Pony Gets Prosthetic Hoof

I think it's cool that they can make a prosthetic hoof for a horse!!  ~Declan

Pony gets a prosthetic hoof in Bismarck

Bismarck, ND
By: WDAY Staff Reports, WDAY

Bismarck, ND (WDAY TV) -- You've heard about prosthetics for people, but what about prosthetics for ponies?

This is Rafiki, a miniature horse who lost his entire hoof. Triple H Miniature Horse Rescue rescued him from Minnesota, where they were told he was fed only bread and watermelon.

Raifiki will soon be fitted with a prosthetic hoof, but it'll be a long road to recovery. Veterinarians will have to amputate part of his leg first.

Alison Smith with the Triple H Miniature horse rescue says, "He does have a long road ahead. He has to have further amputation. They have to amputate above where the damaged tissue and bone are first, but he will be able to walk immediately after his amputation. Without putting any pressure on his stump. That takes 45 days to heal and then they fit him with a prosthetics then they watch for pressure sores, things like that, so that takes a while. And then he should be home I m thinking around Thanksgiving."

Smith says the procedure and follow up care is estimated at 12-thousand dollars.