A retrospective study of choke (oesophageal obstruction) in 64 one-hump Dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Saudi Arabia

Background

Choke (oesophageal obstruction) is an important oesophageal disorder in large domestic animals. Published studies on choke in the dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius) are few in number and deal with small number of cases.

Methods

Sixty-four camels with choke were presented to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, King Faisal University. History, breed, age, sex, duration of obstruction and clinical signs were recorded. The diagnosis was established using examination with a stomach tube, oesophageal radiography and endoscopy. Choke was managed either by using alligator forceps guided endoscope or by cervical oesophagotomy.

Results

Choke was recorded in camels less than 1 year old (84.38%) more than camels more than 1 year of age (15.62%) and complete obstruction more than partial. Most cases had obstruction involving the cervical oesophagus (96.87%). In the majority of obstructive masses, there were pieces of fabric (48.44%) and plastic bags (35.94%). Most obstructive masses were slightly radio-opaque (62.5%). Surgical and non-surgical managements were effective (91.3% and 94.44%, respectively) in resolving the choke.

Conclusions

Choke was most likely in animals less than 1 year of age with complete obstruction of the cervical oesophagus. Surgical and non-surgical methods were effective in resolving the choke in the dromedary camels. It was not practical to use forceps extraction in all adult camels due to the limited length of the alligator forceps.

Esophageal obstruction due to trichobezoar in a she-camel (Camelus dromedarius)

Background

Occurrences of esophageal foreign bodies are common in camels. Esophageal obstruction in camels due to bezoars is rare.

Case Description

This report describes esophageal obstruction in camel due to trichobezoar. A 2-year-old she-camel presented with a history of inability to swallow and there was food and water regurgitation for one day before. Radiography and endoscopic examination revealed an oval-shaped foreign body embedded in the esophageal lumen in the level distal third of the neck. The foreign body was successfully removed using cervical esophagotomy under general anesthesia. Successful esophagostomy revealed trichobezoar weighing 45 g and measuring 85 mm × 75 mm × 42 mm. The trichobezoar removed from the esophagus was the cause of esophageal obstruction.

Conclusion

Esophageal obstruction in camel could be due to trichobezoar. Radiography and endoscopy are valuable diagnostic methods to determine the position and nature of an obstructive object.