A veterinary surgeon has carried out a successful 3D printed partial jaw replacement on a dog.

The pioneering surgery was performed by Dr Ryk Botes, a branch partner at Medivet in Shunters Close, Faversham, who has a special interest in orthopaedics and replacement surgery.

He was touched by the plight of eight-year-old shih tzu Poppet, a rescue dog whose lower jaw was broken on both sides.

Poppet was adopted two years ago by Daphne Harrigan.

The canine companion helped fill a hole in Mrs Harrigan’s life following the loss of her husband 11 years ago.

Apart from her broken jaw, Poppet has other health problems which suggested she may have been used for breeding on a puppy farm.

Knowing how special Poppet is to Mrs Harrigan, Dr Botes took on the challenge to fix the lower jaw, which had a large segment of bone missing.

Dr Botes felt the only way to properly fix the dog’s jaw was to attempt a partial jaw replacement.

Although it is a technique used on humans, Poppet’s small size made it particularly difficult to design and produce a custom-made implant.

Based on CT scans sent by Dr Botes, specialist firm 3D Metal Printing created the implant, making a titanium jaw for Poppet.

It was fitted by Dr Botes in an hour-long operation.

Since the operation, Poppet has made a good recovery and is a “different dog”, according to Mrs Harrigan’s daughter Debbie Crouch.

“Before the operation, her tongue lolled out of her mouth permanently and she couldn’t eat or clean herself properly,” she said.

“Now she can and it’s as if she has a whole new lease of life.

“It’s wonderful to see her - and equally wonderful to see how happy she makes my mum.

“We can’t thank Ryk and his team enough for what they’ve done for Poppet. He has really gone above and beyond and we’re so grateful to him.

“It’s a dream come true for mum to see Poppet living a normal, happy life.”

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