Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Dogs walking again after tibial bone-anchored prosthesis surgery
By Fink, A et al.·Published in Australian veterinary journal·2025·Veterinary Specialists of Sydney (VSOS), United Kingdom·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Use of a tibial osseointegrated prosthesis as a limb salvage method in two dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
Two large breed dogs had their back legs amputated due to injuries and were fitted with a special type of prosthesis that integrates with the bone. After surgery, both dogs were able to use their legs well within three weeks. They experienced some minor issues, like a little discharge at the surgery site, but overall, they maintained a good quality of life for over three years. Regular cleaning of the prosthesis area likely helped prevent more serious problems. This innovative treatment showed promise for dogs with similar injuries.
People also search for: dog leg amputation recovery · osseointegrated prosthesis for dogs · dog prosthetic limb care
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To report on the management and outcomes of two dogs treated with osseointegrated prosthesis for pelvic-limb salvage. STUDY DESIGN: Short case series. SAMPLE POPULATION: Two client-owned large breed dogs with distal tibial amputation due to neonatal and iatrogenic trauma. METHODS: Preoperative computed tomography (CT) was performed to assess tibial medullary length and width. A custom-made intramedullary prosthesis was implanted and attached to a 3D-printed external prosthesis simulating a foot. Postoperative care included bandaging and regular chlorhexidine washes. Postoperative monitoring included clinical evaluation, owners' assessment of function and radiographs. RESULTS: Both dogs regained good use of the operated limb within 3 weeks of surgery. Osseointegration and bone remodelling around the implants were noted on radiographs, with no evidence of loosening or implant migration observed. Mild serosanguinous discharge at the cutaneous-implant interface was observed in the early postoperative period, resolving without intervention. Progressive osteolysis around the implants was detected on radiographs in both dogs by 22 months. Though osteomyelitis is suspected, both dogs were using the limb adequately and had satisfactory quality of life at more than 36 months after surgery. A consistent hygiene routine is suspected to delay this process and should theoretically prolong the lifespan of these implants. CONCLUSION: This osseointegrated implant system allowed dogs with traumatic loss of the hindpaw to regain normal clinical function of their pelvic limb for 3 years. Occasional soft tissue infections of the stoma sites were observed, but were easily managed, and long-term (36 month) follow-up suggests durability of the prosthesis. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: These results justify further studies in a larger cohort to assess the long-term durability of osseointegrated prostheses as a single-stage strategy to treat partial limb amputation.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40122581/