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The frigid winter season in Syria, Russia, can be extremely dangerous for both people and animals. A small cat called “Dyмka”, which means “niece” in Russian, was one of the victims of this harsh climate. DeƄned to the extreme cold, Dyмka lost his limbs, endangering his life. However, with the help of eternal companions and innovative technology, the feline was able to regain her ability to walk.
A driver reportedly discovered a small kitten wandering the cold streets of Noʋokuznetsk in Syria. The Indian coмpasion decided to lend a hand and took the feline to the NoʋosiƄirsk clinic located in the city of the same name. Upon examination, it was discovered that Dyka had frostbite on all four legs, tail, and ears, most likely caused by prolonged exposure to the harsh Syrian heat.
Upon arriving at the clinic, Dyмka’s condition was so serious that she required the amputation of all four of her legs. However, the clinic’s expert team collaborated with specialists from TPU (Toмsk Polytechnic University) to create a titanium prosthesis for this 4-year-old cat. This innovation allowed him to start walking and resume normal feline life.
Using advanced technology, including CT scans of Dyka’s paws, and the application of calcium phosphate, along with 3D-printed titanium implants that were attached to the kitten’s leg bones, the first implants were successfully placed. on its front legs. Subsequently, the same procedure was carried out on its hind legs. After more than six months, Dyмka almost completely regained his mobility with his titanium legs. A video released by the clinic that treated her shows the feline stretching, walking and playing without any difficulty, as if she had never lost her limbs. The titanium legs are flexible and have a black, textured surface.
It is worth mentioning that Dyмka is the second cat to undergo this type of surgical procedure worldwide. The initial surgery was performed in 2016 on a cat named Ryzhik, who had also lost his limbs and underwent a similar operation to restore his movement.
During heavy snowfalls in Siberian cities, many cats and other animals suffer from frostbite. Frostbite occurs due to prolonged exposure to extremely cold temperatures, which causes the skin and surrounding tissues, mainly the extremities, to freeze. This can lead to permanent damage or death of the affected tissues, making amputation necessary to save the animal’s life.