WATCH: Disabled dog can run again, thanks to 3D-printed artificial legs

 

 

Poor Derby the husky cross was born with a crippling deformity – tiny, crooked forelegs with no paws. As such, his mobility was severely limited to crawling around and making short hops using his front elbows.

 

When Tara Anderson heard of his story, it didn’t take long for her to decide to adopt him into foster care. Fortunately for Derby, Anderson also happens to be a director at a US-based 3D printing company known as 3D Systems.

 

To design a solution for Derby, a team was convened comprised of two 3D designers, Kevin Atkins and Dave DiPinto, and orthotist Derrick Campana of Animal Orthocare. Orthotists specialize in helping people and animals with lost or malformed limbs.

 

“We’re using a variety of 3D technologies, and that allows us to get in there and really modify the organic digital models quickly and easily, and start to do the sort of designs that Derrick wants us to do,” explained Atkins in the video.

 

 

The result of their efforts is a unique pair of prosthetic legs.

 

These “legs” aren’t stiff, post-like structures. Instead, they look like half-wheels, and consist of rubber treads which soften the impact of every one of Derby’s steps. This allows him to walk and run with ease. The “half-wheels” in turn are connected to cups and straps that attach to the dog’s elbows.

 

Additionally, the prosthetics are on the short side. This was done so that Derby – a dog who had gotten used to plodding along on his forelimbs – wouldn’t find the change so overwhelming. Once he has grown accustomed to his newfound mobility, printing a bigger pair of forelimbs that are better aligned with his hind limbs will be easy.

 

With his prosthetic legs, Derby is now able to sprint around 5 km a day. In fact, he is able to run faster than his new owners, Dom and Sherri Portanova.

 

“This is what 3D printing is about,” said Anderson. “To be able to help anybody; a dog, person, whoever, to have a better life, there is no better thing to be involved in.”

 

This isn’t the first time prosthetics have helped a dog to run. Back in 2013, Naki’o, who had lost all four paws to frostbite when he was just a puppy, was fitted with artificial legs – making him the world’s first “bionic” dog. — TJD, GMA News