3D printing is an amazing technology which is now helping one dog to run.
Meet Derby, a husky mix born with deformation in both his front legs making it impossible for him to walk or run normally:
Here he is wearing his new prosthetic paws:
Derby could get around by himself on soft surfaces inside, but not on super hard surfaces or outside very easily. A dog wheelchair of sorts works but is not the best solution. The set of 3D printed prosthetic paws were designed especially for Derby to fit his legs. The curved design came out of the worry that something more pointed might get stuck in soft ground. Working with 3D design software allows easier building of multiple prosthetic designs and iterations to find what works without having to hand make a new set each time. These were printed by 3D Systems, a 3D printing company.
Derby is doing wonderfully! Here is a video all about the process and it even shows him running!
This is a unique solution for this dog. One which proves the vast possibilities new technology can provide animals and humans. 3D printing will be able to help other animals in need of more personal solutions like Derby.
– Fizz
You can read more at Engadget.
