Innovative Prosthetic Surgery by University of Pretoria Offers Mobility to Injured Rottweiler

The University of Pretoria has written a new chapter in veterinary medicine by successfully performing a groundbreaking surgical procedure on a young Rottweiler, offering the three-year-old dog named Covid a chance to walk on all fours once again.

Covid's predicament began when a corrugated iron sheet injury severely compromised his paw. Upon arriving at the Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital, the severity of the injury left the medical team led by Dr Klaas-Jan van de Wetering facing a daunting decision. Traditional medical wisdom pointed towards amputation, but this carried significant welfare concerns, especially for a dog of Covid's size.

Understanding the negative impact of amputation on a large-breed dog, the team embarked on an intensive search for alternatives that could preserve Covid's quality of life. This innovative process culminated in a decision to pursue a prosthetic intervention using Intraosseous Transcutaneous Amputation Prosthesis (ITAP) surgery, a highly advanced procedure rarely seen in the veterinary field.

The ITAP surgery involved meticulous planning and the collaboration of veterinary experts. After a partial amputation, the team conducted thorough CT scans to inform the design of a tailor-made prosthetic implant. A significant development came when local orthopaedics firm Orthodesign joined the project, utilizing the scans to create a bespoke titanium implant designed to integrate seamlessly with Covid's anatomy.

Fine-tuning the prosthesis involved 3D printing in plastic to ensure an optimal fit before producing the final titanium implant. With the wound closed and given adequate time to heal, the first stage of Covid's journey towards recovery was completed with the insertion of the implant, while the attachment of the artificial paw occurred six weeks later.

Throughout the recovery process, Covid showed extraordinary resilience, avoiding post-operative infections and adapting to his new prosthetic paw. Ongoing monitoring for infection remains an essential part of his post-surgery care, along with periodic updates to his prosthetic foot to ensure durability and comfort.

The success of Covid's surgery at the University of Pretoria not only represents a personal victory but paves the way for similar interventions that could benefit other animals in need. From large breed dogs struggling with mobility to potential applications for animals facing the prospect of double amputation, this medical breakthrough embodies the future of veterinary orthopedics.

The dedication and pioneering spirit of Dr. Van de Wetering and his team have not only provided a 'new leash on life' for Covid but have also set an inspiring example that will reverberate through the halls of veterinary science for years to come. As they continue their efforts to refine the procedure and the prosthetics involved, their work stands as a beacon of hope and innovation in the field of animal welfare and medical science.