In a groundbreaking medical triumph, a nine-year-old Dachshund named Patches has defied the odds, emerging cancer-free after a pioneering procedure that replaced 70 percent of her skull with a 3D-printed titanium cap. This first-of-its-kind surgery in North America, performed in March 2018, not only saved Patches’ life but also showcased the revolutionary potential of 3D-printing technology in veterinary medicine.
For years, Patches had a small, seemingly harmless bump on her head. But within months, that bump ballooned to the size of an orange, alarming her owner, Danielle Dymeck. The tumor had invaded Patches’ skull, posing a life-threatening challenge. Multiple veterinary consultations led Dymeck to Dr. Michelle Oblak, a veterinary surgical oncologist at the University of Guelph’s Ontario Veterinary College, whose expertise in 3D-printing applications for animals offered a glimmer of hope.
Dr. Oblak, who had been exploring innovative uses of 3D-printing technology, saw Patches as the perfect candidate for a novel approach. Traditionally, dogs in Patches’ condition would undergo a costly and lengthy procedure involving tumor removal followed by the installation of a titanium mesh to replace the damaged skull. Instead, Oblak proposed a custom-designed, 3D-printed titanium skull cap—a method never before attempted in North America.
Dymeck was initially hesitant about subjecting Patches to such an experimental procedure. However, the prospect of advancing cancer research for both animals and humans tipped the scales. “They felt she could recover from this,” Dymeck shared with the Canadian Press. “And to be part of cancer research was a big thing for me—if they can learn something from animals to help humans, that’s pretty important.”
The process began with a CT scan of Patches’ head, allowing Oblak and her team to digitally map the tumor and the affected skull areas. Using advanced software, they meticulously designed a titanium cap to replace the cancerous bone, ensuring a precise fit. “There’s very little room for error,” Oblak explained. “We’re talking less than two millimeters, or else the plate wouldn’t fit.” The design was sent to a 3D-printing company, and within two weeks, Patches’ custom skull cap was ready.
The four-hour surgery was a resounding success. Just 30 minutes after waking, Patches was back to her spirited self, walking and even taking a bathroom break. The procedure left her with a slightly crooked ear and a scar, but these were small prices to pay for a cancer-free life. “Our hope is this is something that could be more widely available on a broad scale,” Oblak said, reflecting on the procedure’s potential to transform veterinary care.
Tragically, Patches faced another hurdle soon after her recovery. An unrelated accident left her hind legs paralyzed, requiring her to use a wheelchair. Yet, her indomitable spirit shines through. “We called her our little unicorn because she had this bump on her head, but it would have killed her,” Dymeck told the Canadian Times. “It’s pretty amazing what they did for my girl.”
Patches’ story is a testament to the power of innovation and resilience. Thanks to Dr. Oblak’s pioneering work and Dymeck’s courage, this beloved Dachshund continues to live life to the fullest, inspiring hope for future medical breakthroughs.