Reconstruction of third-degree perineal lacerations in female camels (Camelus dromedarius) using a modified Goetz one-stage repair technique.

This study was designed to evaluate the modified Goetz-one-stage repair technique for reconstruction of third-degree perineal lacerations (TDPLs) in female camels. Fifteen female dromedary camels with TDPL were surgically reconstructed using the modified Goetz one-stage repair using the three-line closure technique. The surgical outcomes, the interval between repair and breeding, and the postoperative conception of the operated female camels were recorded and analyzed. During the 12-month postoperative follow-up period, TDPLs in 14 female camels (93.33%) healed completely by the first intention with mild inflammatory edema and infection in 2 female camels. One camel (6.67%) had a rectovaginal fistula, which was successfully repaired with suturing through the vaginal approach. Of the 15 female camels, 13 (86.67%) subsequently became pregnant through natural mating within 3 to 6 months postoperatively; however, 2 (13.33%) were one was immature and the other was barren which referred for gynecological treatment. The modified Goetz one-stage repair technique was successful in 14 of the 15 female camels after a single surgery, with a low incidence of postoperative complications. This technique is efficient for the repair of TDPLs in female camels, with promising results for subsequent fertility.

Diagnosis and treatment of foreign bodies swallowing syndrome in camels (Camelus dromedarius) with special reference to the role of mineral deficiency.

This study describes the clinical presentation of ruminal and reticular foreign body syndrome (RRFBS), and evaluates the effect of mineral deficiency on its occurrence in dromedary camels. Thirty dromedary camels were divided into two groups. Group 1 (control) included 10 apparently healthy she-camels. Group 2 consisted of twenty dromedary camels diagnosed with RRFBS on the basis of clinical, ultrasonographic, hematological, and biochemical examinations. Clinical findings showed decreased appetite and milk yield, tympany, and gradual body weight loss. Ultrasonographic examinations revealed the presence of hyperechoic material with variable degrees of shadowing. Hematological evaluation showed a significant (P<0.05) decrease of the total erythrocyte and lymphocyte count and a significant increase of neutrophils in the camels with RRFBS compared to the controls. Biochemical tests showed a significant elevation in the activity of serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), creatine kinase (CK), glucose, creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen and a significant decrease of sodium, chloride, potassium, cobalt, iron, and selenium in the camels with RRFBS compared to the controls. Rumenotomy was performed on the 20 camels as a surgical intervention for treating the RRFBS. By the 6th month postoperatively, all surgically treated camels had completely recovered except for one with tympany and slight swelling in situ. In conclusion, trace element deficiency might play an important role in the occurrence of foreign body ingestion syndrome in dromedary camels. Moreover, clinical, ultrasonographic, hematological, and biochemical examinations are considered as tools assisting in the accurate diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment stratagem for RRFBS in camels.

Abdominal hernias in camel (Camelus dromedaries): Clinical findings and treatment outcomes.

The present study was designed to describe the clinical presentation of abdominal hernias and to evaluate the efficacy of polypropylene mesh in repair of such affection in camels. Twenty-six dromedary camels were included in this study on the basis of clinical and ultrasonographic evidence of abdominal hernia. Factors associated with prevalence and clinical findings of hernia were presented and hernioplasty using polypropylene mesh was evaluated as a surgical intervention. Out of 26 studied camels, abdominal hernia was prevalent in Wadeh camels than other breeds (17 vs. 9, P<0.01). Camels <6 years of age exhibited more hernias than other age groups (18 vs. 8, P<0.01). Moreover, females showed a significantly higher prevalence (19 vs. 7, P<0.01) of abdominal hernia compared to males (26.9%, n=7). The sensitivity (96.8%) and specificity (93.1%) of ultrasonography (US) for diagnosing hernia were higher in comparison to clinical examination (88.3%). At 3 weeks postoperatively, the clinical index score of 26 operated camels was significantly reduced in comparison with pretreated (22 vs. 4, P<0.005). However, only 2 cases had recurrence of the hernia and 2 camels had slight swelling in situ. By the 6th month post treatment, all treated camels were completely recovered. In conclusion, the polypropylene mesh is a viable and consistent alternative effective treatment for abdominal hernias in camels. In addition, the clinical index scores and US provide a precise paradigm for diagnosis and preoperative planning for abdominal hernias in dromedary camels.

Dystocia in dromedary camels: Prevalence, forms, risks and hematobiochemical changes.

