National Pingtung University of Science and Technology (NPUST) Department of Veterinary Medicine developed a technique to turn CT scans of animal bones into 3D graphics and print them out as animal prostheses. The school will file a patent for this new technique that rehabilitates furry companions.

Liberty Times reports, Lin Li-xuan, Chair of the Radiology division in the department, says animal prostheses are currently imported at a price 30 times higher than 3D-printed ones. The 3D-printed bones also function better and are more authentic than the imported ones that are made from molds.

China Times reports, the successful development of this technology not only helps analyze and simulate animal surgery procedures, but can also reduce the sacrifice of animals as teaching models. Collections of rare animal specimens are expected to become more diverse with this technique as well.

The university currently uses polylactic acid（PLA）as 3D printing material and will further research other possible materials for living body implantation. With any luck, owners will be able to treat their pets at a much cheaper price in the future.

Translated by June
Edited by Olivia Yang

Sources:
Liberty Times
China Times