If you have an iPhone 12 Pro or later model, you probably know you can take a LiDAR scan with your phone—but did you know you can use that same scanner to get a prosthetic limb for your dog? Thanks to advancements in LiDAR scanning and additive manufacturing, companies like 3D Pets are revolutionizing the way we assist animals with limb loss. You may be thinking, “My three-legged dog does just fine without a prosthetic limb. Is that really necessary?” Turns out, the compensation that the dog’s body must make to function without a limb can cause excessive strain and degeneration, such as arthritis, on the remaining limbs. Prosthetics help distribute weight more evenly and keep pets healthier for longer.
Traditionally, pet prosthetics were costly, time-consuming, and required complicated molding processes—often involving multiple veterinary visits. These methods weren’t always precise, making it difficult to ensure a perfect fit. But LiDAR scanning has completely changed the game. Pet owners looking to get a prosthetic for their dog through 3D Pets have two simple options: they can visit the 3D Pets office where their pet will be scanned with the iPhone’s lidar scanner or the true depth camera system or both, or they can use an at-home DIY kit to create a mold that is later digitized. Once the scan is complete, expert designers use software to craft a custom harness and prosthetic attachment, tailored precisely to the digital scan of the pet’s body. The design is then sent to a 3D printer, where the prosthetic is fabricated layer by layer in about 24 hours. After printing, the prosthesis is sanded, smoothed, and fitted with the appropriate foot. Finally, the harness is strapped onto the dog, and they’re ready to take their first steps! Pets usually need a short adjustment period—just a few days—during which they gradually get used to trusting the prosthetic and shifting their weight onto it. The result? Less strain on their other joints and a healthier, more active life.
By harnessing the power of LiDAR and 3D printing, 3D Pets is making custom prosthetics significantly more affordable than traditional veterinary options. And who can’t celebrate technology that helps animals live longer, healthier lives?! Thanks for reading!
Want to see this process in action? Check out the video below. You can also read THIS ARTICLE or visit the 3D Pets website.
