Fractures in Single-humped Camels: A retrospective Study of 220 Cases (2008-2009)

The objective of this paper was to study the etiology and classification of fractures in dromedary camels and to evaluate their response to different treatment approaches. Two hundred and twenty cases of fractures in single-humped camels were admitted during the period from August 2008 to December 2009. On admission, special interest was given to record the cause, site, classification, radiography and outcome of treatment. Factors affecting fracture healing were studied and analyzed. Trauma was the main cause of fractures in camels. Sixty percent of fractured camels were males and 40% were females. The camel ages ranged from 1 day to 20 years old. Simple fractures were less common than compound ones (34.1% vs. 65.9%, P=0.001). Single fractures were 168 (76.4%) while multiple and comminuted fractures were 52 (23.6%) cases. Appendicular fractures were treated by external fixation using Plaster of Paris bandage alone or in combination with polyvenylchloride (PVC) splints. Interdental wiring, using U-shaped aluminum bar and wire suturing treated mandibular fractures. Healing was recorded in 79.3% of treated fractures. Mandibular fracture was the most common followed by tibial fracture. External fixation by different techniques was a successful method for treating fractures in camels. Freshness of the fracture significantly affected the efficiency of healing (P= 0.0001).