While we consider it recent technology, Charles Hull invented the very first 3D printer in 1984. However, 3D printer technology, both on a commercial and non-commercial level, didn’t become a hype until the mid-2000s.
Since then, the 3D printer has become much more than just an ordinary, high-tech piece of technology. Apart from being used to generate tiny toys, geometric vases, pencil holders, and planters, 3D printers have also produced medical devices to better the lives of both humans and animals.
Six-month-old Carly the kitten was just one of many who experienced the benefit of 3D printers when she got a 3D-printed brace made specifically for her tiny back legs.
Suffering from a rare condition known as swimmer’s syndrome, sweet Carly was born with chronic muscle weakness in her rear limbs. Thus, animals diagnosed with the condition have difficulty standing and walking.
After being placed at Brampton, Ontario’s All Paws Rescue, it became apparent that the kitten’s disability would prevent her from getting adopted. Many prospective owners would not know how to properly care for the kitten.
But, in December of 2018, Karen Boerner, a professional pet groomer in Guelph, began fostering Carly. Karen made it her mission to ensure the kitten could find her forever home, so she put a post on social media to spread the word.
Fortunately, the post reached 52-year-old administrator, Jennifer Cameron, of Andosh Accessible Gaming, a Canadian company that creates special gaming equipment for those with disabilities.
Cofounders of the gaming company, 25-year-old Andrew Cameron and his 22-year-old brother Joshua, instantly connected with the kitten since both of them are born with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Ehlers-Danlos syndrome causes the brothers to have joints that frequently dislocate due to a lack of connective tissue.
“Andrew has had numerous dislocations in his life and [has] worn a number of braces. He felt empathy for Carly… [The brothers] both know what it’s like when your joints just won’t support you,” explains Jennifer.
That’s when the siblings teamed up with a professional orthotist to construct two tiny braces specially fit for the kitten’s thin legs with the help of a 3D printer.
Trying the pink braces on, they were a perfect fit. And boy was Carly grateful to finally get around on her own without trouble!
“It was amazing to see how quickly she was getting around. It was so cute. She stood there upright for the first time, like ‘I’m a big kitten now.’ She was so proud of herself,” says Jennifer.
Back at her foster home, Karen has noticed a dramatic difference in the kitten’s ability to get around.
“She could kind of walk before, but her hind legs dragged behind her, or her bum would drag along the ground,” she explains. “She is much more active now. She loves playing with the other cats in the house; now she can keep up with them. Before, she used to get left behind. With the braces, she can now climb in and out of a regular litter box, just like a big girl. She seems even happier than before. Nothing gets her down.”
While swimmer’s syndrome is a chronic condition, Carly enjoys her 3D-printed braces and is functional just like any other kitty her age. And hopefully, very soon, the young cat will find a permanent owner that will love her both with or without her braces!
Check out the news footage on little Carly below!
