After six years of dragging his left back leg when he walked, Louie’s back hip started to break down. When Louie started scooting around because of the pain, owners Bob and Jill DePue decided to schedule hip surgery. They took one last shot at another option before pursuing surgery – why not try a prosthetic leg as their veterinarian suggested.
The Depue’s grandson Nicholas found Miller Prosthetics & Orthotics in Belpre, Ohio through the Ohio University Innovation Center, who recently 3-d printed a cart for the puppy “Tumbles”. After speaking with Nancy Miller over the phone, Bob and Jill decided to take the 30-minute drive to Belpre for a consultation with Mark, who is a certified and licensed prosthetist and orthotist (usually for human patients). After examining and casting Louie, Mark was able to make the beagle a new back leg.
Louie was born without the leg and had never had a prosthesis, so learning how to walk on all four legs was a learning experience for the beloved beagle. After Louie tested out the leg at home, Mark made a few design changes.
Bob’s official therapy dog wears a vest that says “All Wounds Aren’t Visible”. This pertains to the effects of PTSD, common among combat veterans. The Millers are proud to be able to help Louie continue his therapy with Bob, who served our country in Vietnam.
Louie walks on all four legs for the first time in six years!
Louie the Beagle is happy with his new prosthetic leg. He is a therapy dog for his owner, and wears a vest that says “Not All Wounds Are Visible * PTSD Service Dog * Louie J.”
Close up of Louie’s Prosthetic Leg.
