Advances in 3D-Printed Prosthetics for Pets Across Russia and Europe
Veterinarians in Novosibirsk have showcased a breakthrough in fitting 3D-printed prosthetic limbs for pets, demonstrating that the technology can be continually refined. A practitioner from the Best clinic explains in an interview that ongoing improvements are essential to enhance outcomes and durability for animal patients. This progress was highlighted by a regional news outlet on the day veterinary teams in Russia reported developments.
In late 2021, Novosibirsk veterinarians achieved a landmark by successfully fitting prosthetics on all four legs of a stray dog named Monika, originally from Krasnodar. The dog, found in a forest with severely injured paws, later moved to England and has since thrived. Monika remains the first known case worldwide where all four limbs were prosthetic-bearing, marking a significant milestone in veterinary rehabilitation. In parallel, a cat named Dymka, whose prosthesis was installed in early 2020 in Novokuznetsk, has enjoyed a full and active life, underscoring the potential quality-of-life improvements these devices can offer. Across recent years, more than 40 such operations have been documented. (Source: DEA News)”
The surgeon shared additional examples of patients from different regions who benefited from these innovations. Belarusian families sent CT scans to help plan surgeries and to enable the production and shipment of customized prostheses, while patients from Estonia, Austria, Moscow, and Saint Petersburg also received implants. Among the cases cited were a Chihuahua whose paw broke during hunting and a cat that became trapped beneath a lawnmower, both of which were aided by the prosthetic program. (Source: DEA News)”
Despite the encouraging results, experts acknowledge that the technology is not yet perfect. Outer components of the prostheses wear more quickly, similar to car tires, and require periodic replacement. To address wear and longevity, clinicians have begun using polyurethane materials in place of silicone and other soft composites. The latest approach involves creating a template with a 3D printer into which a lightweight duralumin insert is embedded. The assembly is then hardened and finished by pouring polyurethane into the template, producing an enduring outer segment that can be attached to the internal prosthesis. When the outer segment wears down, it can be swapped for a fresh one without replacing the inner structure. (Source: DEA News)”
In addition to the clinical aspects, experts emphasize the importance of ongoing research, cross-border collaboration, and patient-specific customization. The field continues to evolve with improvements in scanning accuracy, printing materials, and modular designs that allow faster replacements and better fit. These developments aim to reduce recovery time, improve mobility, and extend the lifespan of prosthetic limbs for pets in North America and Europe alike. (Source: DEA News)
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