3D printing technology is helping a badly injured young pooch stay up on her feet.
It’s assumed Maggie the dog was hit by a car and suffered for weeks before being rescued in June by Nicole Thibeau, who rescues animals in New Brunswick’s Kent County.
On Friday, her new owners tested out a custom leg brace that may allow her to live on a longer life.
“In her eyes, her quality of life is great,” said veterinarian Dr. Francis Arsenault.
The one-year-old pup has come a long way since one of her back legs had to be amputated.
“Her front leg I guess had a nerve paralysis so she couldn't use the leg,” said Dr. Arsenault.
But she’s adapted well to the new lifestyle after being adopted by Michael Beattie.
“(Maggie’s) just a normal, regular dog,” said Beattie. “She runs, she plays, she's on the beach a lot.”
She can't feel it, but all that running is hard on Maggie’s damaged leg. The leg brace will help prevent injury.
“To try to protect the other front leg from hyperextension and we're doing that to try to protect the other two legs,” said Dr. Arsenault.
Maggie's orthotic was designed and 3D printed by a company in Colorado. It's lightweight, so she'll be able to move it around with ease.
After some trial and error, the orthotic was adjusted and Maggie was able to take a few steps.
“It's going to depend a lot on the owners to do the physio that they're supposed to do,” said Dr. Arsenault.
It will take time for Maggie to get used to the brace. She will wear it for a few hours at a time each day until she re-learns how to walk.
Michael Beattie is a veterinarian himself. Dr. Arsenault says the new owners are well suited to a dog like Maggie.
“It's going to be a long process,” he said. “I think the owners are a real good fit for her because they're ready and willing to do all that.”
There is still a chance that Maggie may need an amputation down the line. But her new owners feel she deserves this chance.
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Sarah Ritchie
