LONDON (AFP) – A cat which lost both back paws after a traumatic accident involving a combine harvester has regained a spring in its step after being fitted with prosthetic limbs.
In a groundbreaking surgery carried out by Noel Fitzpatrick, a Surrey-based veterinary surgeon, the custom-made implants “peg” the ankle to Oscar’s foot and mimic the way in which deer antler bone grows through skin.
The prosthetic legs, called intraosseous transcutaneous amputation prosthetics (Itaps) were developed by a team from University College London, led by Professor Gordon Blunn. “The real revolution with Oscar is [that] we have put a piece of metal and a flange into which skin grows into an extremely tight bone,” Fitzpatrick said of the operation which took place last November.
Oscar’s recovery will feature as part of a six-part BBC One documentary series, The Bionic Vet, starting later this month.
No more sneaking up on meeses for this kitty. Hey, maybe they can teach it to tap dance!
What does a cat need legs for anyway?
My cat sleeps 23 hours a day, and spends 1 hour (total) eating and pooping.
The best shark/human dna exchange: I’m still waiting for human tooth replacement–or has the ADA paid off enough Repuglicans to keep it off the market?
#2 – chuck,
Without legs, your cat will poop wherever you leave him/her. If you’re a good cat slave, that will be in your bed.
RoboCat sez: “Dead or alive, you’re coming with me!”
If I loose my feet I’d like a pair.
This looks like something that will benefit many pets and their owners.
Caption this photo.
i haz bionicz legz! lolz!
Poor little tink tink.
Where are Itchy and Scratchy when you need them? Seriously – the Brits are such animal lovers, I can’t believe they see all those pictures of oil-soaked birds and still support BP.