Dachshund's debilitating leg deformity fixed by Wellington vet

A YOUNG Dachshund with a severe limb deformity can walk again thanks to veterinary surgeons at a leading Wellington animal hospital.

Seven-month-old Milo underwent the life-changing limb surgery, which used custom 3D-printed cutting guides, at Linnaeus-owned Cave Veterinary Specialists.

Milo's owners noticed the tiny pooch had an abnormal-looking lower leg, and that he had been walking with an altered gait.

The cause was pes varus – in Latin pes means foot and varus means inward – which results in a bow-legged appearance. It is a recognised condition affecting young Dachshunds where the tibia is turned inward toward the body.

Milo's custom 3D-printed cutting guides. (Image: Cave Vets)

Anna Nutt, European specialist in small animal surgery at Cave, said: “Milo underwent a CT scan of the pelvic limbs, which revealed the cause of his limb deformity.

“We then used the results from the CT scan for surgical planning and production of angular limb deformity correction guides. These patient-specific surgical guide systems are designed using 3D data from CT scans.

“This enables us to create models to plan surgical interventions. In this case, 3D correction guides and a plate were created to enable precise correction of the deformity.

“Surgery went well and the post-operative radiographs showed good bone alignment and implant positioning.

“We’re delighted with Milo’s progress and he is gradually increasing his exercise. He’s a lovely dog and it was a pleasure to treat him and now see him doing so well.”

For more information on Cave Veterinary Specialists, visit cave-vet-specialists.co.uk.