Mysuru: A mare that lost mobility following the amputation of her forelimb due to a severe injury began walking again after being fitted with a customised prosthetic limb developed through a collaborative effort.The incident came to light when People for Animals (PFA) received a distress call about a badly injured female horse at Shukra Hundi near Yelwala on the outskirts of the city.
An approximately four-year-old mare, whose age was determined through a dental examination by veterinarians, suffered a catastrophic forelimb injury. The limb was crushed and hanging by a flap of skin. The rescue team promptly shifted the animal to the PFA Mysuru shelter for emergency medical care.Upon examination, veterinarians Dr Amardeep Singh and Dr Kiran determined that the limb was beyond salvage, making amputation the only viable option. Although the surgery was successful, the recovery phase proved challenging. The mare required intensive post-operative care, including daily wound dressing, medication and continuous monitoring, as she struggled to maintain balance on three legs.After nearly two months of treatment and rehabilitation, the wound healed well. In consultation with Dr Navaz, CEO of PFA Bengaluru, the team explored the possibility of fitting a prosthetic limb. On his recommendation, the case was referred to aeronautical engineer Suprith Gowda.The customised prosthetic limb was designed and developed by Suprith Gowda along with a team of students from Gopalan College of Engineering and Management in Bengaluru. While the team initially explored the use of 3D printing technology, they later opted for an alternative design and material approach, considering the weight-bearing requirements and long-term durability needed for a horse. The final design ensured the prosthetic was lightweight, stable and capable of supporting the animal comfortably.“This collaboration reflects how technology and compassion can come together to create meaningful change in animal welfare. We deeply value this partnership and the renewed quality of life it made possible,” said Savitha Nagabhushan of PFA Mysuru.
