Elephant Gets A New Prosthetic Leg After Losing Her Leg To Landmine

Oct 26, 2018 by apost team

When a baby elephant stepped on a landmine, the emergency efforts of veterinarians proved able to save the elephant's life. Unfortunately for the seven-month-old Mosha, the vets were not able to save her right, front leg.

Mosha was walking near the border that exists between Thailand and Burma when the tragic encounter with the landmine took place. It was obvious to veterinarians that Mosha would be unable to care for herself in the wild. A spot was found for her at a non-profit sanctuary. Mosha adapted to life in the sanctuary well under the conditions and other elephants were available to befriend. 

Workers at the sanctuary began to express concern for the left, front leg of Mosha as the elephant grew older and larger in size. The additional weight the leg was forced to bear caused a noticeable bend in the leg. 

Mosha was just passed her second birthday when Doctor Therdchai Jivacate was called in to help. Therdchai is an orthopedic surgeon and a maker of prosthetics. Dr. Therdchai is personally responsible for more than 20,000 prosthetic limbs worn by humans and small pets.

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Dr. Therdchai knew that making a prosthetic limb for an elephant would be a challenge but it was one he was willing to accept. He explained that Mosha risked having her spine bend. The doctor said this condition would lead to the death of the elephant if a solution was not reached. 

Therdchai says that a lot of trial and error was necessary to finally produce a leg that could be used by Mosha. However, the finished product is one that works well for the elephant.

Mosha was confused by the leg at first and even tried to remove it. Sanctuary workers explain that it took about half a day for Mosha to figure out the process of walking with the leg. Once the two-year-old elephant got the hang of things it was evident she was happy with the improved ability to walk. 

The one problem with the leg is that it was quickly outgrown by Mosha. The elephant, who weighed 1300 pounds when she received the leg, now tips the scales at two tons. Fortunately, Dr. Therdchai has been committed to his new friend who has now been through nine prosthetic legs.

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