PubMed Health⌕ Search

SEARCH · PubMed Health

Results for “CAMELS”

Explore indexed PubMed citations for clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health research. Read source abstracts and follow each citation to its original PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources

[Renal regulation of the excretion of urea in fasting camels].

Experiments were performed with young two-humped camels exposed to 36-hour starvation with free access to water. The renal functions were measured by the standard clearance method. In spite of the administration of 20 micrograms DDAVP, a higher urine flow rate was recorded in the camels subjected to control measurements (feed intake) than in the fasting period (1.45 +/- 0.06 vs. 0.96 +/- 0.06 ml . min-1, P less than less than 0.001). On the second day of fasting the camels had a significantly reduced glomerular filtration rate (GFR 317.5 +/- 23.2 vs. 170.2 +/- 17.4 ml . min-1, P less than 0.001), urea output (700.5 +/- 62.9 vs. 352.2 +/- 64.7 mumol . min-1, P less than 0.005), and fractional excretion of urea (26.9 +/- 2.8 vs. 17.9 +/- 1.7%, P less than 0.01), whereas their tubular resorption. of urea (Reab urea/GFR) increased (6.28 +/- 0.61 vs. 9.12 +/- 0.82 mumol . ml-1, P less than 0.02). No significant difference was found in the concentration of urea in plasma in the fed camels and in fasting camels (8.55 +/- 0.64 vs. 11.18 +/- 1.09 mmol . l-1, N. S.). The creatinine inulin clearance ratio (C creat/Cin) was 0.92 +/- 0.07 when the animals were fed and 1.17 +/- 0.05 when the animals starved (P less than 0.001); this suggests that the clearance of endogenous creatinine is not suitable for GFR measurement in camels under different conditions of nutrition. The kidneys of camels regulate the excretion of urea during short-time fasting mainly through the reduction of glomerular filtration rate and just partly through an increased tubular resorption.

Animals↗

Pharmacokinetics of phenylbutazone in camels.

OBJECTIVE: To document disposition variables of phenylbutazone and its metabolite, oxyphenbutazone, in camels (Camelus dromedarius) after single i.v. bolus administration of phenylbutazone, with a view to making recommendation on avoiding violative residues in racing camels. ANIMALS: 6 healthy camels (4 males, 2 females), 5 to 7 years old, and weighing from 350 to 450 kg. PROCEDURE: Blood samples were collected to 0, 5, 10, 15, 45, and 60 minutes and at 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 5, 6, 8, 12, 24, 26, 28, 30, 40, 48, 50, 53, and 60 hours after i.v. administration of 4.5 mg of phenylbutazone per kg of body weight. Urine was obtained in fractions during the entire blood sample collection period. Serum and urine phenylbutazone concentrations were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography; assay sensitivity was 100 ng/ml. Serum oxyphenbutazone concentration was measured by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry; assay sensitivity was 10 ng/ml. RESULTS: Disposition of phenylbutazone was best described by a two-compartment open model. Mean +/- SEM elimination half-life was 13.44 +/- 0.44 hours. Total body clearance was 12.63 +/- 1.64 mg/kg/h. Renal clearance was between 0.3 and 0.4% of total body clearance. The elimination half-life of oxyphenbutazone was 23.9 +/- 2.09 hours. CONCLUSIONS: The elimination half-life and total body clearance of phenylbutazone in camels are intermediate between reported values in horses and cattle. Extrapolation of a dosage regimen from either species to camels is, therefore, not appropriate. Elimination of phenylbutazone in camels is mainly via metabolism. Owing to the long half-life of phenylbutazone and of oxyphenbutazone, and to the zero drug concentration regulation adopted by the racing commissioner in the United Arab Emirates, practicing veterinarians would be advised not to use phenylbutazone in camels for at least 7 days prior to racing.

Animals↗

A survey of some drugs commonly used in the camel.

Specific recommendations for drug dosages for the camel are rare and doses for this species are usually extrapolated from those recommended for other species. The pharmacology and toxicity of drugs likely to be used in the camel needs to be further studied to ensure the efficacy and safety of these drugs in this species. Most of the reported work is on the chemotherapeutic efficacy of a few drugs long in use in other species against trypanosomiasis, mange and gastrointestinal nematodes. Areas of study most deficient are pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics and drug metabolism. The anatomical, physiological and biochemical peculiarities of the camel warrant more pharmacological and toxicological studies in this species. This article surveys the literature on the pharmacology, toxicity and therapeutic uses of some antiparasitic and antibacterial drugs and central nervous system depressants commonly used in the camel. It appears that camels are more susceptible to the toxic action of some trypanocidal drugs than other species. In certain cases they may metabolize some drugs differently. In general, the camel appears to be a good subject for analgesics and anaesthetics.

