A relatively recent phenomenon to hit the technological world is that of 3D printing. The premise of 3D printing is simple – instead of printing out a flat image on paper as would be the case with a conventional printer, a 3D printer produces or ‘prints out’ a 3D object. This technology has received widespread interest from a variety of consumers, both through industry and even for independent usage (Wikipedia). In addition, the popular American comedy sitcom The Big Bang Theory has even featured an episode relating to 3D printers (well worth a watch for those who haven’t seen it).

The obvious question here is what are the advantages of carrying out 3D printing, and why would anyone want to invest in this technology? There are several uses, including the quick production of prototypes, the printing of items of clothing and even within the medical profession (Wikipedia). However, one of the more interesting uses for 3D printing for our readers is in relation to the veterinary world. One example is the case of a 3D printer being employed to help one lucky duck walk again after being born with a defective foot (Mashable), whilst the University of Pennsylvania has been exploring the possibility of using 3D printing as an aid in veterinary surgery. In sum, the PennDesign’s Fabrication Lab have been able to create a 3D copy of a real-life dog skull that could be used by vets before carrying out surgery to assess the type of techniques that would need to be carried out (University of Pennsylvania).

Whilst very much in the early/research stages, it is likely that cases like these will become more and more commonplace as technology and time progresses. Wouldn’t it be worthwhile to have a means by which vets could carefully plan out the correct treatment required on a particular patient without having to use a real-life model? Or ultrasonographer trainees being able to practice their techniques on ‘model patients’? Nevertheless, as is often the case, applications in the veterinary world unfortunately lag behind those currently utilised in the human world, and more research is required to unleash the full potential of 3D printing in the future. In fact, a review dedicated to this topic has been published very recently for those of you wanting to find out more: Invited review – applications for 3D printers in veterinary medicine by Adrien-Maxence Hespel, Ray Wilhite and Judith Hudson in Veterinary Radiology & Ultrasound (Volume 55, Issue 4, pp 347-358) – why not take a look?