Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Qassim University, Saudi Arabia
This report describes the clinical, haematobiochemical, ultrasonographic and pathologic findings in a male Arabian camel with multiple splenic abscesses. The camel had a history of 15 days decreased appetite, weight loss and complete absence of faeces. On admission, the camel was dull and depressed, and the abdomen was mildly distended. Rectal examination revealed clean rectum and only mucous was found. Haematobiochemical abnormalities included neutrophilic leukocytosis and hyperproteinemia. Transcutaneous abdominal ultrasonography revealed distended intestines without observable gut movement. Spleen was imaged in the caudal left flank where multiple anechoic splenic masses, initially thought to be abscesses or tumours, were imaged. Transcutaneous aspiration of the masses revealed thick yellowish pus. The camel was hospitalised and scheduled for abdominal exploration and splenectomy but unfortunately, it collapsed next morning. Postmortem examination showed distended intestines but with no external or internal obstructing causes. No volvulous or intussusception was detected. The most important finding was the enlarged spleen with multiple abscesses containing thick yellowish pus. The spleen was also adhered intensively to rumen and large intestines. In the present case, clinical diagnosis was based on ultrasound examination with ultrasound-guided aspiration. It is a rare report on multifocal splenic abscessation in dromedary camels.
Abscess, camel, spleen, ultrasonography
