Joint Injections in Camels: A Review

Joint injections in camels have several practical applications, from lameness localisation and administration of medications, to sampling of synovial fluid. With good technique and anatomical knowledge, the procedure can be effective with low risk of complications. Depending on the location and number of injections to be performed, camels may be injected standing or in recumbency. Preparation of the patient can include washing the animal with a mild-disinfectant shampoo to remove organic matter on the skin surface prior to injecting. Physical restraint methods are combined with low dose xylazine. Full aseptic technique is advised, including preparation of the skin, wearing of sterile gloves and proper aseptic technique. Whilst ultrasound-guidance is preferable for certain joints (e.g. vertebral articular process joints, sacroiliac and hip), others can be injected with good accuracy based on anatomical landmarks and thorough palpation (e.g. shoulder, elbow, radio- and inter-carpal joints, tarsal joints, fetlocks etc). Presence of burn scars and wounds at proposed injection sites can be challenging as needles should not be inserted through inflamed tissue due to risk of iatrogenic joint sepsis. This necessitates good anatomical knowledge and understanding of alternative injection locations. The sensitivity of the dromedary camel to alpha-2 agonists also presents a challenge. In the author’s experience, complications associated with joint injections are mainly attributed to anaesthesia-related adverse effects and postinjection reactions to intra-articular medications.