Periparturient conditions affecting camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Israel and their treatments

Abstract

This paper summarizes cases of pathological periparturient conditions found and treated in camels, by a private ambulatory clinic in the Negev region of Israel, during the years 1995-1999. A total of 39 camels were presented with the following periparturient conditions: 27 camels with dystocia, 9 camels with prolapse of the uterus, and 3 camels with retention of the placental membranes. The main causes for dystocia were malposture of the fetus and torsion of the uterus, but other causes were also found. In Israel, the practice of keeping camels tied with no exercise could serve as a risk factor for most of these conditions. Most published literature on periparturient conditions in camels is limited to case reports. The present paper, which includes a relatively large number of cases, could be of importance to help understand the etiological aspects of these conditions.