An approach to abdominal ultrasonography in camels (camel us dromedarius)‎ with special emphasis to the liver

Abstract EN

Abdominal ultrasonography is performed in 12clinically healthy dromedary camel calves using 3.5MHz curvilinear transducer.

The ultrasonography is done on the right side of the animal while it is well restrained on the sitting position (sternal recumbency).

The ages of the calves were between 18-36months and their weights are between 153-200kg.

B-mode real-time ultrasound machine (FUKUDA DENCHI -JAPAN) is used for the study.

Position, length and width of the liver, position and depth of the Porta hepatis, length and caliber of the main portal vein as well as length and width of the kidney are determined.

In camel calves, the liver extended just from behind the 12th rib caudally to the 7th ICS cranially.

The Porta hepatis could be clearly visualized at the 10th ICS.

The portal vein caliber (2.310 ± 0.192cm) was measured at the 10th ICS and its length (11.11±1,60cm) is measured at the 10th -11th ICS.

The kidney is situated in the lumbo-costal angle just behind the liver.

The present ultrasonographic values obtained in healthy camel calves could be used as reference diagnostic indices for pathological changes in the liver and kidney as ultrasonography is proofed to be reliable, rapid and non-invasive method for imaging internal organs, particularly for detecting hepatic and renal pathology in other animal species.