A preliminary report on common health problems in Indian Bactrian camels

Abstract

The common health problems in camel included weakness, pica, dental mottling and attrition, ocular problems, infeility and aboration in female, fracture of limb and mandible and skin laceration and wound (Table-1). Local people belive that the dental changes are attributable to browsing of dry fallen leaves of Seabuck thron (Hippophae rhamnoides) plants during winter. Weakness (25%) and pica(17.5%) recorded in the present study could be due to poor nutritional staus during the winter season. High incidence of skin laceration and wounds (15%) and eye laceration nd corneal opacity (7.5%) was recorded. Eye injuries and subsequent corneal opacities often occur in camels during browsing of the plant (Fig 2). Pointed thorns of the plant are also responsible for skin Iacerations and wounds in the camel, particulary during the winter. Infertility and abortions could be arising due to some non-intectious reasons. Occurrence of any reproductive disorders or poor libido in male was not reported by owners in the present study. Fracture to tibia-fibula induced by trauma was observed in one camel. Presence of any parasitic eggs or oocyst could not be detected in the faecal samples collected during the study. Some of the health problems were informed by the camel owners which included retention of urine and progressive hind quarter weakness, ataxia and subsequent complete paralysis leading to death of 4 to 5 animals during winters in past 2 to 3 years.