Analgesics↗

Trace-elements status in camels. A review.

Data relating to trace-elements status in camels is scarce, from both a clinical and biochemical point of view. Clinical deficiency or toxicity has rarely been described in this species. However, there is a some evidence that camels are sensitive to trace element disorders in the same way as other ruminants. For example, copper deficiency in camels has been reported in East Africa. Normal plasma level is comparable to cattle (70-120 mg/100 mL). Camels appear to maintain zinc levels at a lower value than other domestic ruminants (< 60 micrograms/100 mL). Iron metabolism is more active in the liver than in the spleen. Data concerning manganese levels are possibly unreliable. Some cases of selenium deficiency (white muscle disease) have been reported. No data are available for cobalt status in camels. Finally, camels appear to be more sensitive to iodine deficiency than the other domestic ruminants.

Animals↗

Insulin responsiveness of sheep, ponies, miniature pigs and camels: results of hyperinsulinemic clamps using porcine insulin.

It had been suggested that marked species differences in glucose tolerance tests were due to differences in insulin resistance. To compare insulin responsiveness, euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamps were carried out in sheep, ponies, miniature pigs and camels. Porcine insulin was infused as primed-continuous infusions for 2 h (6 mU x kg(-1) x min(-1)). The steady state glucose infusion rates in the pigs, sheep, ponies and camels were 96.0, 18.6, 7.1 and 6.1 micromol x kg(-1) x min(-1), respectively. The maximal plasma insulin concentrations during the insulin infusions were 2,700 microU x ml(-1) in the camels, 1,400 microU x ml(-1) in the sheep and ponies and 600 microU x ml(-1) in the pigs. The rate of insulin removal from plasma was lowest in the camels as compared to the sheep, ponies and pigs (0.019, 0.038, 0.035 and 0.070 min(-1), respectively). In all species the concentrations of plasma non-esterified fatty acids dropped significantly 10-30 min after the start of the insulin infusion. However, the rates of non-esterified fatty acid reduction were higher in the pigs and sheep than in the camels and ponies. Results confirm a considerably higher insulin responsiveness in the pigs as compared to the sheep. The ponies and camels were found to be even more insulin-resistant than the sheep.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

Characterization of Trypanosoma (Trypanozoon) evansi from dromedary camels in Kuwait by isoenzyme electrophoresis.

Blood from 115 camels in Kuwait was examined for blood parasites. Two camels of a local herd (1.7%) were found to be infected with Trypanosoma (Trypanozoon) evansi and three camels (2.6%) with microfilarial nematodes. The Trypanosoma stocks isolated from these two camels were screened for isoenzyme patterns of 10 enzymes using thin-layer starch-gel electrophoresis. The results revealed that these two stocks were identical to camel stocks of T. evansi from certain countries in Africa, as well as to two stocks isolated from dogs in Kuwait. This is the first record of Trypanosoma (Trypanozoon) evansi isolates and microfilariae from camels in Kuwait.

Animals↗

A probable outbreak of rabies in a group of camels in Niger.

Seven camels in a herd of approximately 40 camels belonging to nomadic people in Niger died over a short period. No diagnostic samples were obtained. Brain was obtained from the eighth camel in the group, which died after a clinical illness manifested by unusual behaviour, aggression, pica, ptyalism and terminal paralysis. Rabies virus was demonstrated in the brain of this camel by immunofluorescent staining. Before the deaths of the camels a feral dog had joined the nomadic encampment and died there, and a domestic dog belonging to the group had then died after displaying aggressive behaviour. It is postulated that canine rabies had been transmitted to the camels in the herd.

Animals↗

Effect of camel urine on the cytological and biochemical changes induced by cyclophosphamide in mice.

Camel urine treatment was found to cause a significant cytotoxic effect in the bone marrow cells of mice. This cytotoxicity at higher doses was comparable with that of standard drug cyclophosphamide (CP). However, unlike CP, the camel urine treatment failed to induce any clastogenicity. The cytotoxicity induced by camel urine treatment was substantiated by the reduction of liver nucleic acids and glutathione levels and increased malondialdehyde (MDA) contents in the same animals. CP treatment was found to be highly clastogenic, cytotoxic and it reduced the levels of nucleic acids, proteins, glutathione and increased malondialdehyde concentration due to its prooxidant nature. The non-clastogenic nature of camel urine was attributed to the antioxidant and antimutagenic compounds present in camel urine. Pretreatment with camel urine increased the cytotoxicity of CP and intensified the CP induced reduction of liver nucleic acids, glutathione and increased the MDA concentration. The increase of CP induced cytotoxicity appears to be partly due to the additive effect of the two treatments on cellular lipid peroxidation.

