Thoracic and Abdominal Affections in Dromedary Camels: Clinical and Pathological Investigations
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Date
2025
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Publisher
Saudi Digital Library
Abstract
In general, abdominal injuries in Arabian camels are more common than
thoracic injuries and are associated with higher mortality rates and
significant economic losses. Ultrasonography has proven to be highly
valuable in diagnosing abdominal lesions, as it facilitates the detection of
abscesses, accumulation of fluids within the abdominal cavity, fibrotic
changes, and other pathological alterations. This study was conducted on
nineteen (19) clinical cases of Arabian camels, which were classified into
nine groups according to the type of lesion. The first group included cases
of renal abscessation, while the second group comprised cases of ascites.
The third group consisted of cases presenting with hepatic abscess
accompanied by fibrosis. The fifth group included cases of Johne’s
disease. The sixth group involved cases of increased urinary bladder wall
thickness, whereas the seventh group included cases of peritoneal
hemorrhage. The eighth group comprised cases of foreign bodies
associated with wall thickening. The ninth group included cases of penile
carcinoma accompanied by abdominal and pelvic masses. Regarding
abattoir findings, hepatic lesions were the most prevalent. The study
documented sixty-two (62) pathological lesions, distributed as follows:
80.64% in the liver, 9.67% in the lungs, 3.2% in the spleen, and 6.45% in
the heart. Most of these lesions were grossly evident during post-mortem
inspection, indicating the clarity and severity of the pathological changes.
Description
In dromedary camels, abdominal disorders are more commonly encountered than those
affecting the cardiopulmonary, musculoskeletal, nervous, hepatic, or renal systems (Tharwat
2024). However, due to the camel’s broad abdominal girth and the typically mild presentation
of abdominal pain—even in serious conditions—many abdominal diseases remain
undiagnosed or are only discovered during postmortem examinations (Tharwat 2020).
Ultrasonography has proven to be a valuable diagnostic tool in camel medicine, offering critical
insights into various abdominal pathologies (Tharwat 2024). Nonetheless, definitive diagnosis
of thoracoabdominal diseases often relies on thorough pathological investigation.
Clinical evaluation of the heart, lungs, and pleura is a vital component of camel
healthcare (Tharwat 2024). Both invasive and non-invasive techniques are utilized to assess
the pulmonary and pleural structures. Non-invasive approaches include lung auscultation—
both at rest and after temporarily obstructing airflow by manually closing the nostrils and
mouth—percussion of the chest wall, pulmonary function testing, radiography,
ultrasonography, and endoscopic examination (Tharwat 2021).
Pathological examination of thoracic and abdominal conditions in camels serves as a
definitive diagnostic tool that supports clinical assessments. It also reveals underlying lesions
that often go undetected during antemortem evaluations. Furthermore, such investigations
contribute significantly to understanding the pathogenesis of these conditions in camels,
offering valuable insights for comparative pathology studies. Various pathological conditions
have been documented, including renal disorders (Barakat et al. 2017), parasitic infections
(38.0%), gastrointestinal diseases (27.6%), dermatological infections (13.1%), respiratory
conditions (12.8%), metabolic disorders (7.5%), and mastitis (4.0%) as reported by Alhendi
(2000). Additional studies have identified Middle East Respiratory Syndrome infections
(Alnaeem et al., 2020) and viral and bacterial causes of neonatal diarrhea in camel calves (Al
Ruwaili et al. 2012). However, comprehensive pathological descriptions of thoracic and
abdominal lesions in camels, particularly in the Qassim region, remain scarce.
In dromedaries, abdominal diseases are most frequently observed, followed by thoracic
disorders. These conditions often affect vital organs—such as the heart, lungs, liver, and
components of the digestive and urinary systems—and can lead to fatal outcomes. Due to the
often-subtle clinical presentation, these diseases can be difficult to diagnose, resulting in
significant mortality and economic loss (Niehaus 2022).
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The present study aims to identify clinical findings of thoracic and abdominal disorders
in camels through physical examination and ultrasonography. It also seeks to investigate
pathological conditions in slaughterhouses, providing a detailed characterization of lesions
both grossly and microscopically, and, when possible, determining their etiologies.
Keywords
Camels, Diagnostic imaging, Diseases, Pathology, Ultrasonography.