Metrical analysis of dromedary digital bones

Abstract

Dromedary camels are large even-toed ungulates which are well adapted to life in large deserts. Examinations of their feet have revealed many structural peculiarities. We have measured the digital bones of the dromedary in order to determine whether there are morphometric variations in the digital bones between the lateral and medial sides in individual limbs and/or in the right and left thoracic and pelvic limbs, with the aim to clarify whether there are anatomical differences in the digital bones of dromedary as a suborder of the order Artiodactyla. Measurements were made of 240 lateral and medial proximal, middle, and distal phalanges in the left and right thoracic and pelvic limbs of ten healthy adult male dromedaries, ranging in age from 6 to 10 years. A total of 17 linear dimensions were measured using a caliper. The results indicate that there are no significant differences between corresponding measurements of digital bones of the lateral and medial in the same limb, nor between measurements of the right and left sides. The lengths and widths of the proximal and middle, and distal phalanges in the thoracic limb were found to be greater than those of the pelvic limb. The sum of the total lengths of the three phalanges of the thoracic limbs was 15 mm greater than that of the phalanges of the pelvic limbs due to a longer proximal phalanx (76 %) and middle phalanx of the former (24 %). The perspectives obtained by our morphometric study of dromedary digital bones not only provide a tool to distinguish the osteological remains of the dromedary from those of the Bactrian camel or other artiodactyls in archaeological sites, but they also suggest a possible influence of digital structure on digit functions and digital disorders.

Intra-articular injection in the hind limb joints of dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) using anatomical and arthrographic-guided landmarks

“…In camels, IA injection of the coffin joint was performed with the needle inserted distally in the ventrolateral or ventromedial direction and perpendicular to the bearing surface of the foot. The optimal landmarks established in this study are similar to those previously established in the camel forelimb coffin joint [15,24,25]. However, in horses and cattle, the proper site for puncturing the coffin joint is proximal to the coronary band with the needle directed toward the extensor process of the 3 rd phalanx [22,26].…”

3D render volume CT reconstruction of the bones and arteries of the hind digit of the dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius)

“…The 3D reconstruction of the bones demonstrated all the structures of the digit bones and explained the bones of the lateral and medial sides, the right and left limbs of the same leg were nearly similar in size. The current study indicated that from the measurements of the phalanges, the left side had a slight increase in values over the right side while the lateral sides had higher values than the medial sides [ 5 – 7 ].…”

Morphological and radiographic studies on the Manus region in the Arabian one‐humped camel (Camelus dromedaries)

“…This interspecies anatomical difference in the length of phalangeal bones was thought to be one of the adaptive structures to be connected to the capacity for shock absorption during locomotion; longer and larger bones have a greater capacity than shorter and slender bones to absorb shock (impact energy). The capability to absorb mechanical shock appears to help the camel adapt to a dry desert environment by reducing the energy expenditure (mechanical requirements) of its locomotor mode (Alrtib et al., 2013; Janis, Theodor, et al., 2002; Muggli et al., 2011; Nourinezhad et al., 2015; Ocal et al., 2004).…”