Assessment of glomerular filtration rate in normally hydrated and dehydrated dromedary camel by plasma exogenous creatinine clearance test

The main objective of this study was to assess glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in the camels (Camelus dromedarius) under free water access and dehydration conditions (after a 34 days-period of water deprivation) using plasma exogenous creatinine clearance without urine collection. Trials were carried out on six nonpregnant, non-lactating and healthy female camels. Creatinine was administered as an IV bolus at a dose of 16 mg/kg body weight. Blood samples were collected at predetermined times over 24 h post-injection. Plasma creatinine concentration was analysed using Jaffé method. Creatinine clearance was calculated by pharmacokinetic analysis using a non-compartmental approach. Water deprivation induced a significant 15%- decrease in body weight but did not affect haematocrit and total plasma proteins. Mean corpuscular volume increased and red blood cells number decreased in dehydrated conditions. Dehydration produced a significant 30%-increase in plasma creatinine and mean residence time and a significant 20%-decrease in GFR. In conclusion, water deprivation decreased glomerular filtration and plasma exogenous creatinine clearance test could be used as a practical method for GFR assessment in dromedary camel in field conditions.