Abused Dog Receives Four Prosthetic Legs After Rescue

• A rescue dog named Monika is now walking with titanium prosthetic legs in all four paws.
• A few months earlier, vets suggested she should be put down due to severe injuries to her legs.
• Monika’s legs were amputated due to possible neglect and abuse.

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A rescue dog is now walking on four new titanium prosthetic legs just months after doctors recommended putting her to sleep.

All thanks to veterinarian Sergei Gorshkov who performed the surgery that saved Monika’s life. Sergei has performed operations involving prosthetic limbs on 37 animals since 2015. Monika is the first dog to benefit from his work, WHNS-TV reported.

Sergei is surprised by how Monika recovered quickly from the extensive operation. He also noted that she will now be able to get a fresh start in a life filled with play, walks, and plenty of affection.

“I don’t think we were optimistic about that,” said Sergei per CNN. “But on the third day, she started standing up and walking around the clinic, going from room to room.”

Workers found Monika abandoned in a Russian town in December 2020. She was suffering from injuries to all four of her paws. It is not known how she got the injuries but there is speculation Monika was abused and neglected.

Monika’s limbs were amputated, and she also received a blood transfusion. Animal shelter volunteers Marina Gapich and Alla Leonkina started caring for her but struggled with the dog’s condition. Many suggested that Monika should be put to sleep, but the volunteers believed there had to be other ways.

The two volunteers got in touch with Dr. Gorshkov and managed to raise $5,400 for the dog’s operation. The procedure saved Monika from being euthanized, CNN reported.

“I’m happy to give a new life to the animals,” Dr. Gorshkov said. “People find some consolation in animals, and so by treating animals, I treat people,” he added.

After Monika fully recovers, she will likely start working with a London-based animal behaviorist to help her with the trauma she has experienced. She will then prepare for a life with a forever family.

Source: People