Can an amputee dog use a prosthesis? Learn about Vitória's case
- Felipe Garofallo
- Jul 8
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 26
Limb amputation is always a challenging moment — both for the pet and for their guardians. It's common for questions to arise, such as: "Will my dog be able to walk again?""Will they adapt to life on three legs?""Are there prosthetic options for amputee dogs?"
It was with these uncertainties that little Vitória arrived at the team of Ortho for Pets, a veterinary clinic specialized in orthopedics, located in São Paulo.
She had undergone amputation of her left forelimb after suffering a severe trauma. She was rescued by an animal welfare organization, which brought her in for evaluation at the clinic.
Although the initial surgical recovery — performed elsewhere — went well, Vitória began to show difficulty walking, poor balance, excessive fatigue, and overload on her remaining limbs, especially the right forelimb.
But everything changed with the arrival of a personalized solution: a veterinary endo-exoprosthesis.
What is an endo-exoprosthesis and when is it indicated?
An endo-exoprosthesis combines two key concepts:
Endoprosthesis: the internal component, surgically implanted into the bone, providing fixation and stability.
Exoprosthesis: the external part that contacts the ground and allows the pet to walk, run, and play again.
This type of prosthesis is only possible when the level of amputation preserves part of the limb — as in Vitória’s case, where a portion of the radius was still intact.
Main indications include:
Distal amputations with viable bone preservation
Young, active, or growing dogs
Patients with good healing capacity and emotional adaptability
Committed owners who can follow through with post-op care and physical therapy
How was Vitória’s surgery performed?
After detailed exams and surgical planning, the Ortho for Pets team performed the procedure in two main stages:
Implantation of an intramedullary rod into Vitória’s left radius, fixed securely with a plate and screws.
After the healing period, a custom-made external prosthesis — modeled via 3D printing and tailored to Vitória’s anatomy and weight — was attached.
The result was a functional biomechanical fit, allowing for better load distribution, balance, and comfort while walking.
What is recovery like for a dog with a prosthesis?
Vitória’s adaptation to the new prosthesis was remarkable. Within just a few days, she was already showing interest in bearing weight on the limb and exploring her environment more confidently. Her rehab plan included:
Veterinary physical therapy sessions
Positive reinforcement training
Progressive adjustments to the prosthesis for optimal fit and comfort
Today, Vitória is able to walk, balance herself, and even play — something that once seemed impossible after her amputation.
Can amputee dogs walk again with a prosthesis?
Yes — and Vitória’s story is proof. While not all amputee dogs are candidates for endo-exoprostheses, when clinically viable, the results can dramatically improve a pet’s quality of life.
Benefits of a prosthesis include:
Reduced overload on the remaining limbs
Prevention of joint pain and muscular compensation
Improved self-esteem and social interaction
Increased independence in daily activities
Treatment for amputee dogs in São Paulo
Ortho for Pets is a leading veterinary orthopedic clinic offering comprehensive evaluation, surgery, and rehabilitation services for amputee dogs. Each case is approached with technical precision and compassionate care, always focused on the best personalized solution for each patient.
If your pet has undergone an amputation or is struggling to adapt, schedule an evaluation with our team.
Together, we can offer more comfort, mobility, and quality of life for your pet.
References
Fitzpatrick, N., & Smith, T. J. (2013). Implantation of a novel osseointegrated prosthesis for limb amputation in a dog: a case report. Veterinary Surgery, 42(4), 433–440.https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1532-950X.2012.01029.x
Bergh, M. S., & Budsberg, S. C. (2005). The coxofemoral joint: diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes of osteoarthritis and femoral head and neck excision in dogs. Veterinary Clinics: Small Animal Practice, 35(5), 917–929. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cvsm.2005.04.005