When our pitbull Billy was diagnosed with Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (DLE), we had no idea how much our lives and his were about to change. This is the story of how frustration, love, and a 3D printer led to the creation of Snoutcover.
The Beginning: When Everything Changed
Billy’s nose slowly started changing. At first, we thought it was just normal aging – her beautiful black nose started losing color, and turned pink in places. But then came scabbing, scabbing, and the worst pain.
Every time she bumped her nose, even a little, she would scream. The skin became so delicate that the slightest touch could cause bleeding. The once smooth “cobblestone” texture of his nose disappeared, replaced by raw, damaged tissue that was getting worse with each passing day.
the sun ruined everything
Our vet confirmed what we feared: Discoid Lupus Erythematosus. The autoimmune disease was causing Billy’s immune system to attack healthy cells in his nose. Sunlight made it exponentially worse – the UV rays began to flare up causing him obvious discomfort.
The treatment plan seemed simple enough: apply medicated ointments, use sunscreen, and keep her out of direct sunlight. But anyone who’s tried to put medicine on a dog’s nose knows the immediate problem – they lick it off within seconds.
frustrating search for solutions
We tried everything available on the market:
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sunscreen balm – licked immediately
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cloth nose shield – She kept rubbing them continuously
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keep him indoors – His quality of life was drastically reduced
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frequent drug reapplication – tiring and ineffective
Nothing worked. We watched helplessly as Billy’s condition deteriorated. Bleeding started increasing. She became hesitant in playing, apparently associating the activity with the pain of hitting her sensitive nose.
We needed something that: protects her nose from UV rays, keeps her from licking the medicine, stays securely in place, allows her to breathe, eat and drink normally, and is actually comfortable enough that she can tolerate wearing it.
That solution did not exist. So we decided to make it.
Design Process: Iteration After Iteration
With access to a 3D printer and determination, I began designing what would become the snoutcover. The challenge was to create something that seemed simple but was actually incredibly complex.
learning curve
The first five prototypes were purely made-to-measure and were made from PLA. I never intended to use PLA for the final product, but it was the fastest way to test the initial dimensions. Measuring Billie’s nose with the cold caliper was a challenge in itself – she got nervous every time.
The Breakthrough: Version 6
By iteration six, I switched to TPU for its flexibility and comfort, and this was the first usable model. Although it fitted well, it lacked ventilation, making it damp and uncomfortable for Billy.
After weeks of testing and redesign, we finally had something that worked—with:
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flexible tpu construction
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strategic ventilation holes
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adjustable strap system
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Minimum Coverage Design
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smooth print orientation
Iterations 7-10 focused on ventilation – holes were added to keep his nose moist, while also ensuring that sunlight could not penetrate and cause further damage. Balancing functionality and comfort was difficult, but each version improved on the previous one.
By iteration 11, I had a design that worked. It protected his nose, allowed him to breathe, and remained in place without causing discomfort. This version gave me the confidence to move forward, leading to iteration 12 – a more “armored” version for durability and frankly a tougher looking dog.
Change: Five Months That Changed Everything
As his nose began to heal, I designed iteration 13, a smaller version with a smaller footprint, designed to give him more freedom while still providing protection. For the holidays, I even made her a bright pink version, giving her a trendy edge.
With the snoutcover protecting his nose and keeping the medication in place, we finally saw progress:
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Month 1: The bleeding stopped.
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Month 2: The scab started to subside.
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Month 3: The pigmentation is beginning to return.
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Month 4: The structure started improving.
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Month 5: His nose had become completely black again. She was pain-free.
why am i sharing this
When I posted about Billy’s recovery on Reddit and Makerworld, the response was overwhelming. I realized this wasn’t just Billy’s story – this was a problem affecting dogs everywhere.
billy today
Today, Billy is thriving. His nose remains healthy and black. She is back to playing, going on long walks, and living her best pitbull life without pain or restrictions.
A Note to Other Dog Parents
If your dog is suffering from DLE or any nasal disease, I want you to know: There is hope. Snoutcover was born out of love, frustration, and a refusal to accept that Billy’s suffering was simply “as it is.”
Billy’s recovery led to the birth of Snoutcover. We hope this can give your dog the same chance for recovery that he was given.
share it with the community
I know there are other dogs and owners out there facing similar struggles. That’s why I’m sharing this design for free. Although it is not adjustable by design, it should still fit medium to large dogs. If necessary, the measurements can be adjusted using the scaling feature in your slicer software, but some slots, such as those for the straps, may be deformed in the process.
This model is printed in TPU to ensure that it is soft, flexible and comfortable for your dog. Front and side ventilation holes keep your dog’s nose moist while keeping it from overheating.
This experience taught me not only about 3D printing and design, but also about patience, empathy, and the lengths we will go to for those we love. If you are a working dog owner with DLE, I hope this story will inspire you and provide you with a tool to help your furry companion.
You can find the design called Snoutcover on Makerworld, make adjustments if necessary, and let’s help your pups live their best lives.
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