Surgery
If a limb is no longer functional it will become a burden to the animal. There will be an increased risk of further injury along with the prolonged and eventual deterioration of health. The ideal surgery will prepare the residual limb with the most functional, healthiest stump possible. It will allow the prosthetist to use as much componentry as is available to restore healthy mobility to the animal. In short, the surgery is undertaken in order to make the animal an ideal "prosthetic candidate".

The following stumps are rated on a scale of 1-10 (worst to best). They take into consideration the length and condition of the terminal end.

Jude: 8/10. The surgery site was ideal on this patient providing a clean, non-complicated stump with good length on which to bear weight.

Henry: 6/10. It is unclear if this was a traumatic injury or birth defect, but the end of the stump is very well healed which to some degree compensates for the shortness in length.

Jamie: 5/10. Because she is so young it remains to be seen if the length of this stump will be sufficient, but it is well healed.

Thor: N/A. This is a "non-surgical" stump. Because it does not provide a clean length on which to weight-bear this will require constant adjustments to maintain health.

Immediate Post Operative Prosthesis (IPOP)
The establishment of Equine Prosthetics, Inc. was based on the lack of prosthetics available in veterinary medicine. There were several different attempts to repair Thor's leg. The first was to attach a support plate to a shoe which was not successful since the damage to his leg was beyond this type of support. He needed much more. The second attempt was to try to regain some mobility to his fetlock, and again this was met with failure. His first comfortable prosthesis was fabricated using crude materials, but it had the basics of what he ultimately needed.

Thor's first professional prosthesis was a simple "peg leg" that gave him support and allowed his leg to start healing. Jude required a similar device to help him to start walking again.

Immediately following surgical removal of the non-functional portion of the leg the residual limb should be placed in a snug fitting cast with a temporary (jig) prosthesis. This is done for three main reasons:

• To keep the wound clean and free of debris.
• To keep edema from settling into the surgical site. Excess fluid will impair circulation to the wound. Retaining maximum circulation at the surgical site will promote healing by keeping oxygen-rich blood to the internal wound site where it is needed most.
• To retain mobility. This in turn has four benefits:
  
  1. It keeps the muscle function at peak capacity, maintaining strength and agility.
  2. It prevents contracture deformities. Contractures occur when the full range of motion of the limb is compromised and no longer able to keep tendons and ligaments supple.
  3. Mobility will further increase circulation to the limb and throughout the entire body.
  4. Mobility will also help maintain the psychological health of the animal. Most animals thrive on a schedule and are happier if their lives are less disrupted.

Temporary Prosthesis/Definitive Prosthesis
Our prostheses are custom made. In prosthetic care, this is essential for the comfort and performance of the prostheses and is the very foundation of making a successful prosthesis. A molded model of the residual limb is taken and then an intimate socket is fabricated, ensuring a viable weight-bearing surface. This enhances the fit, function and comfort of the prostheses.

Rehabilitation and Prosthetic Care
We educate the owner on proper care and maintenance of the prosthesis, leaving them with a complete understanding of their role in the rehabilitation and support of their horse.

On sight Prosthetic & Orthotic Evaluations
We can be contacted to evaluate your horse's needs on site. We work with your veterinarian at your facility and/or through consultations to establish an objective and obtainable plan of action.

Immediate Post-Operative Prosthetic Fittings
We perform immediate post-operative fittings. This procedure enables ambulation (walking) right after surgery. It also helps prevent edema, minimizes trauma and facilitates healing, all of which result in a quicker rehabilitation time.

Custom Orthotic Bracing
Equine Prosthetics, Inc. is currently working with veterinarians to establish a line of orthotic devices. By developing a variety of devices that will help post-operatively for many types of injuries, including fractures and soft-tissue injuries, we hope to offer options for injuries that would otherwise have a poor prognosis.

Veterinarian Referrals/Consultations
Equine Prosthetics is working to establish a database of veterinarians dedicated to the rehabilitation of animals. This database is a source of information and assistance for our clients, their horses, the primary veterinarian and us. Close contact is maintained with all parties to make sure the needs of the animal are met.