The harsh winter season in Siberia, Russia can be dangerous for humans and animals alike. One cat, named “Dymka” (which means “fog” in Russian), lost her limbs due to the extreme cold. However, with the help of compassionate veterinarians and modern technology, she was able to regain her mobility and walk once again.
Reportedly, a motorist discovered a kitten wandering in the frigid streets of Novokuznetsk, Siberia. This compassionate person took the unfortunate feline to a clinic in Novosibirsk, where veterinarians diagnosed her with frostbite on all four paws, her tail, and her ears, resulting from prolonged exposure to the harsh Siberian weather.
The experts at the clinic had to make a tough decision when Dymka, the four-year-old kitten, arrived with severely injured front and rear legs. Eventually, they had to amputate her limbs. But the team didn’t give up hope and collaborated with researchers from TPU to develop a specialized titanium prosthesis for Dymka that would help her regain normal mobility. With their combined efforts, Dymka was given a second chance at living a healthy and active life.
After utilizing advanced technology, including CT scans of Dymka’s paws, and implementing calcium phosphate alongside 3D-printed titanium implants fused with the kitten’s leg bones, they were able to effectively implant the first set of implants into her front legs. Following this success, they repeated the process on her hind legs.
Dymka has made remarkable progress in her recovery, thanks to the crucial procedure that lasted over half a year. The clinic that handled her case has recently shared a video on YouTube, showcasing how the kitten has regained her mobility with her titanium legs. In the footage, Dymka can be seen walking, stretching, and playing around with ease, as if she never lost her limbs in the first place. Her titanium legs are flexible and feature a black textured background, allowing her to move around comfortably.
It’s worth mentioning that Dymka is now the second feline to receive this innovative surgery. The first time it was done was back in 2016 on a cat named Ryzhik, whose mobility was restored after losing her limbs.
In Siberian cities, freezing temperatures during winter often cause frostbite among cats and other animals. Frostbite happens when the skin and underlying tissues freeze due to extreme cold, usually affecting the extremities. In severe cases, amputation may be required to prevent further damage and save the animal’s life.
If you’re a fur parent residing in a locale with harsh winters, it’s imperative to take extra precautions for the safety of your pets. Avoid putting them at risk by keeping them away from life-threatening situations.
