Abstract
The aim of the present study was to emphasise the clinical, ultrasonographic and pathologic findings in dromedary camels with chronic peritonitis. For this purpose, 15 dromedary camels underwent transabdominal ultrasonographic examination of the viscera. Postmortem examination was also carried out in 5 camels. Clinical signs recorded were anorexia, scanty faeces, fits of colic that appeared in the form of rolling and moderate abdominal distension. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed echogenic fibrin threads floating in the peritoneal effusion. Fibrinous peritonitis was seen as heterogeneous deposits of echogenic and anechoic materials between the intestines, liver, kidneys rumen, spleen and abdominal wall. Peritoneal effusion appeared echogenic showing fibrinous tissue deposits interspersed with anechoic areas of fluid pockets. Ultrasound-guided aspiration of the peritoneum yielded a deeply turbid fluid. A treatment follow-up revealed that only 3 of the 15 camels made a full recovery. Postmortem examination showed massive fibrin network with adhesion of the viscera to the abdominal wall. Foul-smelling serosanguineous abdominal fluid was evacuated from the abdomen. In conclusion, ultrasonography is feasible diagnostic tool for verifying chronic peritonitis in camels. The procedure provides information about the scale and localisation of inflammatory lesions of the peritoneum. The clinical examination should therefore be supplemented by this imaging modality in camels suspected of having peritoneal lesions.