Mitzi the German Shepherd lost her back right foot when she was trampled by a horse (of course). Veterinary surgeon Noel Fitzpatrick has fitted Mitzi with a prosthetic peg called an intraosseous transcutaneous amputation prosthetic (ITAP). The peg mimics a deer antler, protruding out of the body while fusing with the bone and skin to keep out infections. The surgery was a success, and Mitzi is now walking normally without a limp (video below). This marks the first time an ITAP was used in a fully moving bone. These ITAPs may someday be used in humans with “stump socket” amputations to replace current prostheses which can cause pressure sores.
If all that sounds familiar, it may be because it was the same method used by the same veterinarian to fix up Oscar the bionic cat. Speaking of which, Mitzi the bionic dog should meet up with Oscar the bionic cat and wear matching sunglasses while stealing a hot air balloon together and then they go on adventures.