{"id":12260,"date":"2025-03-12T10:38:12","date_gmt":"2025-03-12T10:38:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/generic.wordpress.soton.ac.uk\/uosm2031-2025\/?p=12260"},"modified":"2025-03-12T10:40:03","modified_gmt":"2025-03-12T10:40:03","slug":"paws-to-consider-ethics-within-the-growing-world-of-animal-prosthetics","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/generic.wordpress.soton.ac.uk\/uosm2031-2025\/2025\/03\/12\/paws-to-consider-ethics-within-the-growing-world-of-animal-prosthetics\/","title":{"rendered":"Paws to Consider: Ethics Within the Growing World of Animal Prosthetics"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Imagine a dragon regaining the ability to fly with a prosthetic tail. Now I\u2019m not just talking about \u201cToothless\u201d from the movie \u201cHow to train your dragon\u201d, but this is a real emerging field in science where real animals in unfortunate situations get the chance to live a better life. As a pet owner myself, should something happen to my cats, I wouldn\u2019t hesitate to provide them with the prostheses that they need to live comfortably again but is this really my choice to make? Are prosthetics for animals justifiable or are we just playing God?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pivotal Events in Animal Prosthetics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Human prosthetics date back thousands of years but for animals, the idea emerged much more recently, evolving from rudimentary solutions to advanced personalised devices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1393\" height=\"663\" src=\"https:\/\/generic.wordpress.soton.ac.uk\/uosm2031-2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/529\/2025\/03\/IMG_0974-edited.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12262\" srcset=\"https:\/\/generic.wordpress.soton.ac.uk\/uosm2031-2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/529\/2025\/03\/IMG_0974-edited.jpg 1393w, https:\/\/generic.wordpress.soton.ac.uk\/uosm2031-2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/529\/2025\/03\/IMG_0974-edited-300x143.jpg 300w, https:\/\/generic.wordpress.soton.ac.uk\/uosm2031-2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/529\/2025\/03\/IMG_0974-edited-768x366.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1393px) 100vw, 1393px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Timeline showing the evolution of animal prosthetics<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">High Profile Cases<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;Winter&#8221;, a bottlenose dolphin who lost her tail after getting caught in a fishing net received a 3D-printed tail. She slowly regained mobility and could swim again at the Clearwater Marine aquarium (they even made a movie about her! Watch \u201cDolphin Tale\u201d for her full story).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Winter&#039;s New Tail - Winter the Dolphin: Saving Winter - Episode 8\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/rOkz1GffSMk?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">YouTube video of Winter getting fitted with her new tail<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Other notable cases:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.34%\">\n<p class=\"has-pale-pink-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-600f46ae313ca024acf390f5070f6df0\"><strong>Mr. Stubbs the Alligator<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>First reptile to receive a prosthetic limb<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lost his tail after being illegally transported<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Was fitted with a 3D-printed prosthetic one<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.34%\">\n<p class=\"has-pale-pink-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-86cda897f5e99445d919322a0c436bf9\"><strong>Naki\u2019o the Dog <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Rescued from a frozen puddle as a puppy<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lost his paws and part of his tail due to frostbite<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Was fitted with 4 prosthetic limbs (first dog to have 4 prosthetic limbs!)