A retrospective study on clinical findings of 7300 cases (2007-2014) of barren female dromedaries.

The objective of this study was to investigate the clinical findings in barren female dromedaries examined for different complaints. Female camels were examined for repeat breeding with regular heat interval (RB-R, n = 5444), refused mating (RM, n = 1299), repeat breeding with long heat interval (RB-L, n = 489), difficulties or bleeding during mating (DM, n = 53), and for manifestation of male-like behavior (MB, n = 15). The genital tracts of all females were evaluated using transrectal palpation, ultrasonography, and exploration of the vagina. Cervical swabs were obtained for bacteriologic examination. Clinical endometritis, ovarian hydrobursitis, and vaginal adhesions were the main clinical findings in the female camels examined for RB-R, RM, and RB-L, respectively. Parity affected the frequency of occurrence of these findings. The incidences of clinical endometritis, ovarian hydrobursitis, and vaginal adhesions in nullipara and multipara were 28% versus 32.3% (P = 0.004), 37.1% versus 23.7% (P = 0.001), and 5.7% versus 18.3% (P = 0.001), respectively. Vaginal adhesions, persistent hymen, pelvic abscess, and vulvar atresia were the clinical findings in the female camels presented due to bleeding at mating or with a history of an incomplete intromission of the penis. The male-like behavior was associated with an enlargement of the clitoris and narrowing of the vulva and vagina. Trueperella pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumonia, Streptococcus zooepidemicus, and ß-hemolytic Streptococcus were isolated from females presented for repeat breeding syndrome. In conclusion, clinical endometritis, ovarian hydrobursitis, and vaginal adhesions were the main clinical findings in barren female dromedaries. Parity affected the frequency of the clinical findings.

Transabdominal ultrasonography for pregnancy diagnosis and estimation of gestational age in dromedary camels.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of transabdominal ultrasonography as a method for pregnancy diagnosis and establish some foetal biometrics guidelines of pregnancy staging. Transabdominal ultrasonography was performed weekly on six pregnant camels from the 4th to the 19th week and at 2-week intervals from the 20th to the 52nd week of gestation. Six areas were selected for examination: caudal abdominal (CAA), inside the thigh, above the base of the udder; middle abdominal (MIA), from the base of the udder to the umbilicus; and cranial abdominal (CRA), from the umbilicus to the xiphoid cartilage. Several foetal parameters including orbital diameter (ORD), biparietal diameter (BPD), abdominal diameter (ABD), chest depth (CHD) and ruminal diameter (RUD) were measured using standardized scan plans. The relationships between the gestational age and the foetal parameters were evaluated. From the 6th to the 12th week, the conceptus was always observed through the left CAA approach. Between the 13th and 27th week, the foetus was entirely visualized by the MIA examination. From the 28th to the 52nd week, the conceptus was mainly detected through the left CRA approach. The foetal parameters were measured frequently during mid- and late gestation. All regression and correlation coefficients were highly significant (p < 0.0001). In conclusion, transabdominal ultrasonography was shown to be a reliable technique for pregnancy diagnosis and estimation of gestational age in dromedary camels.

The postpartum period in dromedary camels: uterine involution, ovarian activity, hormonal changes, and response to GnRH treatment.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the time for complete uterine involution and resumption of ovarian activity in postpartum dromedary camels, relative to hormonal changes. A total of six females were examined by ultrasonography twice weekly starting 3d after parturition. GnRH was administered when the follicles reached ≥0.9cm diameter. Blood samples were collected for hormonal analysis. Results revealed that the mean intervals for complete involution of the previously gravid horn, non-gravid horn, and cervix were 34.33±3.9, 29.01±0.81, and 28.71±1.51d, respectively. After GnRH treatment (Days 17-34), five of the six camels had ovulated. The corpus luteum was detected by Day 4.1±1.6 after GnRH treatment and lasted for 6±1.1d. Serum progesterone (P4) was basal and increased only after GnRH treatment. Serum estradiol 17-ß (E2) peaked twice: when a large follicle was detected and 8.5±2.8d post-GnRH treatment. The serum FSH pattern was biphasic, with two peaks just before the recruitment of small follicles and 4.67±4.1d after GnRH treatment. The five ovulating females were mated; two conceived after the first service and three after the second service. The interval from calving to conception was 78.16±3.71d. It was concluded that in dromedary camels, involution of the uterus is completed by the 5th week postpartum, these camels are highly responsive to early GnRH treatment, and they can be mated between the 5th and 6th week after parturition with encouraging conception rates.

