The special prosthetic was gifted to an ailing donkey, who struggled to move and had to be put down because of a damaged leg.
Tommy was born deformed in his front right leg, which made him heavier than the rest of his body. He would ‘hobble’ around and spread his weight unevenly.
His leg began to deteriorate over time, which led to the nine-year old donkey suffering damage to his shoulder and back.
Now, he’s been fitted with an artificial foot to help him balance and spread his weight.
Tommy was born with an abnormally deformed right front leg. This made it difficult for Tommy to distribute his weight evenly and “hobble around”.
Tommy, who was best friends with Bobby and has been his steady-mate all of his life, has returned to his home in Worcestershire.
Tommy has an artificial leg that is custom-made by Dorset Orthopaedic. It’s fitted every morning at breakfast to strengthen his lower leg.
Matt Hughes is the managing director of Ringwood’s New Forest-based company, Hants. He said that the leg was free after being touched by Tommy’s tale.
He said that he saw Tommy first and it took him a few months to make the prosthetic.
Tommy was born with a severely deformed leg. His owners had to decide whether to try and correct it, or if he should be put down.
“His owner called and inquired if we’d ever made any for donkeys, or horses.”
Matt Hughes is the managing director at Dorset Orthopaedic. He said that he gave Tommy his story and made Tommy’s leg without any charge.
“We usually make prosthetics, but we also created a leg to support horses about 15 years ago. My boss made a silicone claw once for a falcon.
“Then I met Tommy… You just cannot help but love Tommy.
“I told you, “Let’s try it!” It was free… It was just something I wanted to do for an animal.
“And donkeys are associated with Christmas, so it was a good idea to do it now.”
Matt and Tommy were measured by Matt’s team and made a cast of carbon fibre to support Tommy’s deformed leg.
Matt said that if the leg were straight, it would have the same length as all the other legs. However, Matt stated, “But it’s bent so he wasn’t mobile and could be in great pain.”
The prosthetic is an extension of what is already there.
“He is now leaving the heat on most of the day. The last time that I saw him, he was walking around the field with Bobby, his friend who he loves to play with.
Matt measured Tommy’s leg, and he and his team made a carbon fiber cast to support his leg.
“Tommy has a strong preference for gingernut biscuits, which makes him easy to bribe.”
Tommy also has a farrier to help him with his hooves so he can be as level and balanced as possible.
Gary, Gary’s owner and ponies, has requested that his name not be revealed. Gary also owns ten donkeys, ponies, and mules. Tommy’s death would have been devastating for Bobby.
The doctor said that the condition was worsening and they couldn’t fix it. He spoke with a surgeon, who suggested some options but didn’t recommend any.
“We brought him home, and we were going to have them put him down.
Gary, Tommy’s owner, stated that Tommy would have been heartbreaking if he had been killed.
He couldn’t survive on his three legs. 60 percent of their weight goes to their front legs.
“But, I saw Matt’s company in a documentary. So, I called them up and they arrived to see Tommy ten day later.
“We were getting ready that Bobby would be devastated. This was already affecting him and he was ready to lose his friend.
Tommy and Bobby have been married for nine years.
He seems happier now that he has a new leg. A physio has been assigned to him, and his adaptations have been remarkable.
“He’s a cheeky donkey, who likes his ginger nuts as much as everyone else.