Vet in Pakistan gives camel new leg

A camel in Pakistan is re-learning how to walk thanks to a prosthetic leg. The young animal, now called Cammie, lost her front leg after a hunt for food ended tragically. A landowner apparently cut it off after catching her wandering onto his property.

The government reacted instantly to a video on social media showing the wounded animal and Cammie was instantly transported over 250 km to an animal shelter, the Comprehensive Disaster Response Services, in Karachi. Although her lengthy recovery began after her injuries had been treated, the primary challenge was helping her overcome her mental trauma, as centre manager Sheema Khan explains.

Sheema Khan: "The main challenge for us was to treat her mental trauma. At first she was afraid of men being near her. She used to scream whenever someone wearing shalwar kameez tried to get close to her. I cannot tell you in words how much she screamed."

Following a difficult five-month period when she would sit in her enclosure, the team presented Callie to their patient. For the first time, Cammie raised herself onto three legs to greet her fellow camel.

Eager to let Cammie move around more easily, shelter vet Dr Babar Hussain sorted out a prosthetic limb from a US-based company, modified specifically to suit her needs. The team's task was subsequently to assist Cammie in using her fourth leg.

Dr Babar Hussain, senior vet: "We don't force her to walk. We wait for about 15 to 20 minutes after attaching the prosthetic leg. She stands up by herself and walks slowly."

Fitting such a sizeable creature with an artificial limb of this kind is a first for Pakistan. For the manager, the moment was exceptionally emotional.

Sheema Khan: "I started weeping when I saw her walking with the prosthetic leg. It was a dream come true. Everyone here is happy now."

From now on, being a permanent resident at the home, Cammie will receive all the care and attention she deserves. View Less