Percutaneous ultrasound-guided portocentesis in camels (Camelus dromedarius)

This report describes the adaptation of ultrasound-guided portocentesis technique in 15 adult healthy camels (Camelus dromedarius) for portal vein blood collection. A second objective of the study was to compare haematological and biochemical constituents between portal vein blood (PB) and jugular vein blood (JB). The liver could be visualised in an area between the 11^th to 5^th intercostal space (ICS) on the right side. The portal vein (PV) was visible in the 11^th, 10^th and 9^th ICS. The centesis of the portal vein was successfully performed in all animals. The PV was round in cross sectional view; additionally, the PV was characterised by the typical stellate ramification at the portal fissure and therefore, it could be differentiated from other hepatic veins in this region. Compared to the wall of the PV, the walls of the hepatic vein appeared less echogenic. The majority of the measured haematological and biochemical parameters differed significantly between PB and JB.