A bearded dragon has been helped back onto his feet thanks to a custom-made 3D-printed leg splint.
Ned the lizard received the high-tech aid after attentive zookeepers spotted him dragging his right leg.
A closer examination alongside X-rays revealed the reptile had injured toes and nerve damage.
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The poorly bearded dragon needed regular bandage changes but his habitat made it difficult for staff to keep the dressings clean.
Vets then turned to state-of-the-art technology to create a 3D model of Ned’s tiny limb and make a splint specifically for him.
It is the first time the team at Healesville Sanctuary, in Australia, has used the technology in this way.
Vet nurse Chris Stitt said four different splints were trialled over several months, as reported by Whats The Jam.
He said: “The challenge was making the splint strong enough so Ned could put pressure down and keep his foot from bending.
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“We needed a solution that would specifically fit him.”
The team spent an hour scanning the animal’s leg to capture every bump and curve.
The aid is made from thermoplastic polyurethane – known as TPU – a strong, rubber-like material, with thin, malleable wire providing extra support.
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The work was made possible thanks to the help of engineer Girius Antanaitis, from GA Medical, which creates custom surgical and veterinary equipment.
Ned can now climb logs, bask in the warmth up high and catch live prey including insects.
And the laidback lizard has apparently been a model patient throughout his treatment.
Chris said: “Ned is a cool lizard.
“He’s very chill.
“He’s very good at all his appointments.
“He’s quite happy to sit on the X-ray plate.
“He’s one of the easiest patients to work with.
“I think it’s amazing that we can make this animal’s life better, so he can put his best foot forward while trialling new innovations and ideas.”
Ned will continue wearing the splint for ongoing support.
His carers will also continue monitoring his welfare and condition.
Visitors to Healesville Sanctuary can watch veterinary work taking place through the glass internal walls of its wildlife hospital.
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