The frigid winter season in Siberia, Russia can be extremely dangerous for both people and animals. A small cat named “Dymka,” which means “fog” in Russian, was one of the victims of this harsh weather. Due to the extreme cold, Dymka lost her limbs, putting her life in jeopardy. However, with the assistance of compassionate veterinarians and innovative technology, the feline was able to regain her ability to walk.

Reportedly, a motorist discovered a tiny kitten wandering the chilly streets of Novokuznetsk in Siberia. The compassionate individual decided to lend a helping hand and brought the feline to the Novosibirsk clinic situated in the eponymous city. Upon examination, it was discovered that Dymka had frostbite on all four paws, her tail, and ears, likely due to prolonged exposure to the severe Siberian winter.

Upon arrival at the clinic, Dymka’s condition was so severe that it required amputation of both her front and rear legs. Nevertheless, the skilled team at the clinic collaborated with experts from TPU (Tomsk Polytechnic University) to create a titanium prosthesis for the 4-year-old cat. The innovation enabled her to walk again and resume a typical feline lifestyle.

Following the use of advanced technology, including CT scans of Dymka’s paws, and the application of calcium phosphate, combined with 3D-printed titanium implants that were attached to the kitten’s leg bones, the first implants were successfully placed in her front legs. Subsequently, the same procedure was carried out on her hind legs. After more than six months, Dymka regained almost complete mobility with her titanium legs. A video, uploaded by the clinic that treated her, shows the feline stretching, walking, and playing without any hindrance, as if she had never lost her limbs. The titanium legs are flexible and have a black, textured surface.

It’s worth mentioning that Dymka is the second feline to have undergone a surgical procedure of this kind globally. The initial surgery was carried out in 2016 on a cat called Ryzhik, who also had lost her limbs and underwent a similar operation to restore movement.
During harsh winter snowfalls in Siberian cities, numerous cats and other animals fall prey to frostbite. Frostbite results from prolonged exposure to extreme cold temperatures that cause the skin and underlying tissues, primarily the extremities, to freeze. This can lead to permanent damage or death of the affected tissues, necessitating amputation to save the animal’s life.

If you’re a pet owner residing in an area with harsh winter weather conditions, it’s crucial to take proper precautions to keep your furry friends safe from life-threatening situations.