Clinical Application of 3D Printing Technology in the Production of Canine Full Limb Prosthetics

3D printing technology offers innovative and precise solutions for the fabrication of prosthetic devices for pets, leveraging its capabilities in personalized customization, swift response to production demands, and economic viability. This study explores the potential of 3D printing technology in creating customized pet prosthetics, offering an innovative solution for pets experiencing limb loss. A Chihuahua with severe left-front limb loss was selected as the research subject. After taking precise measurements of its body dimensions, a 3D model of the prosthetic limb was created using 3D Max software, and a full-limb prosthetic was printed using polylactic acid (PLA) as the material. The prosthetic was then fitted to the canine's body, and its efficacy was evaluated in detail. The evaluation of the efficacy of the prosthesis used in this study mainly involves observing its adaptability and comfort, functional recovery, durability, and economy. The results indicate that the prosthetic model, designed based on key body size data such as chest circumference, not only conformed to the canine's physiological characteristics in terms of structure but also effectively supported its body weight, facilitating a recovery to near-normal ambulatory and locomotor functions. This study demonstrates the feasibility and effectiveness of 3D printing technology in pet prosthetics, providing valuable technical insights for similar clinical cases. In summary, 3D printing technology has shown significant potential in developing customized pet prosthetics. Its personalized design approach can substantially enhance the mobility of injured canines, improve their quality of life, and provide an innovative and efficient solution in the pet medical field.