DALLAS (1080 KRLD) - Sybil, the dromedary (one-humped) camel is back at her Jasper, Texas home.
The 7-year old could barely walk when she arrived at the University's Large Animal Hospital because her left hip was dislocated. The prognosis was poor, but A&M's Dr. Katie Glass wasn't deterred. Glass says a dislocated hip isn't a big deal in dogs, cats and people but camels are quite another story. "Larger animals, 800 to a thousand pound animals, it can be hard to get it back in and keep it in once you get it there. "
The four hour operation was a success, and what followed was a ten week rehabilitation stay. "Doing hand walks and exercising and using her leg excellently. She's been doing fantastic."
What worked in Sybil's favor is the fact that she responds to verbal commands. "Which is quite helpful, because she's quite the tall lady. Some are step forward, step back a step to step away from you or towards you, to lay down."
She was also very, very well behaved. "Sybil didn't spit at me one time. I was very thankful."
By the way, Sybil came to the hospital pregnant and leaves that way too. The staff even threw a baby shower for Sybil. "There was camel themed pastries and camel themed garlands and she even had her own camel themed baby shower card."
She's owned by a medical doctor who keeps a small herd. "These particular camels have excellent training so they can be used for outreach in camel experiences among the community as well. After you are around a camel and learn their personality, they're just a love to be around."