Radiography of Camels

Camels are usually brought into the hospital for examination in some type of transport and it may be possible to radiograph while they are sitting in the vehicles. The head and neck and the front legs can be radiographed as the camel is facing backward; alternately the hind feet could be radiographed if it is facing forward. In this position the camel may be sedated. Most radiographic examination of camels involves the limbs, head or neck.

Figure 1:  Camel being radiographed from inside a vehicle.

Positioning and radiographic anatomy

Figure 2:  Radiography nomenclatures

Figure 3:  Proper anatomic directional terms as they apply to various parts of the body

Radiographic Anatomy and Procedures

1. Head

Figure 4:  Positioning of the head.

Figure 5:  Lateral radiograph of the cranial parts of the head.

Figure 6   Ventrodorsal radiograph of the head.

Figure 7:  Diagram of the ventrodorsal view.

A. Occipital condoyel.

B. Bulla tempanica.

C. Styloid process of the bulla.

D. Temporal bone.

E. Zygomatic process of the malar bone.

F. Crest formed by ptrigoid process of sphynoid and palatine bone.

G. Zygomatic arch.

H. Maxillary tuberosity/

I. Lateral border of the cranial bone.

J. Mollars.

K. Nasal chamber.

L. Premolar.

M. Palatine suture.

N. Palatine suture.

O. Incisors.

The Spine (neck)

The neck of the camel is long and therefore several radiographs are needed to indicate the whole region. These radiographs shpuld be marked to facilitate identification of lesion.

Figure 8:  Lateral radiograph of the cranial cervical region.

Figure 9:  Caudal cervical region.

Abdomen

Useful lateral Abdomen radiograph may be obtained in camel up to 2 years of age and they are preferable fasted beforehand. Such radiograph could demonstrate foreign body.

Figure 10:  Abdomen

Figure 11:  Diagram of figure 10.

T, L. Vertebral body.

M. Kidneys.

R. Ribs.

U. Fecal balls in the large intestine.

X. Areas of radiolucincy in the rumen and intestines (arrow).

Appendicular  Skeleton

1. Forelimbs

Shoulder Joint

High quality radiograph of the shoulder may be obtained in camels up to two years old, however, the larger size of this joint in the adult camel is beyond the capabilities of mobile unit.

Figure 12:  Positioning for the shoulder craniocaudal to show the acromion of the scapula.

Figure 13:  Sholder joint

Elbow Joint

This joint can be easily visualized from radiographs obtained in the standing or recumbent camel. The musculature is relatively smaller than in the horse or ox.

Figure 14:  Positioning for lateral radiograph of the elbow.

Figure 15:  Mediolateral view of elbow joint.

Diagramm of elbow joint.

A. humerus; B, radius; C, ulna; D, lateral epycondylar crest; E, olecranon; G&H, medial&lateral epicondoyle; I, growth palate scar, J, caodulateral border; K, caudomedial border; L, lateral limit; M, medial limit; N, lateral humoral condoyle; O, medial humoral condoyle; P, cranial edge (cronoid process); Q, cranial border; R, radial tuberosity.

The carpus and metacarpus.

Radiographs in the anteroposterior and lateral plan are achieved with the animal standing. However, sedated animals reduce the risk of retakes. There are 6 carpal bones in camels.

Figure 16:  Lateral Radiograph and diagram of Standing carpus. A, distal radius; B. ulna, C, accessory carpal bone; D, proximal row of carpal bone; E, distal row of the carpal bone; F, cranial border; G, process caudal to the fourth carpal bone; H, metacarpus.

Figure 17:  Flexed lateral carpus.

Figure 18:  Positioning of palmorodorsal oblique view of standing carpus.

Figure 19:  Anteroposterior vie of the carpus.

Foot

anteroposterior and lateral-oblique view of the foot were obtained while the animal is either setting or in lateral recombancy. However, the fetlock joint particularly of the forefeet can be easily radiographed in standing position. Camels don't posses navicular bones.

Figure 20:  Dorsopalmar view of the foot.

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Figure 21:  Diagram for figure 20. A, metacarpal; B, lateral border; C, intercondylar fossa; D, lateral sesamoid of the lateral digit; O, medial sesamoid of the lateral digit; E, lateral condyle; F, growth palate scar; G, proximal digit; H, caudal ridge; I, condoyel; J, meddle phalanx; K, distal phalanx; L, margins; M, lateral (forth metacarpal); N, medial (third metacarpal).

Hind limb

1. Pelvis

Ventrodorsal radiographs of the pelvis are taken with the legs abducted while the camel is anesthetized or deeply sedated and placed on his back. This position is practicale for camels up to two-years old.

Figure 22:  Positioning for ventraodorsal view of the pelvis.

Figure 23:  Ventraodorsal radiograph of the pelvis.

Figure 24:  Diagram of figure 23. A, ileum; B, ischium; C, femoral head; D, greater trochanter; E, femur.