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A three-legged cow near Pune, India was given an artificial limb by a local hospital. The doctors performed the operation to give the rescued cow a prosthetic limb, according to the Hindustan Times.

A team of doctors performed the operation and gave the animal the treatment free of cost. Salil Jain, head of prosthetics and orthotics department at Sancheti Hospital, told the Hindustan Times, “We took measurements for the leg around two weeks back. My team studied the anatomy of the cow and then prepared the design for the leg. Designing for heavy animals is more difficult. The cow is able to stand and is walking slowly now. But it will take at least a month’s time for her to get adjusted with the artificial leg. Also, we are monitoring her movements and progress with the new leg.”

The cow was in a shelter prior to the operation and was in dire need of some help. Amar Jagtap, a farmer from a nearby village, said of the shelter, “I often visit the shelter home for animals in Chaufula village. When I saw the cow she was very weak and she was having difficulty in walking too. After seeing her unfortunate situation, I thought of approaching the hospital. Other villagers also supported me. Now, we are examining the cow daily. We are informing about her daily movements to the hospital staff. I want to see her fit and walking with her four legs.”

Local animal activists praised the move and said that prosthetics for animals should be considered more often. Manilal Valliyate, the CEO of PETA India, told the Hindustan Times, “We commend the hospital to extend the care for animals too. Prosthetic legs are tricky for large, heavy animals. Care must be taken to ensure it can suitably balance weight, however, this cow clearly has many well-wishers and so it appears that care will be extended to ensure her comfort. More such initiatives are needed in the country to ensure care for animals.”

Learn more about artificial limbs for animals in this video, below:

Source: The Better India/Youtube

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