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<p class=\"has-pale-pink-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-7b7e2a129fb36395e816740f40fb18b9\"><strong>Motala the Elephant <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Lost her leg by stepping on a landmine<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Received a prosthetic leg<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A Deep Dive into Ethics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>All these cases are inspiring, however the question of whether we should be altering an animal\u2019s body remains an ethical dilemma. While I believe for the most part that prosthetics can help improve an animal\u2019s life, some ethical issues are raised:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>It\u2019s not entirely clear if animals truly benefit from prosthetics long-term or if their suffering is simply prolonged.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Often, the need for animal prosthetics may be driven more by the human desire to \u201cfix\u201d things rather than the animal\u2019s genuine needs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>In many cases, animals are given prosthetics for cosmetic reasons, to meet human expectations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Animals can\u2019t voice their opinions, so the decision lies in the hands of veterinarians, caretakers and pet owners.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Legal Boundaries of Animal Prosthetics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>While there are general veterinary medical guidelines ensuring the safety and well-being of animals undergoing procedures, legal frameworks related to prosthetics are still developing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>There are no universal laws that protect animals from unnecessary prosthetic procedures. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The cost of the prosthetics can be substantial.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Insurance often doesn&#8217;t cover the procedures, as they are not always classified as medical necessities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pet owners are left to bear the financial burden.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A New Era of Compassion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In the past century, society\u2019s perception of disabled animals has drastically shifted. Injured\/disabled animals were often euthanised, due to few chances of recovery. Now, thanks to animal advocacy groups, the public has become more sympathetic toward animals with disabilities, many seeing prosthetics as a viable way to provide their furry companions with fuller, happier lives. Rehabilitation has also proven that animals with prosthetics can not only survive but thrive in their environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Final Thoughts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Some scepticism still exists about whether animals truly need prosthetics, or if they are merely a human desire. Ultimately, I firmly believe that the decision to fit an animal with a prosthetic should be made in the best interests of the animal and should involve careful consideration of the animal\u2019s needs and physical and emotional state by professionals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>References:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/watermark.silverchair.com\/vcae013.pdf?token=AQECAHi208BE49Ooan9kkhW_Ercy7Dm3ZL_9Cf3qfKAc485ysgAAA0wwggNIBgkqhkiG9w0BBwagggM5MIIDNQIBADCCAy4GCSqGSIb3DQEHATAeBglghkgBZQMEAS4wEQQMw1-KMyh7YV1719YwAgEQgIIC_0E3oGMRiztUg7f_5QozdIzViH-p3cpz-bvJ7MltSYSC-KZMLgNCpA2yk22KM_XzoSHQCKVLCNqi1LsvCpJkWvixmdqaUTDa3VX_ZEUZUsafL_ID-M0cVdnu_fLMaI_3OBA8N2xmffUY9VisZUvZ2JSZAt3L9CyYXKLPibd-7EgWWaLMo8hvPHqXFhGEENxRaAC-jtRT_TFQ6q4WQeshnLZ-q-ez5Sa92tphkoxJYN2OUduzCzL08oAKaxhihUPPT28dYImGl7SaQwOuVwVteZChAAtWwzdrZgj7m0--WXcpNWKotCEdG6SsZwT3x1S1fAAohrqD5dPG8NCatV3Mc3XMwi7hRYvml7BAW3kogSvEc9ko2sEmXxOI10Rt-CaHzZXsDPziQ8NsxcGu6SfZ4bZm-ddEaASLPsYd0X6GtI6VSDLMJT5gVF11N2tCynj1sdQ5B3Ok7ly-hpx-rqFY6nehTd8TP_eR6ZDhTW1DRL70Z1z2imMSdjmkdAa1tNYqUGLtWvOdMMby-6i6dx9lphDSBzeNkAtDqyPYpJp1s7IQwdi3GV3vnjxjXBlu9KGCbi64XwfOgkGHqG2r0v9SCNkt5tk08W5wh324OqYyJpnjK9etqdR9cLOjyo9DjK5Dl_fs4McupWDe4S3ggs3q2lopuyjkdTt_YNUhkLQVetxzxfODG1f9S89WQnPsgRadv0kEp0_lYIDINM2XOL5oP-R9eh_sykEVpH30JstS7oG1LU7AxzvEGmNXvqOB8n6M2bd195c4ECUoRpeqyf4PyKiG_Eat2uhKWy0kEAe15KiyZiT7ko-LMgCxHZIOngClcknw9DdcAsNkQvXk-ItVxQPPvwPQZhBeENmhVLnwLSmYlImGj3AkmrI3z7QceCMZEyEoumdYoYbfnflEzJTwmw76l65h6SVF6nIhw3RP6Rsa29jMkXhn8sFL7YCp0wqSXzAgw423ivNYQ78tSVZGYgu1b696qriXupmZOAxBnCsousweU-qebbEAgL1K1cto\">https:\/\/watermark.silverchair.com\/vcae013.pdf?token=AQECAHi208BE49Ooan9kkhW_Ercy7Dm3ZL_9Cf3qfKAc485ysgAAA0wwggNIBgkqhkiG9w0BBwagggM5MIIDNQIBADCCAy4GCSqGSIb3DQEHATAeBglghkgBZQMEAS4wEQQMw1-KMyh7YV1719YwAgEQgIIC_0E3oGMRiztUg7f_5QozdIzViH-p3cpz-bvJ7MltSYSC-KZMLgNCpA2yk22KM_XzoSHQCKVLCNqi1LsvCpJkWvixmdqaUTDa3VX_ZEUZUsafL_ID-M0cVdnu_fLMaI_3OBA8N2xmffUY9VisZUvZ2JSZAt3L9CyYXKLPibd-7EgWWaLMo8hvPHqXFhGEENxRaAC-jtRT_TFQ6q4WQeshnLZ-q-ez5Sa92tphkoxJYN2OUduzCzL08oAKaxhihUPPT28dYImGl7SaQwOuVwVteZChAAtWwzdrZgj7m0&#8211;WXcpNWKotCEdG6SsZwT3x1S1fAAohrqD5dPG8NCatV3Mc3XMwi7hRYvml7BAW3kogSvEc9ko2sEmXxOI10Rt-CaHzZXsDPziQ8NsxcGu6SfZ4bZm-ddEaASLPsYd0X6GtI6VSDLMJT5gVF11N2tCynj1sdQ5B3Ok7ly-hpx-rqFY6nehTd8TP_eR6ZDhTW1DRL70Z1z2imMSdjmkdAa1tNYqUGLtWvOdMMby-6i6dx9lphDSBzeNkAtDqyPYpJp1s7IQwdi3GV3vnjxjXBlu9KGCbi64XwfOgkGHqG2r0v9SCNkt5tk08W5wh324OqYyJpnjK9etqdR9cLOjyo9DjK5Dl_fs4McupWDe4S3ggs3q2lopuyjkdTt_YNUhkLQVetxzxfODG1f9S89WQnPsgRadv0kEp0_lYIDINM2XOL5oP-R9eh_sykEVpH30JstS7oG1LU7AxzvEGmNXvqOB8n6M2bd195c4ECUoRpeqyf4PyKiG_Eat2uhKWy0kEAe15KiyZiT7ko-LMgCxHZIOngClcknw9DdcAsNkQvXk-ItVxQPPvwPQZhBeENmhVLnwLSmYlImGj3AkmrI3z7QceCMZEyEoumdYoYbfnflEzJTwmw76l65h6SVF6nIhw3RP6Rsa29jMkXhn8sFL7YCp0wqSXzAgw423ivNYQ78tSVZGYgu1b696qriXupmZOAxBnCsousweU-qebbEAgL1K1cto<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cmaquarium.org\/animals\/dolphins\/winter\">https:\/\/www.cmaquarium.org\/animals\/dolphins\/winter<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mentalfloss.com\/article\/55866\/11-animals-amazing-prosthetics\">https:\/\/www.mentalfloss.com\/article\/55866\/11-animals-amazing-prosthetics<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rcvs.org.uk\/setting-standards\/advice-and-guidance\/code-of-professional-conduct-for-veterinary-surgeons\/supporting-guidance\/miscellaneous\">https:\/\/www.rcvs.org.uk\/setting-standards\/advice-and-guidance\/code-of-professional-conduct-for-veterinary-surgeons\/supporting-guidance\/miscellaneous<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/List_of_animal_rights_groups\">https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/List_of_animal_rights_groups<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Imagine a dragon regaining the ability to fly with a prosthetic tail. Now I\u2019m not just talking about \u201cToothless\u201d from the movie \u201cHow to train your dragon\u201d, but this is a real emerging field in science where real animals in unfortunate situations get the chance to live a better life. As a pet owner myself, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6822,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-12260","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorised"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/generic.wordpress.soton.ac.uk\/uosm2031-2025\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12260","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/generic.wordpress.soton.ac.uk\/uosm2031-2025\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/generic.wordpress.soton.ac.uk\/uosm2031-2025\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/generic.wordpress.soton.ac.uk\/uosm2031-2025\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6822"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/generic.wordpress.soton.ac.uk\/uosm2031-2025\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12260"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/generic.wordpress.soton.ac.uk\/uosm2031-2025\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12260\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12268,"href":"https:\/\/generic.wordpress.soton.ac.uk\/uosm2031-2025\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12260\/revisions\/12268"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/generic.wordpress.soton.ac.uk\/uosm2031-2025\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12260"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/generic.wordpress.soton.ac.uk\/uosm2031-2025\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12260"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/generic.wordpress.soton.ac.uk\/uosm2031-2025\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12260"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}