Articular puncture techniques and contrast arthrography of the forelimb in dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius)

The purpose of this study was to establish puncture techniques of the forelimb joints in dromedary camels. ten clinically healthy female camels,6-9 years old,were used in this study. two camels were euthanized,preserved with 10% formalin solution and used to determine the appropriate site/sites for puncturing the joints. in addition,barium sulfate was intra-articularly injected for contrast radiography to determine the joint capsule outlines. joints of the forelimbs were aseptically punctured in the remaining eight camels. in general,puncturing of the interphalangeal,fetlock,intercarpal,and radiocarpal joints was very easy (grade 1) compared to the puncturing of the shoulder and elbow joints (grade 2). the approaches and puncture techniques were established for each joint as well as for contrast radiography,and are described in detail. the approaches for camels are somewhat different from those for horses and cattle. in conclusion,puncturing and contrast arthrography of the forelimb joints could be performed in adult dromedary camels and could be of clinical relevance in the diagnosis and treatment of some joint disorders. © 2014 pvj.