Child's toy gives Harry the tortoise a new lease of life

A Holderness tortoise has been given a new lease of life inspired by the classic children’s construction toy, Meccano.

When Harry the tortoise presented at Haven Veterinary Group’s Hedon practice with a swollen leg that refused to heal, vet Kim Barrow was forced to think of a way to keep the weight off 11 year old Harry’s legs.

Dr Barrow said: “Harry had injured one of his back legs and was overworking the other one in an attempt to stay mobile. This resulted in swelling that would keep recurring unless we could think of a way to keep the weight off his legs.”

Kim remembered a procedure that she had seen in another practice and, unable to find an off the shelf solution, made a set of wheels from a stainless steel pin and Meccano wheels that she fixed to Harry’s undercarriage using hoof glue.

“The swelling reduced almost immediately and, although Harry managed to pull the first set of wheels off and needed some all-terrain tyres to stop him slipping, we’re delighted to report that he’s making excellent progress.”

Harry’s owner, Mike Davis from Patrington is delighted with Harry’s progress: “This is an ingenious solution and has given Harry a new lease of life and means that he can still rule the roost, even as the smallest tortoise in the family!”