Levi, 2.5 year old Golden Retriever

leviLeviI brought Levi home when he was only 8 weeks old and he instantly melted my heart. When I adopted Levi I knew that he had a congenital deformity of his right front leg. His leg was shorter than his left leg and was all deformed on the end. He did not have any toes but he did have his dewclaw, even though it was misshapen. The reason why I adopted Levi was because I was a 2nd year veterinary student at the Atlantic Veterinary College and I knew that I would be able to provide him with his best chance of a normal life.

As time went on Levi's right leg did not grow at the same rate as his left leg and eventually it was about 2 inches shorter and it was smaller in diameter. The muscles in his right shoulder were also smaller because although Levi could use the leg for balance, he did not place a lot of weight on it.

I first heard about K-9 Orthotics & Prosthetics when Jeff Collins came to lecture at the vet college about the applications and benefits of orthotic use in canines. After the lecture I spoke with Jeff about Levi and showed him some pictures. Jeff said that Levi would benefit from a prosthetic and that he was currently working on one for a dog which had an amputation at the same level as Levi's. I was very excited about this news, and although I knew I could not afford a prosthetic at that present time I vowed that eventually Levi would have a new paw.

levi2LeviNow it is February of 2009 and I am set to graduate from the Atlantic Veterinary College this spring. Levi has now had his prosthesis for one full year and I could not be happier with the results. The prosthesis has surpassed my greatest expectations and I am thrilled with the outcome. Levi loves his prosthesis and gets so excited every time I put it on him. In fact, he has even brought it to me and placed it in my lap on occasion when he would like me to place it on him! When Levi is wearing his prosthesis he runs faster, plays harder, jumps higher and, yes, he even digs deeper! Levi went from walking on three legs, being only minimally weight bearing on the fourth, to walking completely normal on four legs. I could never say thank-you enough to Jeff at K-9 Orthotics and Prosthetics and his staff and I highly recommend their products and services. Their work is incomparable and their results are remarkable!

Shannon Smith

Atlantic Veterinary College

Class of 2009 Student