Dog Prostheses

David Barnhart, CP

Description

Title:

Dog Prostheses

Creator:

David Barnhart, CP

Text:

A practitioner has asked about what to charge for animal prosthetics. We
have fabricated both orthotics and prosthetics over the last 30 years for
goats, cats, dogs, horses, and other critters in need.

My pay for a knee orthosis for cheetah was a T-shirt from Wildlife Safari. A
few weeks ago, I fabricated an orthosis for a llama. After the owner
insisted, (or was it my wife?) I gave her my invoice for the $165. joints
and she paid that amount. (My associate dubbed the animal, Stew Meat.)

 I have made dog braces for a orthopedic veterinarian surgeon just to help
the animals suffering with hip dysplasia. Also made a gel liner cover for a
kitten after a couple 10 year old boys had decided to rip the legs from his
body for entertainment.

Much of the joy I derive from being a prosthetist/orthotist is helping
others, and further blessings come from being an independent practitioner, so
that I can help those in need, humans and other animals, regardless of the
profitability factor.

Good will and it's far reaching effects is hard to measure.

Dave Barnhart, CP

                          

Citation

David Barnhart, CP, “Dog Prostheses,” Digital Resource Foundation for Orthotics and Prosthetics, accessed November 24, 2024, https://library.drfop.org/items/show/216880.