Vet Replaces Dog’s Skull With 3D Printing

Technology is a crazy thing. So insane that a vet can reproduce a piece of an animal’s skull…via 3D printing.

 

Patches is a nine-year-old dachshund fighting cancer, in the form of a tumor pushing on her brain and eye socket. The prognosis looked grim, until a vet from University of Guelph’s Ontario Veterinary College had an idea.

 

According to CNN, veterinary surgical oncologist Dr. Michelle Oblak worked with Cornell University small-animal surgeon Galina Hayes to remove the tumor growing on the dog’s skull. They replaced the missing skull piece with a 3D-printed plate, made by Adeiss, a medical technological company.

 

Prior to 3D printing options, a titanium mesh plate would have been used–with a more generic fit. This custom option increases the chances of healing and recovery.

 

Check out all the details in the video below:

 

 

Good news! Patches is six months cancer free! And added bonus: The precise printing means there’s hope for more pets (and humans!) out there battling serious health conditions.

 

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Maureen Dempsey

Maureen Dempsey is a freelance writer living in New York with an ancient, 14-year-old chihuahua and a feisty, young dachshund.

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