Animals↗

Dromedary glycosaminoglycans: molecular characterization of camel lung and liver heparan sulfate.

Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are the portion of a proteoglycan that determine its final shape and function. The molecular structure of predominant GAG species in camel liver and lung is reported for the first time. The one-humped camel survives in an extreme, arid habitat and, thus, offers a good model to study the role of glycomics on homeostasis. Heparan sulfate (HS) from the lung and liver of the one-humped camel were isolated. Characterization of these newly isolated glycosaminoglycans included (1)H NMR spectroscopy and disaccharide compositional analysis. The relative molecular weight of these GAGs was estimated by gradient polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and their degree of sulfation was also assessed. Anticoagulant activity was determined using an anti-factor Xa assay and the HS from camel lung shows approximately 50% of heparin's activity. The structural differences of camel liver GAGs compared to human and porcine liver heparin and HS is discussed. Camel lung heparan sulfate resembles both heparin and HS in its structure and properties suggesting that it is either a highly sulfated form of HS, a mixture of heparin and HS or an undersulfated heparin.

Animals↗

Lack of gender effect on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of dexamethasone in the camel after intravenous administration.

The pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of dexamethasone were studied in six male and six female camels after a single intravenous dose (0.05 mgkg(-1) body weight) of dexamethasone. The pharmacokinetic parameters of the two-compartment pharmacokinetic model for female and male camels, respectively (mean+/-SEM) were as follows: terminal elimination half-lives were 8.02+/-1.15 and 7.33+/-0.80 h, total body clearances were 95.5+/-16.0 and 124.5+/-11.9 ml h(-1) per kg, volumes of distribution at steady state were 0.72+/-0.08 and 0.87+/-0.14 litre kg(-1), and the volumes of the central compartment were 0.12+/-0.02 and 0.17+/-0.02 litre kg(-1). There was no significant difference in any pharmacokinetic parameter between female and male camels. Pharmacodynamic effects were evaluated by measuring endogenous plasma cortisol, circulating lymphocytes and neutrophils numbers and were analysed using indirect pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic models. The estimated IC50 of dexamethasone for cortisol and lymphocytes for female and male camels were 3.74+/-0.99 and 2.28+/-1.09 and 2.63+/-0.71 and 2.41+/-0.79 ng ml(-1), respectively. The EC50 for neutrophils for female and male camels were 24.5+/-5.83 and 20.2+/-3.82 ng ml(-1), respectively. There was no significant difference in any pharmacodynamic parameter between female and male camels. Dexamethasone in urine could be detected for 4-5 days by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and for 3-4 days by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry after an intravenous dose of 0.05 mg kg(-1) body weight.

Animals↗

Studies on rickets and osteomalacia in Bactrian camels (Camelus bactrianus).

Epidemiological studies have indicated incidences of 32.9% and 27.8% for rickets and osteomalacia, respectively, in Bactrian camels (Camelus bactrianus), but there is an increased incidence under drought conditions, sometimes reaching 75%. We have found that concentrations of phosphorus and copper in forage and soil samples in a drought affected area were significantly lower than in a control area or normal reference values (P < 0.01) ; the mean Ca:P ratio in the forages was 50:1. The phosphorus content of blood and hair from affected camels was significantly less than that in controls (P < 0.01) and concentrations of copper in the liver and kidney were significantly lower in affected camels than control animals (P < 0.01); the concentrations of triiodothyronine (T(3)), thyroxine (T(4)) and parathyroid hormone (PTH) in the serum from affected animals were significantly higher than those from healthy controls (P < 0.01); serum inorganic phosphorus and ceruloplasmin levels were lower than those in the controls (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05); the concentrations of serum alpha-globulin and beta-globulin were significantly higher in the affected camels than in the healthy controls (P < 0.01). The pathological changes seen in camels affected with rickets included porous, brittle, light, osteoporotic bones that were susceptible to fractures and had less resistance to cutting and sawing. Wrist joints were enlarged with an apparent bowing of the long bones in forelimb and with typical broadening of the epiphyses. In adult female camels, many enlarged scars were often seen in ribs indicating earlier fractures. The disease could be cured with supplementary bone meal, phosphate or mineral mixtures and in field investigations clinical signs disappeared within 15 days. Over the same period, the concentrations of phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase in blood returned to normal. The disease may be effectively prevented by use of mineral blocks (block salt licks) or dosing orally with copper, selenium and cobalt soluble glass boluses. We conclude that rickets and osteomalacia are mainly caused by phosphorus and copper deficiencies in the pasture.