Influence of racing on the serum concentrations of acute-phase proteins and bone metabolism biomarkers in racing greyhounds.

This study was designed to evaluate the influence of racing on the serum concentrations of the acute-phase proteins (APPs) C-reactive protein (CRP), haptoglobin (Hp) and serum amyloid A (SAA) in 32 endurance-racing greyhounds. The study also aimed to investigate the effect of a 7 km race on the bone biomarkers osteocalcin (OC), bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (b-ALP) and pyridinoline cross-links (PYD). Total white blood cell (WBC) count, and the serum concentrations of cortisol, tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), vitamin D and testosterone were also determined. Blood samples were collected 24 h prior to (T0) and within 2 h of completion of the race (T1). Compared to baseline values, WBC count did not change significantly (P = 0.2300), serum cortisol, Hp and SAA increased, while TNF-α and CRP decreased (P <0.0001 for each). There were no significant differences between the pre- and post-race serum concentrations of OC and PYD (P = 0.9500 and P = 0.2600, respectively), but serum b-ALP increased significantly (P = 0.0004). Serum concentrations of vitamin D and testosterone increased after racing (P = 0.0100 and P <0.0001, respectively). In this study, a 7 km race stimulated an acute-phase response, demonstrated by significant increases in the serum concentrations Hp and SAA in racing greyhounds. Increased serum b-ALP post-race probably indicates a change in bone metabolism and deserves further study.

Impotentia generandi in male dromedary camels: clinical findings, semen characteristics, and testicular histopathology.

The objective of this study was to describe the clinical findings, semen characteristics, and testicular histopathology in male dromedary camels affected with impotentia generandi (IG). According to the history, 82.6% (38/46) of the cases were classified as primary-IG (P-IG; never been able to impregnate a female), whereas 17.4% (8/46) were classified as secondary-IG (S-IG; acquired infertility). Only one scrotal testis was observed in four cases, and no scrotal testis was observed in one case. Overall, testicular length, width, and depth were 6.46 ± 0.2, 3.41 ± 0.1, and 2.8 ± 0.08 cm, respectively. Within the P-IG males, 42.2% of the testes were classified as small, 47.9% as normal, and 9.9% as large. Within the S-IG males, 0.0% of the testes were classified as small, 80% as normal, and 20% as large. Ejaculate volume, total sperm number in the ejaculate, and sperm motility, viability, and abnormal morphology were 4.4 ± 0.3 mL, 25.7 ± 1.0 × 10(6), 18.7 ± 3.1%, 25.2 ± 3.4%, and 46.6 ± 3.7%, respectively. Azoospermia was observed in 30.4% of the cases, asthenospermia was observed in the 25% of the cases, and necrospermia was observed in 10% of the cases. The proportion of abnormal sperm was between 20% and 50%, and between 60% and 94% in 56.2% and 34.4% of the cases, respectively. Hypospermatogenesis, arrested spermatogenesis, Sertoli cell-only syndrome, and testicular degeneration were the main histopathological findings. In conclusion, IG in male dromedary camels appears to be related mainly to testicular dysfunction, which alters semen quality and reduces fertility.

Influence of stimulation by electroejaculation on myocardial function, acid-base and electrolyte status, and hematobiochemical profiles in male dromedary camels.

