Ultrasonographical examination of the liver of one humped camels (camelus dromedarius)‎

Abstract EN

This study was conducted on 41 camels from Sudan and Egypt. Sternal recumbancy was suitable and safer for examinations.

The liver was visualized on the right side in the area from 11th to 6th intercostal space (ICS).

The transverse process of the 2nd lumbar vertebrum was considered as a reference point (RP).

The mean distance between the RP and the dorsal and ventral liver margins was measured.

The parenchymal pattern consisted of numerous medium echoes homogenously distributed all over the area of the liver.

Fissures observed in the visceral surface in the 10th to the 7th ICS.

Hepatic, portal veins and the caudal vena cava were also visualized.

Porta hepatis was found at the same level of the point of the shoulder joint at a distance of 70.3 ± 6.3 cm.

The portal vein was best visualized in the 10th ICS.

The thickness of the dorsal and ventral liver margins at the 10th ICS was thinner as it progressed cranially.

The dorsal margin was thinner than the ventral margin in all ICS.

The whole liver length in the described area for examination was 53.0 ± 7.1 cm.

The presented data is a base for future use of ultrasound in diagnosis of liver diseases in the dromedary camel.

The technique is non-invasive and can be applied in sitting non-tranquilized animals.

This is the first study on ultrasonographical examination of the liver in the one humped camel.