With the operation carried out at MAKÜ, 'Balım' is running again

Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University (MAKÜ) Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Animal Hospital has achieved a remarkable success in the field of veterinary medicine. The faculty veterinarians enabled a cat named 'Balım' to regain a healthy life with a specially designed prosthetic operation for cats, which is said to be applied for the first time in Turkey and has only a few examples in the world.

Balım, who had both of her hind paws amputated due to a traffic accident, was brought to the MAKÜ Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Animal Hospital due to limited mobility and severe pain. After evaluations, it was decided to apply a 3D printer-supported, specially designed implant system for Balım.

Dr. Muhammed Yusuf Şirin, who performed the operation, stated that Balım went through a very challenging process when she arrived at the clinic, saying, 'When Balım came to our clinic, she had both of her hind paws amputated due to an accident. Therefore, she was struggling to walk and was experiencing severe pain as she moved. After our evaluations with the owner, we decided to apply a new generation technology, a 3D printer-supported specially designed implant system for cats.'

Şirin expressed that the operation was successfully completed and the recovery process progressed even better than expected, stating, 'In the two-month period that has passed, Balım's recovery has progressed extremely positively. Right now, we have no problems. Balım can now walk comfortably, run, jump, and has returned to her social life.'

Şirin pointed out that the method applied is quite new both in Turkey and in the world, saying, 'This operation and application is a very new method with very few examples both in our country and in the world. We are very happy and proud to have successfully carried out such an innovative application at our university.'

Balım's owner, Ezgi Cansu Ekizalioğlu, explained that the process began after the traffic accident in Niğde. Ekizalioğlu, who normally lives in Denizli, said she adopted Balım through friends who took over her treatment after the accident.

Ekizalioğlu expressed that Balım's treatment process was not yet completed when she adopted her, saying, 'She had an active bone infection and was experiencing severe pain when putting weight on her other paw. Following this, our veterinary clinic in Denizli referred us to the Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Animal Hospital. We planned the process with Dr. Muhammed Yusuf and a 3D implant application was performed on Balım.'

Noting that about two months have passed since the operation, Ekizalioğlu stated that Balım is now much healthier and happier, saying, 'Right now, there is no limitation in her movements. She is a very active cat; she runs, plays, and continues her life happily. We are also continuing our regular check-ups. I sincerely thank everyone who contributed.'

This operation, which is a first in Turkey, once again demonstrated both the scientific and technological infrastructure of the MAKÜ Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Animal Hospital and its approach that leads innovative applications in the field of veterinary medicine. Balım's ability to walk again delighted both her owner and the veterinarians who contributed to her treatment process.