This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of electroejaculation (EEJ) on myocardial function, acid-base balance, and hematobiochemical profiles in male dromedary camels. Twenty sexually mature, apparently healthy male camels were assigned to EEJ. Parallel, eight naturally mated male camels were enrolled as a control group. Three blood samples were collected from each camel: just before (T0), directly after (T1), and 24 hours after (T2) EEJ or natural mating. The serum concentrations of the cardiac biomarker troponin I (cTnI), blood gas parameters, and hematobiochemical profiles were determined. Nineteen camels were ejaculated by the end of the second circuit and one by the end of the first circuit. In both groups, the mean heart and respiratory rates had increased significantly immediately after the procedure, but returned to normal values 24 hours after the procedure. The mean serum concentration of cTnI had increased significantly in all camels after EEJ, but not in controls. However, at 24 hours post-EEJ, the serum concentration of cTnI did not differ significantly compared with baseline values. The blood pH and base excess had decreased, and the PCO2 and lactic acid had increased after EEJ. The EEJ provoked decreases in hematocrit and mean corpuscular volume. In the control group, the base excess, HCO3(-), TCO2, anion gap, and lactic acid increased slightly after mating but did not reach a significant level compared with premating values. It is concluded that EEJ in camels results in a reversible myocardial injury, changes in the acid-base status, and increase the lactic acid concentration.

Reproductive performance of Arab mares in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the reproductive performance of the Arab mares in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). METHODS: Managers of 26 studfarms containing 1014 Arab mares at five districts were asked to complete a questionnaire on the reproductive efficiency of their mares. RESULTS: The mean age at first mating was 3.06 ± 0.5 years. Mares were mated equally in winter and all over the year. Natural mating was mostly used (76.9%). The means of estrus duration and estrus interval were 6.58 ± 1 days and 19.57 ± 1.8 days, respectively. The means of first service and over- all pregnancy rates and the number of cycles/pregnancy were 52.71 ± 20.2%, 83.72 ± 15.0%, and 1.46 ± 0.3, respectively, with no effect of the postpartum interval, district, or season. The average pregnancy duration was 335.5 ± 10.2 days. It was shorter in mares mated by day 9 postpartum than in those mated later (p < 0.05). The ratio of stallion/mares ranged from 1:4 to 1:24, with no correlation with the pregnancy rates or the number of cycles/pregnancy. DISCUSSION: Photoperiodic regulation and changes in the hypothalamic-hypophyseal axis of mares are usually associated with the seaso- nal reproductive activity of mares in the temperate but not in subtropical areas. Short duration of gestation for mares mated by day 9 after foaling may be related to the nutritional status of dams. CONCLUSION: The obtained data represent the first record of the reproductive performance of Arab mares in the KSA, which could be used to anticipate their performance under different managements. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The Arab mares in the KSA are not seasonal and can reproduce efficiently all over the year. District and season did not influence the fertility.

The cardiac biomarkers troponin I and CK-MB in nonpregnant and pregnant goats, goats with normal birth, goats with prolonged birth, and goats with pregnancy toxemia.

