Miniature Pony, Angel Marie, was stepped on by her mother shortly after she was born. Her front legs were severely damaged, leaving her too crippled to walk.
This was a challenge that animal orthotist and prosthetist Derrick Campana, so-called Dr. Doolittle, was ready to tackle.
At his practice in Virginia state, Campana fashioned prosthetic front legs using highly durable, medical grade plastics, with the support of Plastics Make it Possible.
He said watching Angel Marie take her first steps was emotional. “Seeing her walk, and having her here today walking is just a dream come true. A miracle,” he said.
Owner Lennie Green credits Campana with saving Angel Marie’s life.
Campana started his career in making orthotics for humans, and saw a niche for helping animals.
He’s become the go-to person for animals in need worldwide—he even fashioned prosthetic limbs for an elephant in Thailand that had its foot blown off by land mines.
While he is not a veterinarian, Campana said his practice is a cost-effective alternative to more invasive procedures at the vet.
Campana said the future in prosthetics is likely in 3-D printing, which is too costly now, but may become more affordable in years to come.
