Superficial swellings in camels (Camelus dromedarius): Clinical and ultrasonographic findings

Abstract

This study describes the clinical and ultrasonographic features of superficial swellings in dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) and evaluates the role of ultrasonography (US) in diagnosing and surgical planning or making treatment decisions for such swellings. One hundred and twenty-three camels of both sexes were included in this study based on the clinical and US evidence of superficial swellings varying in type, stage, content, and site. Clinical and US evaluation of these superficial swellings resulted in diagnoses of abscess (30.08%), hernia (26.83%), cyst (16.26%), tumor (13.01%), hematoma (6.50%), bursitis (3.25%), aneurysm (2.44%), and grade III muscle strain (1.63%). US yielded a higher sensitivity (91–100%) and specificity (97–100%) than clinical examination (75–91%) in differentiating the superficial swellings. The highest specificity value for US in evaluating the swellings was 100% for hernias, cysts, and tumors, while the lowest specificity values were recorded for hematomas (97%), followed by aneurysms (98%). In conclusion, US is a reliable and accurate tool providing rapid differential diagnosis, thus enabling treatment options for different superficial swellings in camels when clinical examinations are inconclusive.