a greater sensation of the ground.” One day amputees will change their prosthetic foot as easy as someone can change their shoes. This is beneficial for changing weather or environmental conditions.
Many animals benefit from the work at Orthopets. Orthopets has developed orthotic braces and prosthetic devices for llamas, orangutans, and even sheep. Although all of this is great news, there are still some obstacles to overcome. A big concern with the new integrated prosthetics is how the skin of the pet will mesh with the titanium of the implant. Additionally, providing the needed education to pet owners and veterinarians will likely take time. Both integrated and socket prosthetics require that enough limb is left after amputation to control the device. Finally, many pet owners may be concerned with how much a prosthetic might cost in relation to simply removing the leg.
The good news, though, is that options are available for pets whenever serious disease or trauma threatens one or more of their four legs. If you are faced with an unfortunate circumstance where you and your veterinarian need to contemplate removing a pet’s leg, ask how the surgery will affect your pet and whether prosthetics is an option. To see some heartwarming stories how prosthetics are helping pets, visit www.MyVNN.com to see a video.
Dr. Sara Lash
Healthy Pets Mobile Vet
www.drsaralash.com
919-329-7387(PETS)
|
