VIDEO: Rottweiler gets 3D foot in first of kind surgery in SA

A young Rottweiler injured and unable to walk has been given a new lease on life.

It is unknown how the three-year-old dog, named Covid sustained his injury, however the University of Pretoria’s (UP) Onderstepoort veterinary academic hospital is celebrating performing the first known successful intraosseous transcutaneous amputation prosthesis (Itap) surgery in South Africa.

The surgery was made possible by a team of Dr Van de Wetering, Dr Elge Bester, Dr Adriaan Kitshoff, Tim Peach of Orthodesign, nurse Adele Rossouw and anaesthetist Justin Grace.

Doctors attached an artificial foot and Covid is well on his way to recovery.

UP spokesperson Liesel Swart said: “It’s a huge feat and boost for the hospital team, which is celebrating the first known successful Itap surgery in South Africa.”

It seems the recipient of this pioneering surgery is just as upbeat, and has returned to his playful self. His relieved owners say he is walking and running with their other dogs at home and does not appear to be in any pain.”

Swart said Covid arrived at Onderstepoort with a severe and debilitating injury to his right paw.

“It was a nerve-wracking time for everyone because the conventional treatment for such an extensive wound would normally be amputation.”

“In Covid’s case, despite initial hopes of saving the limb, evidence of compromised blood supply also indicated amputation would be necessary.”

Lead surgeon Dr Klaas-Jan van de Wetering however was wary this would not be the optimal solution because of challenges faced by large breeds with only one front limb.

Van de Wetering so favoured a partial amputation, which would in turn make Covid an ideal candidate for Itap surgery.

He said the surgery involved creating and printing a prosthetic implant that integrates with the amputated limb, allowing for the attachment of an artificial foot. Simply put, an implant was placed in Covid’s bone and exited the skin where a prosthetic foot could be attached.

“While the wound was recovering, the hard work began, and a CT scan was done to aid the planning. Orthopaedics company Orthodesign assisted with the images, which were then used to create a custom-fitted implant.

Getting the perfect fit was imperative, so a 3D implant was printed in plastic for evaluation on a printed model of the limb. After minor adjustments, the final implant was 3D-printed in titanium.

Once Covid’s wound had healed, the implant was inserted in a subsequent operation eight weeks after the initial surgery,” said Van de Wetering.

Van de Wetering said Covid demonstrated strength during his hospital stay, however the surgical team had no plans on stopping their mobility project.

WATCH: https://youtu.be/aO8-QhRh92Y

“Post-operative infection was a concern, but fortunately it did not occur. Continuous monitoring for infection is ongoing, and periodic replacements of the prosthetic foot are performed as needed.

We have replaced Covid’s prosthesis twice in four months, but we are busy designing a more robust one that would hopefully last longer,” Van de Wetering said.

He remained positive about what the future held for Covid.

“The fact that the surgery was a success makes it a possible surgical treatment for other patients that need amputations but would not cope with an amputation. For instance, a double amputee and large breed dogs that struggle with only three legs.

This case marks the first known successful Itap surgery in South Africa, showcasing the collaborative efforts of the surgical team, biomechanical engineer, and support staff. The groundbreaking procedure not only saved Covid’s limb but also provided valuable insights into the feasibility and success of Itap surgery in veterinary medicine.”

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