Animal Feed↗

Application of the California mastitis test in intramammary Streptococcus agalactiae and Staphylococcus aureus infections of camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Kenya.

A study was conducted on 207 lactating camels in six herds in Kenya to evaluate the California mastitis test (CMT) for the detection of intramammary infections (IMIs) caused by Streptococcus agalactiae and Staphylococcus aureus and to investigate the prevalence of both the pathogens in the camel udder. IMI with S. agalactiae was found in 12% of all camels sampled. IMI with S. aureus was present in 11% of all camels sampled. The herd-level prevalence of IMI varied between 0 and 50% for S. agalactiae and between 0 and 13% for S. aureus. Longitudinal observations over 10-12 months confirmed persistent infections for both pathogens. Observations in one herd suggested that camel pox was a contributing factor in spreading and exacerbating S. agalactiae udder infections.The CMT had quarter-level sensitivities of 77 and 68% for S. agalactiae and S. aureus in camels, respectively. The CMT specificities were 91% for both the pathogens.

Animals↗

Camel tick (Acari:Ixodidae) control with pour-on application of flumethrin.

The pyrethroid flumethrin (Bayticol) was tested in camels (Camelus dromedarius) as a pour-on for the control of the camel tick, Hyalomma dromedarii. Two, small, naturally infested camel herds, one heavily infested and the other lightly infested, each composed of eight head of animals, were used for this field trial. In each herd, four camels were randomly selected for treatment and the other four untreated camels were kept as controls. The heavily infested herd was treated with 2 ml 10kg-1 body weight per animal whereas the lightly infested herd was treated with 1 ml 10kg-1 body weight per animal. Comparison of the number of adult ticks on treated animals with those on untreated ones revealed that there were high figures of percentage control within 2 weeks after the application of both dose rates. No side-effects of treatment were observed. This trial has demonstrated that flumethrin is safe and effective when used to control ticks on dromedaries, and the pour-on method for insecticide application is fast and easy and is suitable for use by camel owners in the desert.

Administration, Topical↗

Semen collection, cryopreservation and artificial insemination in the dromedary camel.

Collection of semen with a bovine artificial vagina (AV) was attempted with each of 14 camels over a period of 2 years. Semen samples were evaluated, extended and cryopreserved. Frozen thawed semen, diluted cooled semen or whole semen was used to inseminate some female camels which were induced to ovulate with hCG. Males ejaculated semen into the AV in 74.6% collection attempts. The male copulated for at least 200s in 62.9% attempts. The remaining copulations were of shorter duration. Similarly, 49.3% ejaculates were at least 3ml of semen. Libido and donation of semen improved from December onwards and reached a peak after mid January with peak performance persisting until April. It declined during May. The majority of camels had lost libido and refuse to donate semen by the end of May. Camel semen is in gel form. While 35.9% of 203 semen samples exhibited no individual sperm motility, 28.5% exhibited low to fair grade individual sperm motility and only 35.4% exhibited >50% sperm motility. Differences existed between animals (P<0.01) and months (P<0.05) of collection, while effect of copulation time was not significant. Mass motility was not observed in camel semen. Individual sperm motility develops after liquefaction of semen. Addition of caffeine but not chymotrypsin improved the individual motility. The mean live percent sperm count and normal acrosome were 73.3+/-1.0 and 92.0+/-0.5, respectively. Only 51.1% of 45 semen samples with pre-freeze motility of >50% and 25% of 16 semen samples from low pre-freeze motility group with an overall success of 44.2% of 61 semen samples were successfully preserved. Wide variation was observed in the freezability of semen from different males. Attempts to impregnate female camels with liquid semen, frozen thawed semen and whole semen after hCG induced ovulation resulted in 0/10, 1/13 and 4/10 pregnancies.

Acrosome↗

Camel kidney ferritin: isolation and partial characterization.

