Tortoise gets wheel for a leg

Jul 27 2011 By Shaunna Whitters

TORTOISE’S are renowned for being incredibly slow but a 12-year old tortoise may be the exception as his leg was replaced with a wheel.

The African tortoise was rushed to Washington State University’s veterinary hospital with a life threatening injury with the cause unknown. However, medics at the hospital had to amputate the 23-pound reptiles left leg only to replace it with the wheel from an office chair.

The wheel was bought at a local DIY store and was rumored to have cost only 7 dollars. A bargain for the worried owner.

Dr Nickol Finch, a member at the university’s teaching hospital, said: “We got several sizes to find the right height”

Since the operation Gamera, named after the flying giant turtle from old Japanese films, is recovering well and has already gained a healthy 3 pounds especially when food is in the vicinity.

Charlie Powell, a spokeman for the hospital said: “I don’t know whether he’d pass the hare, but he moves around very well”

He added that the wheel will need to be replaced but should last for several years. The wheel was fitted to the spur-thighed tortoise’s shell with epoxy adhesive.

WSU officials revealed he took to the device immediately and is making good progress.