Vathi N. Veterinarian, Postgraduate Student, Companion Animal Clinic, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, A.U.Th., Thessaloniki
Tseliou A. Veterinarian, Postgraduate Student, Companion Animal Clinic, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, A.U.Th., Thessaloniki
Kolios H. Industrial Designer, Founder of bio3Dvet
Ifantis A. Veterinarian, Co-Founder of bio3Dvet
Diakakis N. Veterinarian, Professor, Companion Animal Clinic, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, A.U.Th., Thessaloniki
Introduction
Equids support their body weight diagonally. Thus, severe limb injuries usually lead to euthanasia. However, applied biomechanics could help in the manufacturing of equine prosthetic limbs. This study presents the first case of application of a prosthetic splint on a donkey.
Materials and methods (Clinical case)
A donkey with an amputated right metatarsal was found by an animal welfare organization. The metatarsal stump was treated with mild antiseptic washes, healing ointments, and bandaging. In collaboration with bio3Dvet, a hind limb prefix was designed. For the construction of the splint, steel sidebars were used for sufficient support and stability, while the main parts were made of polyethylene with an inner lining of EVA foam material. The prefix was designed for limited daily application, thus allowing movement without stressing the rest of the limb.
Results
With a positive response seen upon initial application, after a month of use, the results are excellent. The stump looks healthy, with a wide zone of neo-epithelialization, and no appearance of pressure wounds on the healthy parts of the limb.
Conclusions
Prosthetic limbs in horses could give a new perspective in cases with limited prospects for recovery and poor prognosis.
References
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