Derby the Dog is one happy pooch now that he is able to run, walk and sit, just like other normal canines, thanks to the generosity of 3D Systems, a 3D design and fabrication company which has given him prosthetics that enable him to engage in regular activity.
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Tara Anderson, who designed the early paws, had some trouble in scaling the new legs because she had to ensure that the dog could reach his full height and sit down with his forelegs upright. Without his paws, the 2-year-old dog was forced to crawl and walk on his hind legs. Hannon said in an interview with ABC News last December, according to Nature World News, “He was scooting around on [his] nubs and chest”. The new paws took some getting adjusted to, but they eventually allowed Derby to walk and run.
A new pair was made for him. Those paws allowed the dog to run on all fours but there was a problem – he was hunched forward. The news legs have helped him to stand at his proper height and now he sits like a normal dog would, which was something he could never do before. Now, that might not sound that great, but just think that 3D printing could help thousands more.
Portanova, the dog’s owner, said that after being fitted with the new prosthetic, Derby seems to be more energic.
As his first set of prosthetics, which had a circular blade, was so successful, they initially wanted to create a scale of those. “That idea did not work, though, because, as the statement put it, “…while we managed to elevate Derby to the appropriate height, the results of the scaled design were too ungainly for easy movement”.
The designing team responsible for creating grown-up prosthetic paws used a new harder material and a “knee-like” structure to give the dog more stability. There are many 3D printers that can be bought from many companies.
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Portonva says it has been an awesome year for her and for Derby and is eager to see what the future will bring them. Now, the new upgrade has helped Derby overcome all his limitations.
