Dystocia in dromedary camels: handling and outcome of fourteen cases

The handling and outcome of dystocia in dromedary camels (n=14) is described. Dystocia resulted more often from fetal (78.57%) compared to maternal (21.43%) causes. Limb flexion and lateral deviation of head and neck in anterior presentation were the commonest fetal causes comprising 54.54% and 36.36% of total cases of dystocia of fetal origin. The only fetal monster recorded was Perosomus elumbis. Maternal causes of dystocia included one case each of a narrow birth canal due to previous pelvic fracture, a 3600 uterine torsion and an incomplete cervical dilation. Parturition was successfully induced within 24 h in the latter cause by the IM administration of a combination of 500 µg of cloprostenol and 40 mg of dexamethasone. More number of male fetuses (64.28%) was observed in dystocia cases compared to female fetuses (35.72%). Camels were restrained in sternal recumbency with ropes and occasional sedation by IM administration of 45–90 mg of xylazine. In cases presented early (within 12 h), manual correction of limb flexion was possible and fetal survival was high. When the neck was laterally deviated more cranially correction by manual means was extremely difficult. Fetotomy was less rewarding in camels presented beyond 48 h of onset of second stage of labor. Cesarean section could easily be performed in camels under local infiltration anesthesia and mild sedation with xylazine (0.25 mg/Kg IV) using the left ventrolateral operative site. The dam survival with cesarean section was high and only one of the five operated camels died 5 days post operation. It was concluded that dystocia in camels is primarily of fetal origin. Manual correction is more successful when cases are presented within 12 h, whereas beyond this time cesarean section is a much easier and safer option with high dam survival.