- Who is this post for? Animal lovers
- What does it discuss? Life changing applications for 3D Printing
- How does it benefit you? Potential health benefits for you and those around you, even your pets
The benefits of 3D Printing have usually been confined to designers or engineers, but new applications are showing truly life changing uses.
Vincent the cat is a perfect example – born without rear tibias the month-old kitten was rescued by an animal shelter in the US and was luckily introduced to Dr. Mary Sarah Bergh at the Iowa State veterinary hospital. She had the idea to use 3D Printing to create bespoke prosthetics, and by working with veterinary orthopedics company BioMedtrix was able to construct implants which were then inserted into the femur bones of Vincent’s legs and come out through the skin.
Vincent’s recovery has been long, but his future looks bright. He already walks around very well, and his hind legs will continue to be lengthened until they are as long as his front legs. Dr. Bergh says he will even be jumping and doing other normal cat activities soon.
Do you know of any other new technologies having such a big impact on our animal companions? Or do you know any pets who may benefit from such an advancement? Let us know.
Better 