Synovial Fluid Cell Counts and Total Protein Concentration in Clinically Normal Fetlock Joints of Young Dromedarian Camels

Abstract

Twenty-seven 9-12 months old healthy male dromedarian camels were used to determine total nucleated leucocyte count (TNCC), absolute and percentages of polymorphonuclear (PMN) and mononuclear leucocytes, and total protein (TP) concentration in synovial fluid from grossly and radiographically normal fetlock joints. Arthrocentesis was performed bilaterally from the fetlock joints of the forelimbs and hindlimbs. Blood contaminated samples and samples obtained from grossly or radiographically abnormal joints were excluded. The mean +/- SD of TNCC in 108 samples of fetlock joint synovial fluids was 500 +/- 400 cells/microl. Monocytes/macrophages were the predominant cell type. There were no significant differences in mean TNCC, absolute numbers and percentages of various leucocytes and TP concentrations between the right and left fetlock joints of the forelimbs and hindlimbs or between the fetlock joints of the forelimbs and hindlimbs. The mean +/- SD of absolute numbers and percentages of various cell types were: PMN leucocytes 1 +/- 2 cells/microl (2%), lymphocytes 116 +/- 167 cells/microl (26%), and monocytes/macrophages 383 +/- 323 cells/microl (72%). The mean +/- SD of TP concentration was 2 +/- 1 g/dl.

Synovial Fluid Analysis and Bacterial Findings in Arthritic Joints of Juvenile Male Camel (Camelus dromedarius) Calves

“…Physical and biochemical characteristics of synovial fluid in different joints of healthy young camels have been recently published (Al‐Rukibat et al., 2006; Bani Ismail and Al‐Rukibat, 2006). In searching the current literature, however, no reports could be cited regarding changes in synovial fluid characteristics in infectious or non‐infectious arthritis in camels.…”

“…Normal values for various synovial fluid parameters in different joints of adult and young dromedarian camels have been documented (Nazifi et al., 1998; Al‐Rukibat et al., 2006; Bani Ismail and Al‐Rukibat, 2006). However, there is a paucity of information regarding changes in synovial fluid characteristics and bacterial findings in arthritic joints of camels.…”

Clinical and Clinicopathological Findings of Arthritic Camel Calf Associated with Mycoplasma Infection(Camelus Dromedarius)

“…8,21 The differential leucocyte count, TLC and red blood cell counts in synovial fluid of arthritic joints were apparently higher than normal range (Table 3). This is because of the variation in the degree of inflammation in various joints.…”

“…In healthy camel calves, the TNCC, polymorphonuclear and mononuclear leucocytes in the fetlock and tarsal joints were <500 cells/µl and 400 cells/µl respectively. 8,21 In inflamed joints, large molecules such as protein were increased in the synovial fluids due to increases vascular permeability which allowing influx of these molecules in the synovial fluid. 17 Total protein (TP) concentration in cattle with septic arthritis was found to be >4g/dl.…”

“…In healthy young camels, TP concentration in the arthritic joints was reported to be 2.8±1.4g/ dl. 8,21 The concentrations of TP in affected joints were depending on the degree of inflammation of synovial membrane and on the cause of the condition. 22,23 Bacterial culture is one of the most important clinical tools in the diagnosis of infectious arthritis.…”