Pioneers in the Animal Orthotics and Prosthetics Industry
A Brief History of Animal Orthotics and Prosthetics
While human prosthetics date back to 300 BC during the Roman Empire, the field of animal orthotics and prosthetics (O&P) is still in its infancy. Over the past 2,300 years, medical advancements have transformed human prosthetics into highly sophisticated devices. In contrast, the animal O&P industry has only emerged in the last 30 years.
The first notable animal prosthetic appeared in 1985, when Dr. Barrie Grant, a DVM and instructor at Washington State University, created a prosthetic for a prized stallion. A decade later, Ronnie Graves, an amputee and owner of Prosthetics Research Specialists Inc., built the first known equine orthotic for his neighbor’s injured mare. That successful brace marked the beginning of Veterinary Inclusive Prosthetics (VIP)—the first animal O&P company in the U.S.
The Growth of a Specialized Industry
Over the past three decades, animal O&P has slowly gained traction. Today, only a handful of companies worldwide specialize in this niche field—most of them based in the United States. Some of the earliest pioneers include:
- VIP (1996)
- OrthoPets (2003)
- Animal OrthoCare (2004)
- Extremity C-Fab, which later became Specialized Pet Solutions (2007)
Many of these companies began as side projects within human O&P practices. For example, Angela Boncz, founder of Specialized Pet Solutions, built her first dog knee brace in 2004 for a rescue dog. Like Ronnie, she started by helping friends and neighbors while still working in human orthotics. Angela later met Ronnie at a conference and credits him as a major influence on her journey.
Innovation Through Experience
Angela began designing dog knee braces in 2004 and has since perfected a model that cushions the Achilles tendon—the only one of its kind on the market. In 2007, she expanded into equine prosthetics after adopting a three-legged pony named Prince. Over the past 20 years, Prince has served as both inspiration and a living case study for Angela’s evolving designs.
Famous Animal Amputees and the Power of Prosthetics
Thanks to human creativity and compassion, several animal amputees have become global icons. One of the most famous is Winter the Dolphin, who thrived with a prosthetic tail after being injured in a crab trap. Her story inspired the film Dolphin Tale. Even elephants have received prosthetics, proving that animals of all sizes can live healthy, active lives with the right support.
The Future of Animal O&P
Animal orthotics and prosthetics are gaining momentum. As technology advances, so will the capabilities of these life-changing devices. Pioneering companies continue to innovate, and animal sanctuaries play a vital role by caring for disabled animals and investing in their recovery.
At Specialized Pet Solutions, we’re proud to support these sanctuaries and the incredible people behind them. Their compassion gives hope to animals who might otherwise be forgotten.
