Animal and dog prosthetics helping in the rehabilitation process

Legs, beaks, fins, and tails. All these represent the latest crossover fashion of human medicine to veterinary practice.

In recent years, animal prosthetics have gained significant attention for their role in the rehabilitation of wild creatures. Whereas pets enjoy the security of human guardianship, wild animals find safety in the freedom of nature.

In humans, an artificial limb can be rehabilitating physically and emotionally. Animals experience similar effects. A three-legged canine can be given a carbon-fiber limb. As a result, they can trot about with renewed youthfulness, gaining in both physical and mental health. Indeed, the de facto response for many animals fitted with prosthetics is to parade around as though nothing about their bodies is unusual. They are indifferent about the appearance of their new appendages and seem to live free from the social pressures that so often affect humans aided by similar devices.

Among the best-known prosthetic prodigies from the wild:

Beauty the bald eagle

It lost the upper portion of her beak after it was shot off by a hunter. Eventually, fitted with a nylon-composite replacement.

Winter the dolphin

Lost her tail in a crab trap and later received a replacement made of plastic and silicone.

Chhouk the Asian elephant

Lost part of a front leg as a result of becoming caught in a poacher’s snare and was given a prosthetic foot.

Wanting desperately to help the animals, veterinarians turned to advances in human medicine and technology for prosthetic solutions.

 

Are dog braces even possible?

The answer is a yes!

It’s not just humans who can make use of dental commodities. Even dogs could use braces to their advantage. Braces can help dogs who are dealing with everything from crowded teeth to cancer. Any problems can be spotted when the dog’s permanent teeth come in at age four to six months. But some do not show signs of mouth discomfort. Others may appear a little head shy. 

In minor cases, “rubber ball therapy” could be used. Dog owners are taught how to position a lacrosse ball in their pet’s mouth. The pressure can help move the teeth into a more desired location. It’s the cheapest and least risky option. But with this technique, the dog would need to be able to cooperate for this to work. 

But if the dog is not trained or cooperative, the dog is a good candidate for orthodontia. After being deemed healthy for anesthesia, the dog would then undergo operations. While under anesthesia, doctors perform the necessary x-rays and cleanings. Applying the braces takes anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes.

Dog braces come in a variety of shapes and sizes. There’s even an Invisalign of sorts. But unlike invisalign, doctors make a model of an animal’s teeth. They then develop a series of aligners as an alternative. This results without having additional rounds of anesthesia.  

Unlike humans, once the dog’s teeth are in place no retainer is needed.

 

3d printing prosthetics for you and your fur babies

3D printing has long been hailed as a manufacturing revolution. Therefore, we know that it is the solution to full-limb replacement. 

Here at 3D2GO, we are equipped with the right software to build the 3D models. Through the software, we are able to simulate how a 3D model might function with the animal. Our designers can stress test and map movements of the limb before ever printing it out. Our process is similar to building standard orthopedics. So you can rest assured that your animals will be treated with the right medical care.

Just get in touch with us and ask us for a quote for your own animal prosthetics!

Send us files in .obj or .stil format in our email address management@my3d.com.ph.  You can also reach us through our Facebook and Instagram pages today!