Abstract

Background:
Although renal abscessation is rarely reported in dromedary camels, it is increasingly detected in this species.

Aim:
This study aimed to investigate renal abscessation in camels with special emphasis on ultrasonographic findings and causative agents.

Methods:
Seventeen diseased camels (Camelus dromedarius) were examined. In addition, 10 healthy camels were used as the control group. Jugular puncture was performed to collect blood in EDTA tubes and serum samples. The thorax and abdomen were examined via transcutaneous and transrectal ultrasound. A free-hand ultrasound-guided aspiration technique using a 14G×170 mm spinal biopsy needle was used for aspiration of the renal lesion content.

Results:
The signs of diseased camels included general gradual and/or progressive weakness, inappetence or anorexia, passage of dry feces, dysuria, bloody feces, lameness, bloody urine, and abdominal pain. Neutrophilic leukocytosis is the most significant hematological abnormality. Significant biochemical alterations included hyperproteinemia, azotemia, hyperglycemia, and increased serum alkaline phosphatase activity. Single or multiple renal abscesses were visualized sonographically compressing the renal parenchyma. Three abscesses measuring 5.2–15.0 cm were scanned in 2 camels; one affected the left and the others affected the right kidneys. In addition, two abscesses were imaged in 2 camels; both are affecting the left kidney. However, single abscesses measuring 3.6 to 14.0-cm in length were recorded in the remaining thirteen camels; nine in the right and four in the left kidneys. The contents of the abscesses were hyperechogenic in 8 cases, hypoechoic in 4, isoechoic with hyperechoic foci in 3 cases and heterogenous in 2. In 4 of the 17 diseased camels, hyperechoic urine and echogenic deposits were found within the urinary bladder. Bacteriological examination showed pure growth of Staphylococcus lugdunensis in 10 coagulase-negative isolates, Staphylococcus aureus in 5 coagulase-positive isolates, and 2 unidentified Staphylococcus species.

Conclusion:
Sonography is extremely helpful for verifying renal abscesses and is a good guide for abscess aspiration in dromedary camels. The isolation of Staphylococcus lugdunensis from camel renal abscessation in this study was significant because of the zoonotic nature of this organism.

Key words: Camels, Kidney diseases, Renal abscessation, Staphylococcus, Ultrasound