Hi Derrick,
Eb's new, improved leg came yesterday. She was SO happy to see it again! I put it on and she took off, smiling from ear to ear. She actually seems to like the heavier leg and it certainly isn't slowing her down. In fact, I think she likes the solidity of it because she's not so hesitant as she was with the first version as it started to bow leading up to breaking. Now I'll be interested to see if she builds up more shoulder muscle.

Thanks so much for doing what you do and for doing it with so much dedication and high quality. We appreciate it more than you know!

Cheers,
Lorrain

Dear Mr. Campana,

In January, you made a wonderful orthotic for my 12-year-old Shetland Sheepdog, Argyle (pictures attached).

About 1.5 years ago, Argyle was running on the beach in Florida and stepped in a hole. As he fell, he cracked two bones in this front left leg and tore various ligaments. It all happened in just seconds, and changed his life forever.

After 14 months of two failed surgeries and many, many splints and assorted bandages, we decided to try one of your orthotics (we call it his boot). Every morning we put on his boot, and every night after he heads outside for the last time, we take it off. It has made an amazing difference in his life. Argyle loves his boot. In the morning I tell him it’s time to put on his boot, and he lies down and holds up his front leg for me. As soon as I put it on, he jumps up and runs to the door to go outside. It has made an amazing difference in his quality of life. Thank you!!!


I do have a few questions for you…

If I wanted to have another orthotic made, do I need to have a new mould made or can you make another one from the original mould? The current one fits so well that a replica should work fine.

Also, with long hair, the Velcro straps pick up a lot of hair. I try to clean them, but the straps won’t last forever. Is it possible to buy two new straps to put on our current orthotic?

The foam padding in some areas is almost gone. It doesn’t seem to be a problem (he probably has calluses where he needs them), but I wondered when (if ever) these should be replaced.

Finally, do you have recommendations on the best way to wash the orthotic? Given that it’s made of a hard plastic, I wondered about putting it in a net bag (to protect it) and running it through a gentle cycle in the washing machine.


Thank you again for making my dog’s life the best it can be!

Nancy Linz

Lee & I wanted you to know that we had the chance to speak with Pam about Sable. What a beautiful story and a wonderful reflection on all of you, for what you were able to accomplish. We also wanted you to know that we are truly grateful and thankful that we found you. We know that now Jingles will be able to come back to living a normal and healthy life.
Thanks again and we look forward to seeing you!
Lee & Marlene Mentzer

Hi Derrick,
I am so excited! This morning when I took Ebony out for her morning exercise, she actually walked with a four-legged gait the entire way! This is the best she's ever done on her prosthesis. You should have seen the look on her face! She was so happy. It had really clicked for her. You could see that she finally got it - she can walk on four legs again. She has a tiny limp, but she was able to manage grass, uneven terrain, and the steps without hopping once! I did make a tiny modification on the leg. I left the clam shell off and just positioned the large velcro strap, connecting to the velcro on the smaller strap, but angling it down around the screws at the top of the "leg".

Then I snugged it up really tight. That really worked and she seemed to feel more confident. It was almost like she "needed" to feel that wrap-around, flexible contact to reassure herself that she had a leg again and could put weight on it. So, I don't know if there was a neurological sensory component involved in this - just a possible theory. Anyway, she's doing extremely well. I'll keep you posted. Thanks for giving her the chance to live the rest of her years in more comfort and dignity!

Thanks a Bunch!
L. Sakaris

My Greyhound, Brady, turns 13 on April 1st. He is my love and my heart and his cancer diagnosis in July of 2006 was devastating. Brady has bone cancer and we were faced with the choice of amputation or palliative treatment. Given some weakness in his back legs, we opted for pain management with some chemo and radiation hoping for the best - some good quality time. In December of 2006, Brady was diagnosed with a palliative fracture. His oncologist told me again that our choices were either amputation or euthanasia. I was anguished, to say the least. Aside from the fracture, Brady was in good spirits, had a good appetite and had no mets. I wanted to explore another option - splinting. I was told that this was not a recommended option, but I pursued it anyway. We started with metasplints.

The problem with metasplints, though, is that they are not meant for long-term use and are not that strong. Until I could find a place to make Brady a splint, I wrapped and unwrapped his leg multiple times a week - cast padding, gauze, and vet wrap. I found a place in Oregon and, while it was a good effort, it's difficult to custom fit a cast from so far away. We went back and forth for over a month with several variations. The first cast gave him skin ulcers and he only had it on for 10 minutes. So, it was back to metasplints ... and then we found Derrick and Animal Orthocare.

