JD the Deer gets a New Lease on Life!

JD is a white-tailed deer. As a fawn he was cobbled up by a John Deere combine, unbeknownst to his future family. This now Mom, a human registered nurse, decided to save him. JD sustained internal organ damage and his right rear hoof was traumatically amputated by the combine. After an expansive search, JD’s Mom found Dr. Summer Heatley, at Great Plains Veterinary Services in Arcadia, Oklahoma, who performed a number of surgeries on JD, including a wound closure of his right rear-limb.

JD’s below tarsus residual limb (right rear-limb).

JD was evaluated and casted for a prosthesis. JD is an ideal candidate, because his amputation is below the tarsus (ankle), and he has normal function of his tarsus, stifle (knee) and hip. Plus, JD is very domesticated, thanks for all the tender loving care his Mom provided. JD thinks he a dog, he was raised with dogs.

Armed with his favorite treats, bananas and carrots, were were able to fit the prosthesis and get him walking.

JD standing with his new prosthesis.

JD running around on Thanksgiving Day 2023.