This tiny puppy was born without front legs but thanks to orthotist David Turnbill she moves around with wheeled prosthetic limbs. Hope, the aptly named two-legged Maltese puppy moves around by using a custom designed support device which uses a couple of model airplane wheels. Hope moved around previously by hopping but experts said her natural mode of moving in due course would damage her bones and spine. The pup now uses her hind legs to push her body forward and operate the wheeled prosthetic limbs. Each artificial limb can move up or down independently of the other, allowing Hope to turn around easily.
The spring-loaded prosthetic limbs are attached to a custom-fitted chest plate to allow Hope to lay down or sit up without removing the prosthetic. A cast was made of Hope's body in order to build the prosthetic device.When the puppy grows bigger she will need to have another device made for her.
This tiny puppy was born without front legs but thanks to orthotist David Turnbill she moves around with wheeled prosthetic limbs. Hope, the aptly named two-legged Maltese puppy moves around by using a custom designed support device which uses a couple of model airplane wheels. Hope moved around previously by hopping but experts said her natural mode of moving in due course would damage her bones and spine. The pup now uses her hind legs to push her body forward and operate the wheeled prosthetic limbs. Each artificial limb can move up or down independently of the other, allowing Hope to turn around easily.
The spring-loaded prosthetic limbs are attached to a custom-fitted chest plate to allow Hope to lay down or sit up without removing the prosthetic. A cast was made of Hope's body in order to build the prosthetic device.When the puppy grows bigger she will need to have another device made for her.
