A 3D Model of the Dachshund Skull

A large tumor developed on the head of a 9-year-old dachshund named Patches. The tumor weighed down the dog’s skull and pushed on its eye socket and brain. Veterinarians from the University of Guelph created a 3D model of Patches’ skull to make the surgery less time consuming and reduce patient risk. The doctors calculated how much of Patches’ skull needed to replaced and left the rest intact.

The skull of the dachshund is distinguished by its clearly defined initial part. It is located anteriorly between two distinct temporal lines. The crest is easily identifiable at 16mm in diameter. The Dachshund skull also shows a dip in its nose, which contributes to its intelligent appearance. The skull is a key part of a Dachshund’s face and helps define the dog’s distinct features.

Open fontanelles are common in young puppies. The growth plates will eventually fuse together to form a closed skull. If the dog has persistent open fontanelles, additional tests such as imaging will be required. This is the only method to diagnose persistent open fontanelles. In these cases, the dachshund will need a specialized surgery to correct the problem. In most cases, a physical examination is enough to determine the cause.

Oblak’s lab studies dogs as disease models for human beings. The group is currently working with the University of Guelph’s RaPPID Program, which is an acronym that stands for rapid prototyping of dog-specific implants. The researchers are now evaluating the advantages of digital rapid prototyping in surgery planning and 3D-printed implants to reconstruct. Patches’ case is an example of this. Patches’ cancer had spread to her brain and eye socket, making it a great candidate for reconstructive surgery.

A 3D Model of the Dachshund Skull
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