This study was designed to establish the reference range for the cardiac biomarkers cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and creatine kinase myocardial band (CK-MB) in nonpregnant and pregnant goats, goats with normal birth, goats with prolonged birth associated with dystocia, and goats with pregnancy toxemia. Fifty-seven does, categorized into three groups (G1 to G3), were used. These groups were comprised of 20 healthy does (G1), 19 does with prolonged birth (G2), and 18 does with pregnancy toxemia (G3). Six blood samples (T0 to T5) were collected from G1. The first blood sample (T0) was taken before insemination, the second (T1) at the first trimester, the third (T2) at the second trimester, the fourth (T3) at the last trimester, the fifth (T4) within 12 h of parturition, and the sixth blood sample (T5) was taken 10 days after parturition. A sample of blood was obtained from G2 and G3 upon admission to the hospital. At T0 to T3, no cTnI was detected in any of the 20 does in G1. At parturition (T4), seven of the 20 goats (35%) exhibited slightly elevated cTnI concentrations (range, 0.01 to 0.04 ng/mL). Ten days after parturition (T5), cTnI was not detected in any of the 20 goats. In 10 of the 19 goats (53%) with prolonged birth (G2), the cTnI was significantly elevated to a mean value of 0.094 ± 0.155 ng/mL, with a maximum value of 0.61 ng/mL. In 16 of the 18 goats (89%) with pregnancy toxemia (G3), the cTnI was significantly elevated to a value of 0.852 ± 1.472 ng/mL, with a maximum value of 5.219 ng/mL. Comparing the values of CK-MB in G1 (T0 to T5), G2 and G3 revealed nonsignificant differences. Only a slight elevation in the CK-MB levels in goats with prolonged birth (G2) was noted. We concluded that in healthy does, the cardiac biomarker cTnI is not elevated during normal pregnancy. The serum cTnI concentration may be elevated in a number of goats at normal vaginal or cesarean delivery. Finally, cTnI is significantly elevated in does with pregnancy toxemia and could be used as a prognostic indicator in such cases. The cardiac biomarker CK-MB is not a good indicator of parturition stress in does. Serum cTnI is elevated in goats with pregnancy toxemia, indicating some degree of cardiac dysfunction.

Ovarian hydrobursitis in female camels (Camelus dromedarius): the role of Chlamydophila abortus and a trial for medical treatment.

The occurrence of Chlamydophila abortus in female camels affected with ovarian hydrobursitis and a trial for medical treatment were studied. A total of 111 cases were included in two experiments. In Experiment 1, sera from 51 affected cases were tested for C. abortus antibody using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In Experiment 2, 60 female camels affected with bilateral ovarian hydrobursitis were divided into treated and control groups (n = 30 each). Based on the bursal diameter, females of both groups were subdivided into those having small (< 5 cm), medium (5-7 cm) or large (> 7 cm) bursae. Treated group received 20 mg/kg body weight oxytetracycline intramuscular, 4% lotagen intrauterine, and 500 µg cloprostenol intramuscular. Controls did not receive any treatment. All females were observed for 90 days non-return rate (NRR) and calving rate (CR). Antibodies against C. abortus were observed in 44/51 (86.3%) of the affected females. The 90 days NRR of the treated and control groups were 13/30 (43.3%) and 0/30 (0.0%), respectively, (P = 0.001), while the CR were 10/30 (33.3%) and 0/30 (0.0%), respectively, (P = 0.01). Based on bursal size, the 90 days NRR were 11/15 (73.3%), 2/7 (28.6%) and 0/8 (0.0%) for treated females having small, medium and large bursa, while the CR were 9/15 (60%), 1/7 (14.3%), and 0/8 (0.0%), respectively, (P = 0.01). In conclusion, it seems that C. abortus may be responsible for the spreading of the ovarian hydrobursitis syndrome in dromedaries. Small sized bursa could be medically treated.

Topographical anatomy and desensitization of the pudendal nerve in adult male dromedary camels.

The objectives of this study were to describe the topographical anatomy of the pudendal nerve and to develop techniques of its blocking in adult male dromedary camels. Two cadavers and 30 adult male dromedary camels were used for the description of topographical anatomy and pudendal nerve block techniques, respectively. Results revealed that the pudendal nerve arises from the ventral branches of the 2(nd) and 3(rd) sacral spinal nerves. The nerve had three divisions; dorsal, middle, and ventral. The caudal rectal nerve was a branch of the dorsal division. Three blocking techniques were developed according to the results of topographical anatomy. The first technique was 15 cm cranial to the tail base and 7 cm lateral to the midline. The second was 12 cm cranial to the tail base and 7 cm lateral to the midline. The third was about 3 cm on either sides of the anus. Details and complications of each technique were reported. In conclusion, the anatomy of the pudendal nerve was different from that of cattle and horse. The second technique (12 cm cranial to the tail base and 7 cm lateral to the midline) for pudendal nerve block was superior among the three methods. Duration of nerve blocking was suitable for examination and for performing some surgical procedures in male dromedary camels.

