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Disabled dog gets 3D printed front legs
Derby
Derby is now able to run alongside his new owners.
Custom designed prosthetics give Derby a new lease of life

A dog is now able to run for the first time thanks to 3D printed custom prosthetics. Derby was born with shortened front legs and no front paws due to a congenital deformity. Until now, he could only move around on soft surfaces.

Derby was fostered by Tara Anderson through the Peace and Paws rescue centre in California. Tara is an employee of 3D Systems, the company that designed Derby's prosthetics. She realised that the company would be able to design and manufacture custom legs for Derby.

Certified orthotist Derrick Campana worked with designers Kevin Atkins and Dave DiPinto to create the prosthetics, which were ready for Derby to try out in just a few hours.

"The beauty of 3D printing is that if the design needs to be adjusted, we don’t have to wait for time-consuming and expensive traditional manufacturing processes, we can simply print out a new set," said Buddy Byrum, vice president at 3DS.

With his new prosthetics, Derby can now run alongside his new owners, Sherri and Dom Portanova.

Dom said: "He runs with Sherri and I every day, at least two to three miles. When I saw him sprinting like that on his new legs it was just amazing."

To watch the video of Derby's journey, visit: http://www.3dsystems.com/derby-dog-running-3d-printed-prosthetics

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.