Fractures in Single-humped Camels: A retrospective Study of 220 Cases (2008-2009)

Abstract

The objective of this paper was to study the etiology and classification of fractures in dromedary camels and to evaluate their response to different treatment approaches. Two hundred and twenty cases of fractures in single-humped camels were admitted during the period from August 2008 to December 2009. On admission, special interest was given to record the cause, site, classification, radiography and outcome of treatment. Factors affecting fracture healing were studied and analyzed. Trauma was the main cause of fractures in camels. Sixty percent of fractured camels were males and 40% were females. The camel ages ranged from 1 day to 20 years old. Simple fractures were less common than compound ones (34.1% vs. 65.9%, P=0.001). Single fractures were 168 (76.4%) while multiple and comminuted fractures were 52 (23.6%) cases. Appendicular fractures were treated by external fixation using Plaster of Paris bandage alone or in combination with polyvenylchloride (PVC) splints. Interdental wiring, using U-shaped aluminum bar and wire suturing treated mandibular fractures. Healing was recorded in 79.3% of treated fractures. Mandibular fracture was the most common followed by tibial fracture. External fixation by different techniques was a successful method for treating fractures in camels. Freshness of the fracture significantly affected the efficiency of healing (P= 0.0001).

Long Bone Fractures in Impala (Aepyceros melampus): A Classification System and Review of 55 Cases

“…26,29,31 The diaphysis was reported to be the most commonly affected bone segment in llamas, alpacas and camels as in our study. [26][27][28] The fracture morphology reported for llamas and alpacas was mostly comminuted fractures, which differs from our results where only 16 of 58 fractures were multi-fragmentary. 26 Similar to impala, the most common fracture morphology in camels were simple fractures.…”

“…26 One study done on young camels found more fractures in camels under 6 months of age, whereas another study found only 28% of fractures occurred in camels under 1 year of age. 27,28 Our study reported 40 of 58 long bone fractures occurred in skeletally immature patients; however, the low number of Salter-Harris type fractures recorded was unexpected. Our study reported 31 of 58 fractures were open compared with 32% open fractures in llamas and alpacas, and 66 to 45% compound fractures in camels.…”

“…Similar to our findings, the tibia is the single most commonly fractured long bone in llamas, alpacas and camels. [26][27][28] However, in a study in goats the metacarpus was reported the most commonly fractured long bone. 29 The femur was found to be the most commonly fractured long bone in goats in another study.…”

“…26 Similar to impala, the most common fracture morphology in camels were simple fractures. 27,28 These two camel studies included fractures of the head, neck and mandible, which could have biased the results. 27,28 A higher proportion of fractures affected rams, probably because they are more frequently involved with territorial fighting, which might increase the risk of trauma.…”

“…27,28 These two camel studies included fractures of the head, neck and mandible, which could have biased the results. 27,28 A higher proportion of fractures affected rams, probably because they are more frequently involved with territorial fighting, which might increase the risk of trauma. Our study recorded more ewes affected by immobilization darts, possibly due to reduced muscle mass as compared with rams.…”