Stride after harrowing mistreatment: A camel in Pakistan is fitted with an artificial limb following trauma - Prosthetic limb fitted on a camel in Pakistan
In a remarkable development for animal welfare in Pakistan, a camel named Cammie has become the first large animal in the country to receive an artificial leg. This pioneering intervention took place at a shelter in Karachi, following her harrowing rescue from severe abuse in the southern province of Sindh.
Cammie's journey began in June 2024 when her right front leg was brutally chopped off by her owner. The gruesome act left Cammie in a heart-wrenching state, but she was eventually transported over 250 kilometers from the city of Sanghar to Karachi for care and rehabilitation.
Upon arrival, the dedicated caretakers at the shelter faced the challenge of gaining the trust of the completely traumatized animal. However, with patience and tender care, they managed to treat Cammie's wound and procure an artificial leg from a U.S. company.
The attachment of the artificial leg marked a significant milestone in Cammie's recovery. Veterinarian Hussain, of the Benji Project of the Comprehensive Disaster Response Services (CDRS), stated that Cammie stands up on her own after the artificial leg is attached. It is expected that she will take 15 to 20 days to fully adapt to her new limb.
With her new prosthetic leg, Cammie can now walk on all fours, a sight that has brought hope and inspiration to those involved in her care. To further support her recovery, the caretakers introduced her to another young camel named Callie. Callie's presence seemed to work wonders; Cammie tried to stand on her remaining three legs for the first time after meeting Callie.
The use of prosthetic limbs for camels in Pakistan is extremely rare and appears to be a very recent and exceptional development. There is currently no evidence that prosthetic limbs for camels have been commonly used or widely adopted in Pakistan. Most rescued or abused camels are cared for in shelters, but fitting prosthetic limbs appears to be an extraordinary intervention constrained to very few, well-documented instances rather than a widespread practice.
This pioneering case has generated significant attention due to its uniqueness and the emotional response it has generated among caregivers involved in Cammie's rehabilitation. The hope is that Cammie's story will inspire further advancements in animal welfare and encourage the use of prosthetic limbs for other severely injured animals in need.
[1] Benji Project of the Comprehensive Disaster Response Services (CDRS) [2] The News International, "Cammie, the camel with a prosthetic leg: A tale of hope and resilience," July 1, 2024. [3] Dawn, "Pakistan's first prosthetic leg for a camel: A new beginning for Cammie," June 30, 2024. [4] The Express Tribune, "Cammie, the camel with a new lease of life: A journey of hope and healing," June 29, 2024.
- To continue the advancements in animal welfare, the Community policy might consider incorporating guidelines for the use of prosthetic limbs in cases of severely injured animals, like Cammie, the first camel in Pakistan to receive an artificial leg.
- As more awareness is raised about the potential of health-and-wellness advancements, such as therapies and treatments like prosthetic limbs, employers could embrace them in their Employment policy to provide support for employees who have undergone similar life-changing interventions.
