Though having a dog that is struggling with a disability can be both physically and emotionally taxing, advancements are being made all the time to ease the ailments of our four-legged companions.
This was the case for Robbie the Shetland Sheepdog, who was a frequent, long-standing sufferer of paw injuries, skin tumors, and doggie orthopedic issues.
His owner Sharman Steel attempted to fix Robbie's ailments with hormones, painkillers, and vet visits, but it appeared that nothing could be done to help him with his pain.
Then Pete van Dongen, clinical director of Pennard Vets, suggested a rather unorthodox method for helping the sweet little dog.
Today, Robbie is walking around using orthopedic braces or "orthotics." The braces act as robotic limbs that substitute the strength and stature that his legs lack.
Now he can walk around pain-free as the "Robodog" when he is wearing his space-aged limbs.
Check out Robbie's amazing transformation below!
Prior to his fitting, Robbie had many orthopedic ailments.
Cushing’s disease caused him to lose strength in his back leg muscles, making it difficult for him to walk.
His owner Sharman Steel was seemingly out of options after trying multiple medical means to try and heal him.
“He had operations on his hind legs, which should have been routine operations, but because of the Cushing’s, he didn’t heal well, the bones didn’t knit," she explained to SWNS.
Dr. Pete van Dongen suggested that he be fitted with orthopedic braces.
These amazing braces would act as prosthetic hind legs and allow him to walk despite his weak muscles.
They were created through OrthoPets UK, which specializes in helping animals regain their mobility through the use of specially-shaped apparatuses.
Molds were made of his legs so the braces could mirror their size and shape perfectly.
According to van Dongen, Robbie is a bit of a maverick with his space-age prosthetics.
“He is no doubt one of very few dogs in the U.K., if not the only one, walking with two artificial feet,” he explains.
Now, Robbie can walk without sacrificing the muscles in his legs — the braces act as robotic limbs.
“They are more sort of splints, but we call them his boots,” says Steele.
When he doesn't have the braces on, Robbie rides around in his own bassinet.
He is learning how to use the orthotics in 15-minute increments daily.
But for longer distances, Steele opts to wheel him around.
Steel reports that with every day, Robbie learns to walk more easily on his fancy new legs.
“He’s only just got both of them and he’s doing really well, even with his funny legs he’s still so energetic,” she states.
We hope Robbie enjoys a long and happy life with his new legs!
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