Meet Derrick Campana, The Man Who Has Helped Over 20,000 Animals Walk Again

Jul 01, 2019 by apost team

What happens when you combine a prosthetist and a love for animals? Derrick Campana. Although Derrick went to school for human prosthetics and orthotics, he has always had a love for animals. He began his mission to help animals after being approached by a veterinarian about making a prosthetic leg for her dog.

“A veterinarian came to my office and she brought a dog that needed a prosthesis. At the time, it was so strange to me that someone would even do that,” he told PBS. “I gave it a shot, and it was successful. And a light bulb went off, and I said, ‘Let’s start a business.’" Derrick realized that there was a gap in veterinary medicine and that there were so many animals in need of prosthetics or braces.

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Derrick created Aimal Ortho Care, a company whose "goal is to provide the highest quality orthotics, prosthetics, and pain management devices to assist your pet in regaining his/her quality of life," according to the website. The company has seen all kinds of cases at this point. In 12 years since the company started, over 20,000 prosthetics have been fitted for injured animals from all over the world including elephants, goats, and llamas.

"More than 90 percent have been dogs, but he has also worked with a range of farm and zoo animals, from goats in New Jersey to rams in Spain and eagles at a Busch Gardens theme park," according to PBS. Each day, the company receives orders on all kinds of devices for different animals around the world. 

Many of the animals treated with the prosthetics had lost their legs in tragic incidents. The prosthetics were their chance to live a mobile life again. One of Derrick's patients is Angel Marie, a pony that lost its leg after being stepped on by its mother. The owner of Angel Marie claimed in an interview with Plastics Make It Possible, that the prosthetic leg actually has saved Angel's life. It's given her the freedom to go run around and graze and do the things she would like to do. 

Another case of a returned life was Hudson, the infamous "Railroad Puppy" nicknamed by the media. He was discovered next to train tracks with a missing paw. After the dog was adopted, its new owners called Derrick for help. Derrick had to create a type of prosthesis that had never been done before after multiple failures Derrick finally created a design that worked for Hudson.

"You cross your fingers every time you fit a prosthesis, it was just one of those miracle moments," Derrick said when speaking about Hudson's case to Plastics Make It Possible. 

As soon as the leg was on, Hudson took off running. After receiving his leg, Hudson began working as a therapy dog for people with injuries and health issues. The dog with a prosthetic leg gives people with injuries hope and upliftment.

What do you think of the prosthetic company for animals? Have you ever seen an animal in need of a prosthesis? Let us know in the comments and spread the word about Derrick's amazing work!