Saturday, April 30, 2011

Burned Tortoise Gets Wheel for Leg

Gamera the tortoise has been a bionic animal since a surgery in April removed his left front leg. Photo courtesy: Henry Moore, Jr. BCU/WSU

A tortoise that had to have its leg amputated is now getting around with the help of an unusual prosthetic: A swiveling caster wheel much like those seen on office chairs.

Gamera, a 12-year-old African spur-thighed tortoise, was relinquished by its owner to Washington State University's College of Veterinary Medicine in April after the 20 pound (9 kilogram) pet severely burned its left front leg. The injury was so life-threatening that veterinarians decided to amputate Gamera's leg at the shoulder.

To help Gamera get around on three legs, the veterinarians attached the wheel to his shell with epoxy. According to Washington State University, the tortoise took to the freewheeling lifestyle with little encouragement: Since admission, Gamera is getting around well and has gained more than 3 pounds (1.4 kg).


1 comment:

heavy duty castors said...

It's good to know that caster wheels can help those animals that needed leg. At least they can still live normally without worrying on how they will walk with disability.