Ovarian hydrobursitis in female camels (Camelus dromedaries): biochemical, bacterial and protozoal evaluation.

The aim of this study was to evaluate female camels affected with ovarian hydrobursitis (n = 31) for hematological and biochemical findings and for bacterial and protozoal infections. Blood samples were obtained and surgical ablation of the affected bursa was performed. Bursal fluid, follicular fluid, and serum were subjected to hormonal and biochemical analyses. Bursal fluids were cultured and colonies were identified using BioMérieux Vitek two compact system. Passive haemagglutination test was used for detection of Trypanosoma evansi. Indirect ELISA technique was carried out for detection of anti-Hydatid cysts anti-bodies. Neutrophilia was found in the affected animals (P = 0.01) with tendencies for monocytosis (P = 0.06) and eosinophelia (P = 0.05). Bursal fluid had a tendency for high estradiol-17ß concentration compared to blood serum (P = 0.07). Progesterone and cholesterol concentrations were similar in bursal fluid, follicular fluid and serum. Total protein, phosphorus, and magnesium concentrations were greater (P < 0.05) in the bursal fluid than in serum. Oligella urethralis, Alloiococcus otitis, Granulicatella adicens, Escherichia coli, Sphingobacterium thalpophilum, Streptococcus sanguinis, Aeromonas salmonicida, Pseudomonas stutzeri, Staphylococcus warneri, Staphylococcus hominis, and Rhizobium radiobacter were isolated from 46.7% of bursal fluids. T. evansi was positive in 9.7% of cases. None were positive for hydatid cyst. Accordingly, we suggest that the ovarian hydrobursitis syndrome is initially an inflammatory process and the accumulated bursal fluid is partially originated from follicular fluid.

Circadian rhythm of bone formation biomarkers in serum of dromedary camels.

The circadian rhythm of biomarkers of bone formation including osteocalcin and bone alkaline phosphatase (BAP) was studied in the serum of dromedary camels. Blood samples were collected every 60 min for 24h from 10 healthy adult female camels. ELISA was used to determine the concentrations of serum osteocalcin and BAP. The results showed a marked fluctuation in the concentration of osteocalcin during the 24h period with minimum and maximum levels at 13:00 (01:00 pm) and 18:00 (06:00 pm), respectively. Slight fluctuation was observed in the concentration of BAP with minimum and maximum levels at 01:00 am and 12:00 pm, respectively. The correlation between the two biomarkers was weak. It was concluded that it is important to fix the time of blood sampling for analysis of osteocalcin concentrations, but not for BAP.

Evaluating the effectiveness of different treatments of uterine infections in female camels (Camelus dromedarius).

A total of 480 female camels with a history of conception failure were examined through transrectal palpation, ultrasonography, and vaginal exploration. Animals were categorized according to parity (nulliparous n=200 vs. multiparous n=280), and type of uterine infection (endometritis n=360 vs. metritis n=120). They were randomly assigned to receive one of three intrauterine treatments: (i) 100mL acriflavin 0.1% (group 1, n=170), (ii) 100mL lotagen 4% (group 2, n=200), or (iii) 300mg/100mL gentamicin sulphate (group 3, n=110). All groups received 500microg cloprostenol IM at infusion. Animals were exposed for breeding 7 d later and received 5000 IU hCG im at mating. The criteria for efficacy of treatment were 90 days non-return rate (90 d NRR) and calving rate (CR). The results showed that the 90 d NRR and CR were significantly influenced by parity, type of uterine infection, regime of treatment, and their interactions, P<0.05. Treatment regimes were approximately equally efficient in treating females with endometritis (90 d NRR were 64%, 53.1% and 53.3% and CR were 58.9%, 49.3%, and 42.5% for groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively, P>0.05). In contrast, regimes differed in treating those with metritis (90 d NRR were 55.6%, 75%, and 28.6% and CR were 31.6%, 54.8%, and 12.5% for groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively, P<0.05). In conclusion, a regime consisted of intrauterine lotagen infusion and administration of PGF(2)alpha at infusion and hCG at mating was more efficient for treating female camels with metritis.

