After having a prosthetic limb fitted by Hitchin-based vets, one football-loving dog has been pratising his striking skills.

Freddie the miniature schnauzer was one of the first pooches in the UK to undergo the procedure to fit a prosthetic limb below his elbow.

The Comet: Freddie had a partial amputation after a tumour was foundFreddie had a partial amputation after a tumour was found (Image: Davies Veterinary Specialists)

According to those who nursed him back to health, 10-year-old Freddie has learnt to play ‘the beautiful game’ as he undergoes rehabilitation at Linnaeus-owned Davies Veterinary Specialists in Hitchin, where the rare partial limb amputation was successfully completed.

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Freddie, who has previously competed in dog agility competitions, required the distal limb amputation, which is below the elbow, following the discovery of a soft tissue sarcoma (tumour) in his forefoot.

It was the first time this type of surgery has been performed by the team at Davies, as partial limb amputations are incredibly rare due to possible complications.

Having the prosthetic limb fitted over a partial amputation meant preserving Freddie’s four limbs for function over being a tripawd.

Freddie’s grateful owner, Bob Boyle, who lives in St Neots, said: “We first thought Freddie had either jarred his paw or that a grass seed had worked its way in.

The Comet: Freddie, who has previously competed in dog agility competitions, required the distal limb amputationFreddie, who has previously competed in dog agility competitions, required the distal limb amputation (Image: Davies Veterinary Specialists)

“When we learnt what was wrong, we were incredibly shocked and concerned as Freddie is very sociable and confident with other dogs and people, so we were worried about the effect this would have on him.

“However, following the successful operation and after just four to five weeks of using the prosthetic he was walking, trotting and running around on his walks.”

The Comet: Freddie with Diane Messum head of physiotherapy at DaviesFreddie with Diane Messum head of physiotherapy at Davies (Image: Davies Veterinary Specialists)

Diane Messum, head of physiotherapy at Davies, said: “Freddie has been the perfect patient from the very first day.

“While many dogs will lead a fulfilled life on three limbs, it is not without the body undergoing numerous biomechanical changes in order for them to walk and run independently.

The Comet: Freddie has been learning new skills since being fitted with his new prosthetic legFreddie has been learning new skills since being fitted with his new prosthetic leg (Image: Davies Veterinary Specialsits)

“After several conversations with Freddie’s oncologist Luca Schiavo, soft tissue surgeon Alberto Sesana and his owners, the surgery was planned very carefully and was successfully completed.

“The surgical wound needed time to heal before Freddie returned for his limb casting, from which the prosthesis would be made, and for which he stayed perfectly still for.

                                                                                                        

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“Freddie may not have liked it when the prosthesis was initially applied or removed, but after lots of reassurance and treats, he now associates it with a limb that can give him the freedom to explore with his sister, Gertie.

“He has learnt to walk and trot again similarly to how he walked prior to his amputation and his skills now even include football!”

For more information about Davies visit vetspecialists.co.uk or search for them on Facebook or LinkedIn.