Camel kidney ferritin was isolated from a tissue homogenate by thermal denaturation, ammonium sulphate fractionation, Sephacryl S-300 gel filtration and DEAE-blue gel affinity chromatography. The yield and the iron and neutral carbohydrate contents were 0.012 mg/g wet tissue, 4.0% and 2.7%, respectively. The phosphate:iron ratio was 0.13, twofold lower than that reported for camel liver ferritin. Native gel electrophoresis revealed the presence of a monomeric ferritin. SDS gel electrophoresis and immunoblotting showed two types of subunits, heavy and light, contrary to the extensive heterogeneity observed in camel liver ferritin. In general, the tissue ferritins shared a similar amino acid composition. However, a twofold lower glycine and an eightfold higher arginine content were recorded for camel kidney ferritin. In addition, kidney ferritin had a relatively high content of glutamic acid. Cross-reactivity studies by Ouchterlony double diffusion and noncompetitive indirect ELISA revealed a distinct cross-reactivity between buffalo ferritin antiserum and camel liver ferritin, but camel liver ferritin showed only weak cross-reactivity.

Amino Acids↗

Comparative pharmacokinetics of diphenhydramine in camels and horses after intravenous administration.

The pharmacokinetics of diphenhydramine (DPHM) was compared in camels (n = 8) and horses (n = 6) following intravenous (i.v.) administration of a dose of 0.625 mg/kg body weight. In addition, the metabolism and urinary detection time of DPHM was evaluated in camels. The data obtained (median and range in brackets) in camels and horses, respectively, were as follows. The terminal elimination half lives (h) were 1.58 (1.13-2.58) and 6.11 (4.80-14.1), and the total body clearances (L/h per kg) were 1.42 (1.13-1.74) and 0.79 (0.66-0.90). The volumes of distribution at steady state (L/kg) were 2.38 (1.58-4.43) and 5.98 (4.60-8.31) and the volumes of the central compartment of the two compartment pharmacokinetic model were 1.58 (0.80-2.54) and 2.48 (1.79-3.17). All the pharmacokinetic parameters in camels were significantly different from those of horses. Five metabolites of DPHM were tentatively identified in the camel's urine. Two metabolites, diphenylmethoxyacetic acid and 1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-phenylmethoxyacetic acid, were present in the acid fraction. Two metabolites, desamino-DPHM and diphenylmethanol, were identified in the basic fraction, in addition to DPHM itself, which was present mainly as a conjugate. Even after enzymatic hydrolysis, DPHM could be detected for up to 24 h in camels after an i.v. dose of 0.625 mg/kg body weight.

Acetates↗

Species of ticks on camels and their seasonal population dynamics in Eastern Ethiopia.

A study was conducted to identify the species of ticks found on camels (Camelus dromedarius) and their seasonal population dynamics in Eastern Ethiopia. Collection and identification of the ticks were undertaken at 2-month intervals from December 1997 to August 1999. On each occasion, all the visible adult ticks were collected from one side of the body of each of the same 17 camels. The most abundant species of ticks on the camels were Rhipiephalus pulchellus (85.2%), Hyalomma dromedarii (5.9%), Amblyomma gemma (4.0%) and Amblyomma variegatum (1.8%). The average tick load per camel was higher during rainy months than during dry months. The smallest number of ticks per camel was observed during the driest month (December), whereas the highest was recorded in the wettest month (August). Any strategy intended to mitigate problems of tick infestation of camels in this area should take into account the identified tick species and their season of abundance.

Animals↗

Observations on the clinical examination of the camel (Camelus dromedarius) in the field.

Camels usually inhabit remote areas, where diagnostic facilities and laboratories are very scarce. The species differences between the camel and other domestic animals necessitate some specific examination techniques. The objective of this study was to describe the clinical examination methods and sources of common errors that require special consideration in the camel. Young camels are examined in the standing position, while adults require restraint. Restraining procedures, both standing and in sternal recumbency, are described. New equipment and a crush were designed. The body temperature of the camels examined fluctuated from 35.7 to 38.9 degrees C, being lowest in the morning and highest in the afternoon; high temperature in the morning is indicative of fever, while high afternoon temperatures could be hyperthermia. It was difficult to take the pulse rate for routine procedures. The heart rate ranged from 35 to 50 per min; there was no difference between the heart rate in the morning and in the afternoon. The mean respiratory rate was 11 per min and respiration was of thoracol-lumbar type. The mucous membranes of the eye were an important site for appreciating signs of discoloration, while those of the mouth, rectum and vagina were unsuitable. The left flank was the best site for determining the rate of rumen contractions, which was 3+/-1.2 every 5 min, as determined by auscultation; counting the contractions by the application of the fist was difficult. The palpable external lymph nodes were the parotid, maxillary, prescapular, inferior cervical, thoracic, cubital, ilial and popiteal; they are large and can be seen on inspection in healthy animals, so that was not indicative of disease. A list of diagnostic indicators for the rapid diagnosis of ten endemic camel diseases was generated from the empirical signs.

Animal Diseases↗