The objectives of this study were to investigate the prevalence of dystocia in camel herds, its forms in primi- and multipara, the risks to fetus and dam, and the associated hematobiochemical changes. A total of 1890 calvings were surveyed for the prevalence of dystocia. Cases with dystocia (n=107) were examined for causes and treated with traction, fetotomy or Cesarean section. Logistic regression was performed to identify risk factors. The dependent variables were the fetal and maternal mortality, while the independent variables were parity, duration of dystocia, causes of dystocia, and method of treatment. Blood samples were collected from all dystocia camels and six controls for hematology and concentrations of serum amyloid A (SAA), haptoglobin (Hp), estradiol-17ß (E2), progesterone (P4), total protein, albumin, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). The overall prevalence of dystocia was 8.6%. Risk of dystocia was higher in camels managed in an intensive system than in those in a free system (Odds ratio=1.9, P=0.0003) and higher in primipara than in multipara (Odds ratio 1.7, P=0.005). Abnormal posture was the most important cause of dystocia (51.4%). Uterine torsion was the second most important cause (23.4%) and was mainly observed in multipara (P=0.0006). Dystocia was linked to high fetal mortality (87.9%). A significant relationship was found between fetal death and duration of dystocia (Odds ratio=8.04, P=0.005). The percentage of dam mortality was 17.8%. Significant associations were detected between dam mortality rate and the duration of dystocia (Odds ratio=4.74, P=0.03) and fetal viability (Odds ratio=5.82, P=0.02). Increasing duration of dystocia was associated with significant increases in SAA, Hp, BUN and AST, but with decreases in E2 (P<0.05). After a transient period of elevation, the white blood cell and neutrophil counts decreased (P<0.05). In conclusion, abnormal posture and uterine torsion were found to be the common causes of dystocia in dromedary camels, and fetal and maternal deaths were mainly associated with the duration of dystocia.

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.

Surgical repair of a ruptured cranial cruciate ligament in a dromedary camel.

A 14-year-old dromedary camel was examined because of lameness of the left hind limb of 3.5 months'duration. The camel injured the stifle joint when it slipped while reclining into sternal recumbency. Radiography did not reveal major abnormalities that could account for the lameness, but nuclear scintigraphy revealed increased radionuclide uptake in the left stifle joint. Intra-articular injection of anesthetic further localized the injury to the area of the left stifle joints, and arthroscopy of that joint revealed rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament. Surgical repair of the ligament was attempted, using an autogenous graft obtained from the tensor fascia lata muscle. Outcome for the camel initially was considered good on the basis of a substantial improvement in attitude, apparent increase in comfort, and decrease in lameness. The tendency for the camel to remain in sternal recumbency after surgery increased the number and severity of postoperative complications. The camel was doing well 9 months after surgery; however, it was euthanatized 16 months after surgery because of a 4-month episode of lameness. Necropsy revealed chronic osteoarthritis and bilateral rupture of the cranial cruciate ligaments.

Surgical correction of polydactyly in a camel (Camelus dromedarius).

A 2-mo-old, 90-kg, intact male camel (Camelus dromedarius) was admitted for surgical removal of a supernumerary digit associated with the medial aspect of the right carpus and metacarpus. Radiographic views of the carpus and metacarpus revealed the supernumerary digit articulating with the middle carpal joint via an extra carpal bone. The supernumerary digit consisted of three bones. Surgical removal of the supernumerary digit was recommended to restore normal limb conformation, limit the possibility of future lameness, and improve the cosmetic appearance of the limb. Complete surgical removal of the digit was performed by disarticulating the extra carpal bone from its attachments to the second and radial carpal bones. One year after surgery, the leg appeared grossly normal and the camel showed no sign of lameness.

Left ventrolateral cesarean section in three dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius).

Left ventrolateral cesarean section was performed in three adult female dromedary camels for dystocias due to schistosoma reflexus, uterine torsion, and fetal malposition.

Evaluation of xylazine in camels.

When xylazine was given intramuscularly to 12 apparently healthy adult camels (Camelus dromedarius) at the rate of 0.4 mg/kg of body weight, mean values for onset of weak time, down time, and time until recovery were 8.6 +/- 1.1, 10.5 +/- 0.6, and 150 +/- 56.9 minutes, respectively. Mild salivation, drooping of lower lips, and relaxation of neck were observed at meant times of 15.3 +/- 4.9, 11.0 +/- 1.7, and 22.7 +/- 3.9 minutes, respectively. Analgesic effects remained for 60 to 90 minutes. Hemocytologic changes were not statistically significant. Marked hyperglycemia was observed at 30 minutes after xylazine administration. Hypotension from 30 to 60 minutes after xylazine administration was not correlated with elevated central venous pressure or with bradycardia. Electrocardiography revealed 1st-degree atrioventricular block, sinoatrial block, sinus arrhythmia, and wandering pacemaker in sinoatrial node, which were attributed to vagal stimulation. Primary T-wave changes and ST segment elevation also were observed. When xylazine was used at the same dosage in 13 clinical cases involving surgery of short duration, it proved to be a satisfactory sedative, analgesic, and muscle relaxant.