Three-legged Cambs dog back on all fours after getting high-tech prosthetic paw

A three-legged dog from St Neots has been fitted with a prosthetic paw, allowing him to head out for "walkies" once more. Miniature Schnauzer Freddie's career competing in agility competition came to an abrupt end when vets found a tumour in his foot.

The ten-year-old pooch may have died if he didn't have his limb amputated, reports SWNS. His operation at Linnaeus-owned Davies Veterinary Specialists in Hitchin, Hertfordshire, was one of the first of its kind in the UK.

Just weeks after the procedure last December, ex-tripawd Freddie was back on all fours. A high-tech prosthetic paw had been strapped around the elbow joint of his leg.

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His owner Bob, 70, said: “We first thought Freddie had either jarred his paw or that a grass seed had worked its way in. When we learnt what was wrong, we were incredibly shocked and concerned.

"Freddie is very sociable and confident with other dogs and people, so we were worried about the effect this would have on him. However, following the successful operation and after just four to five weeks of using the prosthetic, he was walking, trotting and running around on his walks.”

Diane Messum, Head of physiotherapy at Davies, said: “Freddie has been the perfect patient from the very first day. Whilst many dogs will lead a fulfilled life on three limbs, it is not without the body undergoing numerous biomechanical changes in order for them to walk and run independently.

“After several conversations with Freddie’s oncologist, soft tissue surgeon and his owners, the surgery was planned very carefully and was successfully completed. The surgical wound needed time to heal before Freddie returned for his limb casting, from which the prosthesis would be made, and for which he stayed perfectly still for.

“Freddie may not have liked it when the prosthesis was initially applied or removed but, after lots of reassurance and treats, he now associates it with a limb that can give him the freedom to explore with his sister, Gertie.

“He has learnt to walk and trot again similarly to how he walked prior to his amputation and his skills now even include football.”