Osseointegrated Prosthetic Use in Animals: Is This the Cutting Edge of Veterinary Science or a Serious Welfare Concern?

Abstract

As the use of endo- and exoprosthesis systems in animals grows in both number and notoriety in veterinary clinics around the world, concerns have been raised as to the ethical justification for what have been described as experimental procedures (Clutton et al., 2022). Limited existing literature specific to the decision-making process utilized, along with questions regarding the welfare implications related to pain and quality of life for those animals undergoing these novel procedures, was the basis for this research. If an animal can experience pain and suffering, and these new techniques may result in both with no guarantee of long-term success, can they ever be considered morally justifiable? Are they actually at the cutting edge of veterinary medicine or merely an example of the desires of carers and veterinary professionals being put above what may truly be in the best interest of the patient?