Hypomagnesemic tetany in camel calves (Camelus dromedarius): Clinical consequences and treatment outcomes

Abstract

Camels are the top herds wealth in Saudi Arabia, since is considered as heavy animal population, breeding resist more dangerous diseases. This clinical study was delineated to explain the clinical presentation of hypomagnesaemia in camel calves and to evaluate the efficacy of treatment with magenesium therapy. The investigation was performed in central Saudi Arabia during the period from November 2017 to October 2018. Twenty-seven dromedary camels, 3-6months of age were included in this study on the basis of clinical and treatment outcomes during the period from November 2017 to October 2018. Animals were allocated to two groups, the first group (n = 5) was considered as healthy (control) animals. The second group (n = 22) was clinically showing signs of hypomagnesemis. Allanimals were subjected to biochemical analysis of serum and ruminal fluid. Therapeutic response of the clinically affected animals was assessed after intravenous injection of 100 ml calcium-magnesium preparation intramuscularly. injection of 10ml Vitamin B complex, and oral administration of 2gm Mg sulphate orally for five consecutive days. Clinically affected camels revealed tetany, star gazing, episodes of convulsions with erected ears and tail, extension of head and neck, widening and dilatation of nares. Serum and ruminal fluid analysis revealed a significant decreased (p<0.05) in Mg, Ca, and Phosphorus (P) in clinically affected cases compared to control and treated groups. Total protein (TP), globulin, albumin, urea and creatinine were significantly higher in clinical cases compared to treated cases. In conclusion, the hypomagnesemic tetany had a high occurrence in camel calves 3-6 month of age. Furthermore, the treatment regieme of hypomagnesemic tetany had agood threrapeutic response.