Hormonal, biochemical, and hematological profiles in female camels (Camelus dromedarius) affected with reproductive disorders.

The aim of this study was to assess the blood profiles in female camels affected with common reproductive disorders. Estradiol-17beta (E(2)), progesterone (P(4)), thyroxin (T(4)), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), cholesterol, glucose, triglycerides, total protein, albumin, globulin, hematocrite, and total and differential white blood cell counts (WBC) were determined in blood of female camels affected with endometritis (n=15), vaginal adhesions (n=15), and ovarian cysts (n=15). Normal cyclic animals were used as controls (n=15). Diagnosis of reproductive disorders was based on transrectal palpation, ultrasonographic examination, and exploration of the vagina. Increased WBC counts (P=0.03) and a tendency for neutrophelia (P=0.05) were noted in female camels with vaginal adhesions. These animals were also characterized by having higher concentration of serum P(4) (P=0.0001), T(4) (P=0.001) and total protein (P=0.007), in comparison with female camels with endometritis, ovarian cysts, or controls. Animals having ovarian cysts with thin walls and homogenous hypoechogenic contents had greater serum E(2) (P=0.001) and P(4) (P=0.0001) than those having ovarian cysts with thick walls and non-homogenous echogenic contents. Animals with endometritis, vaginal adhesions, and ovarian cysts revealed lower serum Zn concentration than that of control group (P=0.003). Other blood parameters did not differ significantly compared to controls. In conclusion, this is the first report characterizing blood constituents in female camels with various reproductive disorders. These profiles may be valuable in clarifying the etio-pathogenesis of these disorders.

Changes in synovial fluid and serum biomarkers with exercise and early osteoarthritis in horses.

OBJECTIVE: To discriminate between changes in biomarkers with exercise compared to changes in biomarkers with osteoarthritis (OA) in exercising horses. METHOD: Sixteen, 2-year-old horses were randomly assigned either to an exercise-alone (n=8) or OA-affected (also exercised) (n=8) group. All horses had both mid-carpal joints arthroscoped and OA induced in one mid-carpal joint in the OA-affected joints of OA-affected horses. Two weeks after surgery all horses commenced a strenuous exercise program on a high-speed treadmill. Clinical outcomes and synovial fluid and serum biomarkers, were evaluated weekly. Synovial and serum biomarkers evaluated were epitope CS846 (CS846), epitope CPII (CPII), glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), epitope Col CEQ (Col CEQ) (a marker of type II collagen degradation), type I and II collagen degradation fragments (C1,2C), osteocalcin, C-terminal of bone type I collagen (CTX1), type I collagen (Col I) and (synovial fluid only of cartilage) prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) levels. Horses were euthanized at day 91 and their joints assessed grossly, histopathologically, and histochemically. RESULTS: Exercise induced a significant increase in synovial fluid CS846, CPII, GAG, Col CEQ, C1,2C, osteocalcin and Col I concentrations. There was a significant increase in synovial fluid CS846, CPII, Col CEQ, C1,2C, osteocalcin, Col I and PGE2 concentrations in OA-affected joints compared to exercise-alone joints. The concentration of serum CS846, CPII, GAG, osteocalcin, C1,2C and Col I increased with exercise. For each of these biomarkers there was also a statistically significant increase in serum biomarker levels in OA-affected horses compared to exercise-alone horses. CONCLUSIONS: Six synovial fluid and serum biomarkers were useful in separating early experimental OA from exercise alone but synovial fluid CTX1 and serum Col CEQ and CTX1 were not.