I can't tell you what a relief it was to experience that level of personal care from an expert. Not only is Brady's custom splint safe and secure, it looks great and is easy to put on and take off. And, Derrick makes it easy to alter Brady's splint as his tumor changes. Brady and I are so thankful for Derrick and the services he is offering. He has given us a little piece of goodness during these tumultuous times

Derrick,

Hi. Friends have emailed me about the TV(channel 4) on dog prosthetics. Did you get to see yourself? Thanks for your enthusiasm. It helped to save my dog's life. Thanks again,

Golda Davis

Dear Derrick,

The special boot you created for our Misty is wonderful. The boot has been instrumental in healing her foot ulcer in two ways... it helps her to walk properly so there is no pressure on the ulcer, and the open toe design allows air to get to that area. The boot is easy to apply and is comfortable for her to wear all day long. She is able to easily navigate the two stairways in our home... one with carpet, one with treads. Misty has had to endure this ulcer for several years, so this boot is truly a miracle! Thank you so much.

Charlie and Mary Anne Dupon

Hi Derek,

The braces came today in good shape. We put on the left one and left it on for about 35 minutes. No problem, although she was just lying down. Still, she tolerated it just fine. I think the elastic sleeve was a great idea.

Thanks for everything.
Rick

Derrick,

Thank you for making that wonderful splint. Her leg was always supported and I never worried about a fracture when she wore your splint. Your help is part of what gave us a good quality life for Lily during her last months and let her enjoy doing all of the things that she loved up until her last days.

Jennifer

Hello Derrick,

Solomon is wearing his orthotic on the left leg well. He was up to 7 hours of wear during the day. When I would remove the brace, the hair would be tufted in places, but no redness or wounds seen. It seems to fit well! Thanks for all of your help!

Holly Metts Pace DVM

Hello Derrick!

I just wanted to drop you a quick note to update you on Solomon's braces. He is doing amazingly well with the new brace for his bad leg. For the last 4 months he really hasn't been able to walk on the right leg due to infection, surgery, having the implants removed and then the carpus breakdown. His hips had gotten terrible and he was on a lot of pain medication. He and my other dog couldn't wrestle anymore. He couldn't run etc. Now, within 1-2 days of having the new brace he is a crazy man again. He can even walk up the stairs again, we still don't let him try to go down them unless carpeted.

Seriously, the first day or so he would not lay down and acted wild. My husband wanted to know what was wrong with him. I told him, 'he can walk again and feels good'. He was tackling my other dog again like he used to. He ran down our dock over the weekend ( 4 Legged) to greet people, which he hasn't done in forever. His hips are doing much better because he can weight bear again on that front leg. I am currently on bed rest for the next 10 weeks, but I do want to get videos of him with and without the brace for you to have for your website. I am amazed by his improvement. He knows that brace gives him the support he needs to walk and waits every morning for us to put it back on! He even hands us his leg.

Hindsight is 20/20, but I would much rather have spent the money from his failed surgeries on these 2 braces!!!! They are worth every penny!! His moveable brace for the left leg works well also. I am going to send it back for a minor adjustment. He started getting pressure wounds medial to his Digit #1 last week or so. I will leg you know when we mail the brace back, not sure when that will be with all that is going on. Just wanted to update you. Your brace is working wonderfully for his bad leg so far. We truly appreciate all of your help!!
Thanks a ton

Holly

I received the braces today; they look great! I tried one out without changing the settings, and surprisingly he does well. Thank you so much for helping me with this, and such a fast turn-around time!

Sarah

Derrick,

Just wanted to tell you how the brace is working since the adjustment...great!!! I have to get you a video, he was running all over with my neighbors dogs yesterday and no irritation at all, he seems so happy to be able to keep up and play, he had it on for quite awhile so I was very pleased to see there was no blood or irritation anywhere, this is going to be great for him and give him more quality to his life. It also helps with the pain.

The only problem I am having is the velcro fell off one pads and a couple of the straps are beginning to get a tear and the metal loop. I am sure these things would be fine with a dog living in the suburbs but unfortunately out here they get run through the ringer with mud and running through the field and stream, etc. I was wondering if I could get some extras?

I will try to send you a video soon, you've got to see him run, climb, etc.

Thanks so much for all your help so far, we really appreciate it!

Sincerely,
Pam Esparolini

My dog, Becket, received a customized boot from you. Dr. Bianca Shaw of Back on Track Veterinary Rehab in Portland, Oregon provided the instruction for the construction of the boot. Becket has taken to the boot beautifully and we use it everyday for outdoor walking and we also leave it on for supervised indoor activity. Thank you for making this great tool for my dog.

Sincerely,
Mrs. Laychak

Just wanted to tell you how the brace is working since the adjustment...great!!! I have to get you a video, he was running all over with my neighbors dogs yesterday and no irritation at all, he seems so happy to be able to keep up and play, he had it on for quite awhile so I was very pleased to see there was no blood or irritation anywhere, this is going to be great for him and give him more quality to his life. It also helps with the pain.

The only problem I am having is the velcro fell off one pads and a couple of the straps are beginning to get a tear and the metal loop. I am sure these things would be fine with a dog living in the suburbs but unfortunately out here they get run through the ringer with mud and running through the field and stream, etc. I was wondering if I could get some extras?

I will try to send you a video soon, you've got to see him run, climb, etc.

Thanks so much for all your help so far, we really appreciate it!

Sincerely,
Pam Esparolini