Derby with his new paws
After being born with underdeveloped front paws, pup gets 3D-printed prosthetic paws thanks to 3D Systems. The 3D-printed paws allow him to stand, sit and even run like any non-disabled dog.
According to his rescuer, Melissa Hannon from Peace and Paws organization, Derby – a husky-mutt – was scooting on his numbs and chest until last December, when he received his first prosthetic paws.
These paws allowed him to run but he was bending forward, especially after he grew to his full size. So new pair of custom prosthetic paws have been 3D-printed for him by 3D Systems, a 3D-printing company which designs custom items for clients.
The new prosthetics are perfect for him and he got used to them almost immediately. Now he can stand as his full height.
In a video shared by 3D Systems Sherry Portonva, Derby’s mother says that the pup took his new paws very well. Besides lifting him to his full height he is now able to sit like a non-disabled dog, a thing he has never been able to do before.
Tara Anderson, the designer of his first paws reported having some troubles when they first tried to create a second set of paws, after Derby outgrown the first ones. The new paws were supposed to help him sit and also reach his full height.
As his first set of prosthetics, which had a circular blade, was so successful, they initially wanted to create a scale of those. But that design wasn’t allowing Derby to move easily while elevating him at the same time. They finally realised that a new design is needed and they started looking for new techniques and finally into 3D-printing. This is when they found 3D Systems on the internet and reached to them for help.
Besides the new design, the team used a better material which is both harder and more flexible than the previous one. They also added a knee-like structure which would help the prosthetics bend a little to give the dog stability and to help him sit.
The new prosthetic paws have been an absolute success. Derby can now take long walks with his people, play with other dogs and even sit on commend. None of this would have been possible without the help of dedicated people who treated this adorable dog with the kindness and respect deserved by every living creature.
Portonva says it has been an amazing year for her and for Derby and is eager to see what the future will bring them.
Image source: screen capture
