I never ask anyone for help, BUT.....

[Kevin54]

Does anyone have a CNC and the capability to digitize a mold and make it, and/or print something out on a 3D printer?

The reason I ask this is because of our fur daughter Suzie. On Aug. 1st. she had an FCE, which stands for Fibrocartilaginous embolism. Basically a stroke in the spine. A piece of cartilage breaks off and gets in the blood stream. She was totally paralyzed on the right side. We took her to MedVet which is, or was a subsidiary of Ohio State University. We had over $9,000 in her and are close to $10,000 altogether.

Don't take my post the wrong way.....I'm not asking for sympathy. What I'm looking for is a way to save her leg without having to resort to amputation. As Suzie is now, her lower front leg doesn't work. She runs with it knuckled under. I'm afraid that she is going to lose that leg if she doesn't start using it. We have a leg brace for her, but it is so big and bulky that it makes her drag the whole leg from the shoulder. So we spoke with the vet today about a small lightweight cast around her leg to force her to walk on it. He stated that there are places that can make different braces, but they can run well over a grand. Truth be known.....I'm tapped out on funds. And being a toolmaker for over 30 years.....I know that some machining processes are fairly simple to run if one can digitize, and cut into a soft material like Delrin.

And again, I'm not looking for a freebie....I'd pay if you have the capabilities, but looking for some type of help.

 

[Old Man Roger]

In the meantime, can you make some sort of a splint?

 

[rlitman]

First, I'm truly sorry to hear this. The things we'll do and the lengths we'll go for our pets...

Second, not that this is entirely meant to make you feel better, but my wife had a cat who led a full life with three legs. He was actually the fastest and most spry cat in the household for much of his life.

Third, I'm not sure that 3D printing is what you need.

If you want a permanent, yet removable total immobilization cast, what I'd try is to fill your mold with plaster of paris to make a positive. Wrap that in a layer of cloth, followed by a layer of fiberglass casting tape. Finish with a sock tailored for the leg to prevent chafing. Then optionally cut it open so you can fit it on without bending anything. A fiberglass cast should be stronger and lighter than anything 3D printed.

If a temporary splint is sufficient, I keep a roll of this around the house:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FPGGC6/?tag=atomicindus08-20
It is a sheet of bendable aluminum, covered on both sides with foam, adding up to about 1/4" thick. I've used it on several broken fingers now, and it easily forms to whatever shape you need. You then tape it in place.

 

[ilovevocs]

I had a brace made by physical therapist to immobilize a hand injury using a thin-ish thermal plastic sheet.

They put a cotton glove on my hand, heated the plastic using IR lamp and A heat gun, then molded it to my hand. They heated the part off my hand under the light to get the basic shake then used the heat gun to modify a small area at a time.

At some point they glued another piece to it to install a rubber band hook for traction.

I’m wondering the the same approach would work. They basically formed three sides, left one open and used ace bandage to keep it secure. Some gauze for padding that made up for the thickness of the Cotton glove.


Best of luck to you and companion.

 

[hawkeye2]

One of these may work to mold a cast/splint.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00WW8KIRI/?tag=atomicindus08-20

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004MFLU4Y/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Beau Nugget]

If it all else fails, I’ve seen three legged dogs get around just fine

 

[rharman]

Kevin,

Unfortunately, I have nothing to offer in the way of help with this but do know how sorry I am that you, your wife, and Suzie are going through this.

Wishing the best for all of you.

 

[rlitman]

I had a brace made by physical therapist to immobilize a hand injury using a thin-ish thermal plastic sheet.

They put a cotton glove on my hand, heated the plastic using IR lamp and A heat gun, then molded it to my hand. They heated the part off my hand under the light to get the basic shake then used the heat gun to modify a small area at a time.

At some point they glued another piece to it to install a rubber band hook for traction.

I’m wondering the the same approach would work. They basically formed three sides, left one open and used ace bandage to keep it secure. Some gauze for padding that made up for the thickness of the Cotton glove.


Best of luck to you and companion.

Funny you mention that. I made a wrist brace using a sock over my hand, a heat gun and a sheet of kydex like that.

 

[Captain Spaulding]

A paralyzed lower leg is a common problem with calves. A common treatment is a splint made from a section of golf club shaft tube. You wrap the leg in gauze, split the tube lengthwise and put it over the gauze. Trim the sharp edges so it doesn't rub. Then tape over it.

You can change the length of the tube and trim it to provide just the right amount of support to allow them to use it.

Some kind of foam (maybe pipe insulation) might be better as padding than gauze for a more sensitive skinned dog, and velcro instead of tape around the outside so you can take it off for resting or bathing.

 

[rockwithjason]

I don't have anything to help, but if I did you would be first in line bro

 

[Daveo]

Ive got a cnc mill. What about something with a roller on it?

 

[Kevin54]

C'mon guys. I know the options with amputating and such. I've been a toolmaker and tool designer for 30+ years. What I need is someone that can do what I asked. And not to sound ****** at all, but I need some help. I won't go into the whole story, or any of it really. But this means a lot to me because of my wife.

 

[Daveo]

Well.... Alrighty then....

 

[Rc_Guy]

What the heck is a fur daughter?

 

[Rc_Guy]

It our ******* Sheltie dog *******.

Wow. Someone piss in your Wheaties?

 

[Griff93]

Kevin,

We can 3d scan a mold if the shape allows then 3d print it or machine it on our 4 axis cnc if its something that can be machined. Our 3d print work envelope is around 10x10x10. Send me a pm if you want to talk about it farther.

Griff

 

[nes999]

I didnt read the fur daughter part. I was reaching out to people because I thought it was your human daughter. Do the humane thing and get it removed. Your sheltie will be absolutely fine.

