Pseudopregnancy in dromedary camels: hematological and biochemical profiles and therapeutic responses

Pseudopregnancy is a common reproductive disorder in dromedary camels, resulting in prolonged infertility and economic losses. This study proposed that camel pseudopregnancy is associated with systemic inflammatory and metabolic changes, and that specific therapeutic protocols can effectively restore estrus and fertility. Two experiments were carried out to test this hypothesis. Experiment 1 compared the hematological and biochemical profiles of twenty pseudopregnant and ten pregnant camels. Pseudopregnant camels had significantly higher white blood cell, neutrophil, and eosinophil counts, whereas pregnant camels had lower red blood cell indices. Pseudopregnant camels had significantly higher globulin and total CO₂ concentrations, suggesting an inflammatory response and altered metabolic balance In Experiment 2, fifty-three pseudopregnant camels were classified according to clinical findings into four treatment groups: Group A (endometritis; treated with prostaglandin F₂α, n = 13), Group B1 (cervical stenosis; treated with prostaglandin F₂α and oxytocin, n = 14), Group B2 (cervical stenosis; treated with prostaglandin F₂α and estradiol benzoate, n = 14), and Group C (inactive ovaries; treated with GnRH and prostaglandin, n = 12). The efficacy of these regimens was assessed based on estrus induction and conception rates. Estrus response rates were 61.5%, 78.6%, 78.6%, and 50%, while conception rates were 46.2%, 50%, 71.4%, and 41.7% in groups A, B1, B2, and C, respectively. Shorter pseudopregnancy duration significantly improved estrus induction after PG treatment (p < 0.05), though not conception rate. In conclusion, pseudopregnancy in dromedary camels is linked to inflammatory changes and, in some cases, persistent luteal activity. To restore normal fertility, successful management should focus on reducing uterine inflammation and ensuring complete luteal regression.