Not surprisingly, we take our mission of providing the best possible pediatric prosthetics in Arkansas very seriously around here. But we also know it is important to take time to find the joy in what prosthetics can bring to a child’s life– as well as to the lives of our furry friends!
Since one of our passions is pediatric prosthetics, we thought you might enjoy sharing with your child these stories of animals who were were able to thrive after some helpful humans gave them new legs, tails, beaks, and even shells. Prepare to smile!
Angel Marie the Horse
Photo Credit: www.boredpanda.com
Angel Marie is a miniature horse who injured her front legs just after she was born. Thanks to a dedicated animal mobility practice, Angel Marie now wears a brace on one leg, and sports a prosthetic to replace the other leg.
Winter the Dolphin
Entangled in a crab trap while still a baby, Winter suffered severe damage to her tail flukes. Thanks to Florida’s Clearwater Marine Aquarium and a specially designed prosthetic tail, Winter is now able to thrive. This first-of-its-kind prosthetic has also taught Winter how to compensate, even when she is not wearing it! You can also see how well Winter is doing right now, with live footage of her!
Victoria the Goose
Photo Credit: Victoria
There was nothing “fowl” about the loving kindness that brought a Brazilian rescue group and a local dentist together to find a solution for Victoria, a wild goose born with almost no bill. Victoria now sports an artificial beak that enables her to live normally.
Motala the Elephant
Photo Credit: New York Times
For ten years, Motala lived without the leg that was destroyed after she stepped on a landmine. But at age 50, she received a prosthetic limb – making her the first elephant to ever be blessed with this technology.
Fred the Tortoise
Photo Credit: Fred
Fred may have lost his shell due to a wildfire, but he found friends in the scientists who crafted a new one for him. They used the latest software to design and print a shell with 3-D technology, allowing Fred to survive his environment.
Tripod the Llama
A Colorado llama had to have her back leg amputated after it was injured. Fortunately, her ranch owners were able to crowd fund a new solution – a prosthetic leg!
Derby the Dog
Photo Credit: This Malamute
This Malamute may have come into this world with two deformed front legs, but he also had caring owners who were able to arrange for artificial prosthetics. Now Derby can walk and run, thanks to the 3-D technology.
Emma the Donkey
Photo Credit: NBC
Emma was born with a hind leg so deformed that the lower portion had to be removed immediately. But it was not long before she was given the gift of a prosthetic that attaches to the remaining limb, allowing her full range of motion.
Chris P. Bacon the Pig
Chris was brought to a Florida veterinarian to be euthanized after being born without rear legs. Fortunately, the veterinarian, Len Lucero, decided to adopt Chris, and he additionally found a way to attach a wheelchair-like device to his hindquarters. Chris is now the star of children’s books and songs in his honor.
Cyrano the Cat
Photo Credit: adult cat, Cyrano
An adult cat, Cyrano, suffered from a severely damaged knee joint as the result of bone cancer. But the orange tabby is once again scampering about friskily, thanks to a new knee joint, created through 3-D printing. The artificial joint connects Cyrano’s upper and lower legs.
Of course, our (human) adult and pediatric prosthetic patients are just as inspiring. We are here to offer professional support and to answer any questions you have, whether for a potential or an existing prosthetic. Contact us today at (501) 683-8889 for more information about pediatric prosthetics in Arkansas.
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