My Bionic Pet

Left disabled without fins, flippers, beaks, or tails because of disease, accidents, or even human cruelty, some animals need what amounts to a miracle. Amazing prosthetics made possible by the latest engineering and technology are able to provide just what they need, and scientists are finding that innovations created in the process are benefiting both animals and humans.

When a piglet, born with unusable back legs was brought to veterinarian Dr. Len Lucero's clinic to be euthanized, the Florida vet built a wheeled harness from some of his son's old toys.

Certified therapy dog Journey was born missing his front left paw.

It was a team effort by Phoenix's Core Institute and Midwestern University professor Justin Georgi to design a replacement rubber tail for Mr. Stubbs, an alligator whose appendage was bitten off by a larger gator.

Sea Turtle Inc. Director Jeff George introduces Allison, a 70-pound sea turtle who lost three of her flippers in a predator attack. Thanks to the advocacy of a 21-year-old intern, Allison has received a prosthetic rudder made out of carbon fiber to create drag in the water and allow her to swim freely.

Don the crow suffered an injury to his beak and struggled to eat. One year or so after the incident, Don was given a new beak made out of dental acrylic, with careful attention to proper lineup and ware of the upper and lower beaks.