Looking for 3d printed brace for my cat to save her leg from amputation

rups1306 · 2015-11-05T21:50:59.000Z

My cat has a very badly injured heel and she makes it worse when she walks on it. Its been months and the wound has not heeled. If it does not heel sooner we may have to amputate her leg.

I am looking for a brace for her that will keep the heel off the ground and also keep the injury on her heel open(the vet has suggested not to cover it. And covering it makes it worse). So I am reaching out to some experts who may have done something similar or want to give it a try. I can further explain in detail what is required if anyone is interested.

Ralph_3 · 2015-11-05T23:38:41.000Z

Where are you located? I need more details. I may be able to help.

MB3D · 2015-11-06T08:51:21.000Z

Hi there! I’ve got minor experience with similar projects (prosthetics and alike), however I’ve got much experience in 3d printing and 3D modeling. I offer 15+ materials on my hub, some of which are FDA approved (you don’t want toxic plastic particles to get into an open wound), the materials vary from very durable (carbon fibre reinforced) to flexible and elastic rubber filament which provides excellent grip. There are many more options possible and all of which can be adjusted to your desire and requirements. Contact me by clicking on the icon below, I’m sure we can work something out!

Ralph_3 · 2015-11-06T12:47:46.000Z

Where are you located. I may be able to help.

kts3dprinting · 2015-11-06T15:50:20.000Z

go to enablingthefuture.org they have a ton of prosthetics and may be able to lead you in the direction for a cat…

Drew_6 · 2015-11-06T16:00:00.000Z

Hey, shoot me an email. Id be happy to help out and print you a few braces to try out. Ill just need to see a few pictures and get a few measurements from you.

rups1306 · 2015-11-06T16:05:55.000Z

I am located in KOP. Can you email me on rups1306@gmail.com? WE can have a detailed conversation there. Thank You for your response.

rups1306 · 2015-11-06T16:10:34.000Z

Thanks for your response. Can you email me at rups1306@gmail.com? We can discuss further on the requirements.

karlzhao314 · 2015-11-06T17:16:04.000Z

Hello, Not sure if I can help directly, but I could offer an idea. You could just print (or order) a flat brace blank made out of PLA, soak it in hot water, then mold it around your cat’s leg. PLA is very hard and durable when it’s cooled, but is also easily moldable when above 65-70C, so I imagine you could form-fit a PLA brace around her leg quite well. I’m so sorry to hear about her. I love cats, and hearing about one in pain makes me sad. Best wishes, -Karl

Paul_Keppler · 2015-11-06T23:34:20.000Z

Maby give this print a try? what do you think? http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:262844

gabriela3d · 2015-11-07T06:10:41.000Z

Hey @rups1306, fee free to contact @Ralph_3 through his Hub page by clicking on his user icon. And please keep us updated on your cat’s prosthetic. Hope you’ll find the right solution soon!

rups1306 · 2015-11-09T03:33:28.000Z

Thank you for sharing this.

rups1306 · 2015-11-09T03:35:33.000Z

Thx… will keep this thread updated with the solution I find.

rups1306 · 2015-11-09T03:36:16.000Z

Thx. Will give it a try

rups1306 · 2015-11-09T03:38:00.000Z

Will do… thank you so much

Benedikta_Dauk · 2016-04-09T19:43:14.000Z

Hello, did your search for prosthetics was succesfull? My cat was hit by the car and I am looking for front leg prosthetic to avoid amputation…

rups1306 · 2016-04-09T22:41:17.000Z

Sorry to hear about your kitty… I did not find anything for her here. And her situation became worse. It had to be amputated. Unfortunately it was amputee at the knee so no place could build a prosthetic. In my search I found this place where they may have an option Www. Animalorthocare.Com Let me know if you need help. Prayers for your kitty.