Sent from my VS988 using Tapatalk

 

[Kevin54]

Kevin,

We can 3d scan a mold if the shape allows then 3d print it or machine it on our 4 axis cnc if its something that can be machined. Our 3d print work envelope is around 10x10x10. Send me a pm if you want to talk about it farther.

Griff

Griff....I appreciate it very much. As soon as I hear back from the vet, I will get in touch with you.

RC GUY.....My deepest apologies for snapping back. I had no call to do that at all and I hope you accept my apology. I just had my dinner plate **** in by another person, and carried that attitude to here, which is not my normal doing. Again, I sincerely apologize.

 

[gayler]

Griff....I appreciate it very much. As soon as I hear back from the vet, I will get in touch with you.

RC GUY.....My deepest apologies for snapping back. I had no call to do that at all and I hope you accept my apology. I just had my dinner plate **** in by another person, and carried that attitude to here, which is not my normal doing. Again, I sincerely apologize.

Sounds like Griff may be able to help. I understand your frustration. I hope all gets better for you.

 

[bczygan]

Does she have to be scanned to make a design? Was that a large part of the proposed cost?

Or is there a standard part file that can be input into a machine?

Bill

 

[Kevin54]

Does she have to be scanned to make a design? Was that a large part of the proposed cost?

Or is there a standard part file that can be input into a machine?

Bill

It's a long story Bill. But in a nutshell, MedVet put her in a basic generic brace, but was sized to her leg. Too big and bulky for her to even use. And ever since she has had the FCE, and was paralyzed on the right side, she has gained most of her functions back except her lower extremity on her front leg.

SO....instead of just telling a vet to lob her leg off and we'll go from there.....I want her to start putting weight on the lower extremity and build up some strength.

I talked to our local vet about making a cast, having it digitized, and cut into a lightweight material. Add a couple velcro straps, and force her to use that leg. He's responsive to that, but he is also going to research some other companies that make braces. Most being upwards of over $1000.

That is why I wanted to know whether someone can digitize, or scan off of a cast, to make what I feel is appropriate for what I think it needs to be. And I'm not asking for a freebie by any means. I am willing to pay, but I'm not rich. And I'll supply the material if need be.

And believe me when I tell you this....I would much rather help someone else than ask for help myself.

 

[APEowner]

Hey Kevin - What about making a cast and then cutting it off, trimming it and adding straps? If it would still be heavier than you'd like you could make it, cut it off and then use it as a mold to make a plaster plug and then layup a fiberglass or even carbon fiber brace on the plug?

 

[rharman]

< snip >
And believe me when I tell you this....I would much rather help someone else than ask for help myself.
< /snip >

Kevin, Anyone who's been on this forum for any time at all is keenly aware of your generosity and willingness to help other members. Hoping someone here is able to give some of that back.

Also, ask the vet about some sort of "angel fund". There may be some donor funds available for a situation like this.

 

[bczygan]

It's a long story Bill. But in a nutshell, MedVet put her in a basic generic brace, but was sized to her leg. Too big and bulky for her to even use. And ever since she has had the FCE, and was paralyzed on the right side, she has gained most of her functions back except her lower extremity on her front leg.

SO....instead of just telling a vet to lob her leg off and we'll go from there.....I want her to start putting weight on the lower extremity and build up some strength.

I talked to our local vet about making a cast, having it digitized, and cut into a lightweight material. Add a couple velcro straps, and force her to use that leg. He's responsive to that, but he is also going to research some other companies that make braces. Most being upwards of over $1000.

That is why I wanted to know whether someone can digitize, or scan off of a cast, to make what I feel is appropriate for what I think it needs to be. And I'm not asking for a freebie by any means. I am willing to pay, but I'm not rich. And I'll supply the material if need be.

And believe me when I tell you this....I would much rather help someone else than ask for help myself.

Kevin,

Man, if I had a 3D printer and it could make the part, it would be running right now.

I know how a woman can love her animals.

I asked Julie where I ranked, and it was number 11, after her children, the bird, the dog, and the 4 cats.

Good luck.

Bill

 

[Richard Cranium]

Kevin, Any one who knows you, knew that your response was not normal for you. You most likely shocked a few members. But most of us understand where you are coming from. Best of luck. Richard

 

[TOOLS4WORK]

I wish I had the equipment to help, your a good guy and I would love to do something for you.
someone will help I am sure

 

[Divcod]

Kevin,

Glad someone is able to offer some help! Hope you can find a positive path to recovery for your "fur daughter". Understand how attached one can become, my 96 year old dad carrys a picture of Ginger, his sheltie, in his wallet.

 

[sweet victory]

I prototyped several prosthetics for below wrist and below elbow amputees for about 1.5 years. I have solidworks and an ultimaker 3+. Send me a PM.

 

[PugetDude]

Kevin,
Sorry that I can't help you with the cast, but wanted to express my admiration for the devotion you're showing for dog and your wife. Kudos to you, man; you've always been a standup guy here on the GJ, I'm confident someone with the right skillset and 3d printer will step up to help. .
PugetDude

 

[doctordirt]

Kevin, sorry to hear all you are going through. I would be more than willing to help, unfortunately I do not pocess the skill set to do so.

 

[BORING HOP YARD]

Hey Kevin54.
I have attended what's called Maker Faire out here in Portland Or.
Students were making prosthetics for kids since they grow out of them and they become very expensive, they were making a 3d model by scanning and 3d printing for no charge to the family.
You have an event close to you but it months away. You could reach out to Kent state and see if they can give you a lead for someone to help, I would also reach out to any of the "First Robotics Teams" in your area, this would be a great learning project using the tools they use in building robot's.
Hope this helps.
https://kentstate.makerfaire.com/