3D Printed Prosthetics for Dogs
The Story of "Derby" and how His New Technology Can Help Dogs Everywhere
Derby, a former rescue dog, was born with a congenital deformity that causes small forearms and no
front paws. Most viewers thought that Derby should be put down to 'end his misery,' but Peace and
Paws Rescue knew that he was not suffering, taking him off death row and working hard to locate him
a suitable foster.
Luckily, Foster Tara Anderson stepped up to the task. The first plan of action was to fit Derby for a
a cart; tool that allows disabled dogs to move more easily, but as Tara learned, not effortlessly. The
cart aided transportation but did not give Derby the full range of freedom that a dog with all its legs has.
Being the director of product management at 3D Systems, Tara started to formulate an idea in 3D
printing prosthetics custom to Derby himself. As of now, it had been done for humans, so why not
try it for dogs. . .
The idea was immediately enacted, and through several trials, a smooth and curved prosthetic was
created to perfectly fit Derby's forearms. The new technology was officially printed by Tara's
company, 3D Systems, on a 5500X 3D Printer. As soon as Derby had the prosthetics on,
he was able to run again with the mobility of a 'normal' dog.
I found this innovation especially interesting because my heart and soul rests in helping dogs reach their full potential. With technology such as these 3D printed prosthetics, it allows for manufacturers to customize tools to fit specific clients; providing the utmost mobility to those in need. I also view 3D printed items as somewhat cheaper to produce, allowing for "average" owners to afford aid for their pets; and at the same time keeping dogs out of shelters and off of death row.
3D printed prosthetics is a completely new innovation when it comes to dogs, but was based largely off of the original 'human version.' Tara's design is the first to be produced, so there is no current competition or set sale price. However, I believe that since it has helped Derby so much, other companies will quickly latch onto the idea for other dogs all over the world. The beneficiaries would be disabled dogs, who are given a new lease on life, as well as the ability to be completely mobile; as well as their owners who will have an easier time taking care of their dogs (less reason to dump them in a shelter).
I believe that this idea will stick around because it is beneficial to disabled dogs; giving them the ability to be more mobile, and helps to keep them "adoptable" and out of shelters. The idea of 3D printing prosthetics is also revolutionary due to its custom aspect; no dog's deformity is the same (nor the dog) and the prosthetic can be designed to suit any need.
