Fracture Management in the Racing Camel

Fractures in racing camels present unique challenges compared to other camelids. The skeletal anatomy of the camel has some distinctive characteristics. Traumatic fractures of most parts of the camel’s skeleton have been reported. However, few peer-reviewed articles are available on the fixation of these fractures. The weight, high speed, training methods, training patterns, and racing over set distances at maximal cardiorespiratory exertion on sand have revealed distinct long bone fractures in racing camels. Dorsal metacarpal disease due to repeated stress and microfractures is commonly encountered in young racing camels. Carpal joint osteochondral fragmentation (‘chip fractures’), causing lameness in racing camels, similar to those in racehorses, has been identified and treated by arthroscopy. The author’s experience in managing and treating fractures in camels at the Dubai Camel Hospital is described.