Retrospective study on an unusual form of ovario-bursal pathology in the camel (Camelus dromedarius)

A peculiar form of ovarian bursa pathology, called hydrobursitis, is described in the dromedary camel. This malformation is characterized by a collection of fluid within the ovarian bursa with encapsulation of the ovary. Retrospective study of all diagnosed cases in our laboratory shows that this malformation is responsible for reduced reproductive performance due to abortion, infertility and embryonic death. Hydrobursitis was diagnosed in 33 of 355 animals examined. The incidence of this lesion was higher in animals that aborted (9/24) or were barren for more than 2 years (13/37). Diagnosis by palpation per rectum and ultrasonography, is described. Gross pathological and biochemical studies on specimens collected at surgery or in the slaughterhouse showed that the fluid is hemorrhagic and that it could be a mixture of blood and follicular fluid. Bacteriological and cytological studies were inconclusive. The origin of this lesion is discussed in light of genetic, pathological and management factors. Loss of embryos in affected animals could be due to the effect of increased tension on the uterus caused by the accumulation of fluid which ranged in volume from 250 mL to 4240 mL. The condition was treated in several females by surgical ablation. Embryo transfer was used in females that were bilaterally affected and underwent a bilateral ovariectomy. Pregnancy and calving rates were 52.5% and 38.1% for unilaterally ovariectomized females bred after surgery and 33.3% and 22.2% for bilaterally ovariectomized females used as embryo recipients after surgery. These results show that involvement of the uterus in this malformation is very limited and that surgery can be considered for valuable animals if they are unilaterally affected.