Achilles tendon rupture in camel (Camelus dromedarius): Radiographic and Ultrasonographic findings

Abstract

This study describes the clinical presentation of Achilles tendon rupture and evaluates the utility of radiography and ultrasonography in the diagnosis of such disorder in dromedary camels. Seventeen camels were included in this study based on the clinical, radiographic and ultrasonographic evidence of Achilles tendon rupture. The clinical, radiographic and sonographic findings of studied camels differ according to the type, duration, and location of the tendon rupture. Complete and incomplete rupture of the Achilles tendon was precisely diagnosed in five (29.4%) and twelve (70.6%) camels respectively; ruptured deep and superficial parts of the Achilles tendon were recorded in 10 (58.8%) and 2 (11.8%) camels respectively. Clinically, the camels exhibited an acute non-weight-bearing lameness (second to fourth-grade lameness), with swelling in the tendon near the calcaneus. Radiographs revealed swelling of the soft tissues surrounding the Achilles tendon just proximal to the calcaneal tuberosity in most of the camels with the presence of avulsion fracture of the calcaneus in few cases (n=2). Ultrasonographically, the ruptured part was precisely diagnosed as swollen, oedematous, heterogeneous structure with the presence of anechoic or hypoechoic areas (core lesion). In conclusion, lateromedial radiographs and ultrasonography were helpful in diagnosis and differential diagnosis of different types of Achilles tendon rupture and subsequent clinical decision and surgical interference in dromedary camels.