3D Printing, Medical Models

How 3D Printed Bone Models Are Changing Veterinary Surgery

Posted on by Shelle Parsons

Category: 3D Printing, Case Studies

One of the most rewarding things we do at PartSnap has nothing to do with product development. It’s printing bone models for veterinary surgeons.

The Problem

Orthopedic surgery on animals — especially dogs — is challenging for the same reason human orthopedics is challenging: bones are complex 3D shapes, fractures are unpredictable, and surgeons need to understand the anatomy before they cut.

CT scans give surgeons cross-sectional images, but reading dozens of 2D slices and mentally reconstructing a 3D fracture pattern is difficult. Especially when the patient can’t tell you where it hurts.

The Solution

We take DICOM data from a veterinary CT scan and convert it into a physical, anatomically accurate 3D printed model. The surgeon can hold the bone in their hand, examine the fracture from every angle, and plan plate placement, screw trajectories, and surgical approach — all before the animal is under anesthesia.

How It Works

Step 1: DICOM Data Processing

The vet clinic sends us the CT scan data (DICOM files). We import the data into medical imaging software and isolate the bone structures from surrounding soft tissue using density thresholds.

Step 2: 3D Rendering & Cleanup

The raw 3D mesh from CT data is noisy — full of artifacts, floating pixels, and rough surfaces. We clean the mesh, repair gaps, and ensure the model is anatomically faithful while being physically printable.

Step 3: CAD Preparation

The cleaned mesh is oriented for optimal print quality. For fracture cases, we may print both the affected bone and the contralateral (healthy) side for comparison. Support structures are generated, and the build is optimized for accuracy in the fracture region.

Step 4: 3D Printing

We print the model in SLA resin for the best surface detail, or FDM ABS when the surgeon needs a durable model they can practice drilling and plating on.

Step 5: Delivery

The finished model ships to the clinic, typically within 48–72 hours of receiving the DICOM data. For urgent cases, we can expedite to 24 hours.

Why It Matters

  • Better surgical outcomes — surgeons who plan with 3D models report fewer surprises in the OR
  • Shorter surgery time — pre-planned plate bending and screw placement reduces time under anesthesia
  • Client communication — showing a pet owner a physical model of their dog’s fracture builds understanding and trust
  • Training — residents and students learn anatomy and surgical planning on realistic models

For Veterinary Clinics

If your practice has access to CT imaging and you’re performing orthopedic surgeries, we can help. The process is simple: send us the DICOM data, tell us what you need, and we’ll deliver a print-ready quote — usually the same day.

Request a Veterinary Bone Model →

info@partsnap.com · 214.449.1455

PartSnap has been producing 3D printed bone models for veterinary orthopedic surgeons since 2024. Learn more about our veterinary 3D printing services →