Case Study: 3D Printed Prosthetic from CT Imaging for a Goat Kid

Background: A 4-week-old female goat was seen by the Equine Service at the Royal Veterinary College for chronic right thoracic limb lameness. She had never used the limb to ambulate.

CT imaging showed chronic marked polyostotic bone lesions in all her phalanges, associated with osteomyelitis; septic arthritis of metacarpophalangeal joints; chronic comminuted diaphyseal fractures of both proximal phalanges; complete loss of joint congruency of the distal interphalangeal joint.

Materials and Methods: A multidisciplinary approach was used to treat her. Following amputation at the distal metacarpi, she returned 3-weeks later for another period of hospitalisation to have a prosthesis fitted, and for rehabilitation.

The “Structure and Motion lab” at the RVC designed and printed a prosthetic for “Thistle” using 3D images and measurements from her CT scan. Several prototypes were printed with small adjustments to the design.

Results: Physiotherapy was needed to teach her to use the limb. Teaching her how to load through the limb to stand on four limbs, not three; improving ROM and muscle mass in her remaining joints; proprioceptive exercises; strengthening exercises; and assisted walking to teach her how to move on her new foot.

Conclusion: Three-dimensional printing from a CT scan is used regularly at the RVC for presurgical planning, and to premold implants, reducing surgical and anaesthetic time. This was the first time that it had been used to make a prosthetic for a patient. Three-dimensional printing has the potential to benefit many animals around the world, with quick and cost-effective production.

Publication History

Article published online:
12 September 2025