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Frequency and type of toenail tumors in the dromedary camel
M I Siddiqui1, S A Al-Kubati1, M N Telfah1
1Central Veterinary Hospital, Al-Wathba, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Abstract:
A total of 275 dromedary camels (16 males and 259 females) of local "Arabiyat" breed suffering from different types and degrees of severity of toenail tumors were surgically treated. Histopathological examination of the tissue samples removed from 50 tumor-like growths (2 males and 48 females) revealed three types of tumors; squamous cell carcinoma (70%), spiny keratoderma (22%) and fibroma (8%). An increased incidence of tumors was recorded in the medial when compared to the lateral toenails in both sexes. In females, the incidence in the medial toenails was 90/259 (34.75%) and 71/259 (27.41%) in the right and left forelimbs respectively when compared to the lateral toenails which was 25/259 (9.65%) and 5/259 (1.93%) for the respective right and left forelimbs. In the hind limbs, this ratio was 29/259 (11.20%) and 20/259 (7.72%) for right and left medial toenails respectively, whereas it was 17/259 (6.56%) and 2/259 (0.77%) for the right and left lateral toenails respectively. Similar to the observations in female camels, male camels also showed a higher incidence of these tumors in the medial when compared to the lateral toenails in both fore and hind limbs. Based on these findings, we conclude that in the dromedary camels, the medial toenails of the fore limbs are most commonly affected with tumors; with the most common tumor being the squamous cell carcinoma.
Insights
Dromedary camels frequently develop toenail tumors, with squamous cell carcinoma being the most common. Medial forelimb toenails are most susceptible in both male and female camels.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Oncology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Toenail tumors are a recognized condition in dromedary camels.
- Understanding the epidemiological and histopathological characteristics of these tumors is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence, types, and locations of toenail tumors in dromedary camels.
- To identify risk factors and common tumor types for improved diagnosis and treatment.
Main Methods:
- Surgical treatment of 275 dromedary camels with toenail tumors.
- Histopathological examination of 50 tumor samples to determine tumor types.
- Analysis of tumor incidence based on location (medial vs. lateral) and limb (fore vs. hind).
Main Results:
- Squamous cell carcinoma (70%) was the most prevalent tumor type, followed by spiny keratoderma (22%) and fibroma (8%).
- Tumors were more common in medial toenails compared to lateral toenails in both sexes.
- The medial toenails of the forelimbs showed the highest incidence of tumors.
Conclusions:
- Dromedary camels, particularly the "Arabiyat" breed, are prone to toenail tumors.
- Squamous cell carcinoma is the predominant tumor type.
- Medial forelimb toenails represent the most commonly affected site, necessitating focused diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
