Skip to content
The Kirkstall Precision Dog

Mapping the ascent of micro implantables and the future of veterinary surgical innovation

In the world of veterinary medicine, the use of implantables and micro-tools to save the lives of our pets continues to rise and rise.

Meanwhile, the real-world scale of these life-changing animal interventions keeps on shrinking – it’s no longer rare to see vets fitting knee replacements you could balance on the tip of your finger. At Kirkstall Precision Engineering, we ask one simple, exciting question…

How small can you go?

Believe it or not, medical devices in our pets are nothing new, treating a wide number of orthopaedic problems in dogs for nearly a century.

But now, people demand more for their pets, of all shapes and sizes – with the orthopaedic veterinary implants market set to grow beyond US $3,500million by 2026 – along with advanced medical interventions for smaller animals like cats, rabbits, and even rodents.

A huge growth in global pet adoption (in part spurred by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic) sees the demand for pet insurance, vet visits, and implantables skyrocketing – a demand which we at Kirkstall Precision Engineering are perfectly placed to meet.

Precision engineered veterinary care

“We’re a nation of animal lovers,’ says our Operations Director, Iqbal Bahia. “The pet charity PDSA estimate that UK families own over 10.1 dogs, 10.9 million cats, and more than a million rabbits – before we can even factor in the massive increase in ownership in 2020.

“What’s more, the UK has just seen its very first total canine ankle replacement being carried out, revolutionising the treatment of animal injury and complex limb deformity cases. That’s why we’re investing heavily in new implantable technology and processes, and are already seeing increased orders and a hugely positive impact across our business.”

The changing face of pet ownership

Last month in our news article focused on hip and knee replacements in humans, we joked about the classic TV show, The Six Million Dollar Man. And it seems that soon, the world may see the very first Six Million Dollar Sausage Dog.

As well as a massive increase in animal adoption, a global increase in the number of pet injuries is driving more vets to choose advanced implantable surgical solutions. People don’t want to see their furry loved ones suffer, and we hate to see already short life spans spent in pain.

Obesity among pets is sadly also on the rise – in part due to the unhealthy sedentary lifestyles shared by us poor human owners – which in turn is causing a spike in bone fractures and animal arthritis. More and more people are paying for costly pet insurance and expect better results for their money.

Our MD Adam Thornton adds: “We’re in the midst of a technological revolution. The implantables market is seeing major innovations, from the introduction of specially coated antimicrobial implants, to research into bioabsorbable polymer implants which can degrade safely inside animal’s bodies.

“For pet owners like myself, it’s good to know that our work can support the application of innovations like these and help prolong the health and happiness of our animals.”

All set for success – on any scale

At Kirkstall Precision Engineering, designing for manufacture and manufacturing veterinary instruments has been in our DNA for over 25 years. We’re approved to ISO13485 medical standard and apply the same systems for our veterinary customers.

We’re also seeing an increased demand in the medical precision engineering sector for humans and animals alike, while also being invited onto the roster for some of the world’s most prestigious veterinary and medical companies.

Through investing in the right people, processes and technology, we’re helping make a healthier, happier future for our pets a reality.

Which is good news for dogs like Nala below.