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Dog's prosthetic paws an 'Aussie first'

A lucky canine is back on all fours after becoming Australia's first double-amputee to receive prosthetic paws.

Sampson the Scotch Collie, who lives with his owners in Apollo Bay, had his deteriorating two front paws amputated because of a rare condition called carpal failure.

But his new prosthetic paws have quite literally helped him to find his feet again.

"His mobility is going to be the best it's been for probably four years," owner Adrian Healy said.
Veterinarian Dr David Broomfield, who fashioned his first pair of prosthetics before ordering the American made limbs, said Sampson is Australia's first doggy double-amputee to receive prosthetics.

The vet, who was himself today having surgery on a broken collar bone, donated a lot of his time and many of his services - sparing Sampson's family of what could have been a $20,000 bill.

Sampson can only wear his legs for a couple of hours a day at this stage, but it is hoped that in about a month he will be using them full-time.

"Going for a walk is his favourite part of the day, and now he's going to be able to do that again," Mr Healy said.

"It's a brilliant new life for him."