Medical Three-Dimensional Printing in Zoological Medicine

Abstract

Medical 3-dimensional printing allows the creation of anatomic models by using a sequence of computer software programs. Diagnostic imaging data are used to create a physical model that allows clinicians to plan for surgical procedures and create prosthetics and surgical implants and instruments, among other applications. Its use in zoological medicine is limited, but is an area with a great growth potential. This publication reviews the process of creating a 3-dimensional anatomic model, its application in human and small animal medicine and surgery, and reviews peer-reviewed data regarding its use in exotic animals, wildlife, and zoo animals.

Keywords: Biomaterials; Exotic animals; Fused deposition modeling (FDM); Selective laser sintering (SLS); Stereolithography (SLA); Wildlife; Zoo animals.