Animal orthopaedist Wesley Michiels of Pet Orthopaedics in Nijlen (Antwerp province) has made an adaptable prosthesis for alpaca foal Oracle from Geluwe (West Flanders), Gazet van Antwerpen reports.
The lower part of Oracle's foreleg was amputated below the wrist joint a few weeks ago. This is the third time the orthopaedist has made a prosthetic leg for an alpaca.
Pet Orthopedics is known for its prosthetics and bandages but also for the wheelchair walker carts that it makes for disabled animals. Michiels was asked by a Geluwe-based alpa-vet – a veterinarian specialising in alpacas – to create a moveable prosthesis for a baby alpaca. (Alpacas are prone to bone inflammation, which often requires amputations.)
Credit: Pet Orthopedics
"In this case, Oracle, a two-month-old alpaca stallion, had the lower part of the front leg amputated up to the wrist joint, so his hoof is missing. If he continues to walk on that shorter leg, the stump will open up again," the orthopaedist explained.
"Moreover, he will then also start walking lopsided which can lead to other physical discomforts. Oracle is a stallion with good genes and he can live a perfectly good life with a prosthesis. As he is still a foal, we opted for an adaptable prosthesis that can be adjusted to the socket."
Michiels first drove to Geluwe to fit the prosthesis and then again to attach it to Oracle's leg. "Initially, they always walk slightly clumsily because they have to get used to it, but it will be fine," he told Gazet van Antwerpen.
"It was commissioned by the alpa-vet, who himself also has an alpaca breeding farm in Geluwe, and is the third prosthesis I have made for an alpaca. In 2016, I made a leg prosthesis for his mare Verona. She gave birth to two more foals. The other alpaca with a prosthesis has also become a mother."
