othopets, naik'o, prosthetic limbs, fake limbs, bionic limbs, dogs, robo dogs, martin kaufmann
Naki’o, a mixed breed dog from Nebraska, has become the first dog fitted with four prosthetic limbs. This achievement was accomplished by US company Orthopets, which specializes in artificial pet limbs. Naki’o lost his limbs and part of his tail to frostbite when he was abandoned in a cellar as a puppy, but now, thanks to a successful operation, he can run and play freely like other dogs.
Naki’o was rescued by veterinarian assistant Christie Pace, who put together a fundraiser to raise enough money for two back leg prosthetics, which cost between £600 and £2000. However, after seeing his condition, Orthopets opted to do his front limbs free of charge.
‘When we saw how good he was doing with his back leg prosthetics and how he was struggling to use his front legs it was very simple to say, “we gotta keep with him,” said owner of OrthopetsMartin Kaufmann.
Kaufmann started the business in 2007 with his wife and partner Amy and designs and fabricates custom prosthetic limbs and orthotic braces for animals. However, Naki’o's need for four limbs did present certain challenges.
othopets, naik'o, prosthetic limbs, fake limbs, bionic limbs, dogs, robo dogs, martin kaufmann“We didn’t want to add too many variables all at once,” said Martin. “Naki’o’s legs were very uneven and his non-surgical amputation had left very sharp ends in his residual limbs.”
Initially they tried a prosthetic without revising Naki’o’s bone structure, but that was not going to be a long-term solution.
“We were able to give Naki’o comfort, a more normal body alignment and even out the length of his legs. The beauty of working with animals is that they will give you an immediate and honest response. If they feel better, they will use it more.”
A few months after the second rear prosthetic device was in place, they began fitting Naki’o with devices for his front legs and now he can function just like any other dogs.
Watch a short video here to see Naki’o's story in full. WARNING: It may break your heart.