A two-legged Chihuahua dog can now move around more easily thanks to a 3D-printed prosthetic. In the past the dog could move around by hopping around but it is more difficult now that he is older. A professor at Cal State Channel Islands has helped to give the pet canine a full set of legs so he can get around the house and maybe later play outside with other dogs.
Leo the Chihuahua dog was born with two legs. His owner Yvette Bocz asked Professor Phil Hampton to find a way her pet pooch could move around better.
Bocz explained that Leo brings joy to her and other people but he is getting older so he needed a set of wheels to help him roll around better.
Hampton admitted that Leo did a good job hopping around. However, he wanted to develop prosthetics that would allow the little dog to run around the house and play with the big dogs outside.
A 3D printer made the prosthetics for Leo and was tested on March 4, Friday. The first device did not work well, but after Hampton made some tweaks Leo was able to walk and run around his home, according to Keyt.
Bocz explained that Leo had hopped around his entire life like a bunny. However, the 3D prosthetics give him the chance to run around with other canines and experience that part of being a dog.
In related news Derby the dog who was born with underdeveloped legs and paws received upgraded 3D-printed paw prosthetics, according to Engadget. The company 3D Systems built the first pair of prosthetics to be close to the ground so the dog could get used to wearing them without hurting himself.
Researchers built prosthetics for Derby that have more flexibility like real knees. They used selective laser sintering (SLS) to produce the new legs so they move like other dogs' legs as if he had been born with them. In fact, Derby can now walk straight and sit like man's best friend usually does.
Here's a video of Leo the dog's prosthetic legs: