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

Abstract

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 6 th 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.

Investigations of Foreign Bodies in Camel (Camels dromedaries) Fore Stomach at Tamboul Slaughterhouse, Eastern Gezira, Gezira State, Sudan

“…The study showed the plastic bags had been the most prevalent foreign body type which supported by findings of (Mushonga et al, 2015;Sadan et al, 2020;Anwar et al, 2010), this may be due to the presence of plastic bags compared to other causes of foreign bodies bearing in mind the increased usage of plastic bags by humans and the absence of popper collection of the and absence of clear recycling policies.…”

“…Trace element deficiency would possibly play an essential role in the incidence of foreign body ingestion syndrome in dromedary camels (Sadan et al, 2020). Foreign body ingestion syndrome has been related to nutritional deficiency and imbalances in animal nutrients, especially minerals and trace elements such as copper, iron, cobalt, and manganese in addition to selenium (Braun et al, 2018).…”

“…The foreign bodies clinical sings include reduced appetite and milk yield, tympani, and gradual body weight loss. Foreign bodies of different types have been found in the camels that underwent surgery, including clothes, plastic bags, and pieces of wood, sand, hair balls, ropes, and leather (Sadan et al, 2020).…”

“…However, some of the cases are diagnosed with the aid of using radiology and by necropsy (Mozaffari et al, 2009;Ramaswamy and Sharma, 2011;Nugusu et al, 2013). Moreover, clinical, ultrasonographic, hematological, and biochemical examinations are considered as tools supporting the correct diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment strategy for ruemenreteculo foreign bodies in camels (Sadan et al, 2020). Most of those foreign bodies have been observed, especially in the fore stomachs, and they're liable for most pathological conditions affecting this area (Tehrani et al, 2012).…”

Blood Trace Element Status in Camels: A Review

“…Cobalt supplementation in bolus form could improve the plasma Co status of camels [ 115 ]. A significant difference in cobalt blood status was observed between health camels and those affected by foreign bodies, at 30 ± 1.7 vs. 24.3 ± 2.0 µg/100 mL [ 148 ]. The blood cobalt also decreased in camels affected by anemia [ 96 ].…”