Miniature donkey foal fitted with prosthetic leg

Auburn University's College of Veterinary Medicine and the Hanger Clinic, formerly Hanger Prosthetics and Orthotics, are working together on a case that could have implications in the treatment and rehabilitation of horses, donkeys and other equids with congenital deformities or injuries.

Emma, a miniature donkey foal, was just two days old when she arrived at the John Thomas Vaughan Large Animal Teaching Hospital in April with a severe hind limb deformity, one that required amputation of the limb and the placement of a prosthesis.

A miniature donkey foal has been given a new lease of life since receiving one of the first prosthetic legs made for equines.

Hind limb deformity

Emma was born with a severe hind limb deformity that needed to be amputated when she was just two days old. Vets at Auburn University in Alabama then made her an artificial leg, working with clinician Billy Fletcher from prosthetics company Hanger Clinic.
This is the same company that made a prosthetic tail for an amputee dolphin called Winter, who was the star of last year’s hit film Dolphin Tale. They make animal limbs using the same materials that used for prostheses for Paralympic athletes.

Impressive design

“Billy was excited and enthusiastic to assist," said Dr Fred Caldwell, an assistant professor in the department of clinical sciences and equine surgeon. “Once we proceeded with the surgery and amputated the distal limb, he provided a small footplate to incorporate into the cast to even out the length of her hind limbs so she could bear weight until we could get the surgical site healed and have her fitted with a prosthesis. “
Emma is now 11 weeks old and thriving thanks to her new leg, which has since been replaced with a new model to make her even more mobile.
"She absolutely loved it from the get-go," Caldwell said. "It was a very impressive design and she did very well in it. She is getting stronger; she's growing and doing wonderfully."
As Emma grows, she will have her prosthec leg changed a number of times. When she reaches full growth she will then be fitted with a more permanent leg.

Unique teaching opportunity

The practice of using prostheses with horses and ponies is uncommon due to size and weight-bearing limitations. As Emma is a miniature donkey she will only weigh around 350 pounds as an adult, so she has provided a unique teaching opportunity for those involved.
“It's been very educational for me as an equine surgeon to learn; this has certainly been my first case,” said Caldwell. “I think we have a long way to go before we get to this being a procedure that's routinely an option for our larger patients, but for a prosthetic limb to be an option in horses is something that's pretty exciting."