[Blood parameters and enzyme values of healthy and sick racing camels (Camelus dromedarius)]

Camel races have a long tradition in Arabia. Since the oil boom of the 1960s a tremendous revival of the old Bedouin tradition of camel racing has occurred in the United Arab Emirates. These camel races are comparable to horse races in Europe and the U.S.A. Since 1985 the most valuable racing camels of Dubai are routinely tested in the Central Veterinary Research Laboratory (CVRL) for their stamina and endurance. Blood and serum enzyme values, which have been statistically ascertained through testing of 10000 healthy racing camels, are now generally accepted as reference values. Besides these check-ups of healthy racing camels, hematological tests, enzyme and substrate estimations are performed on sick racing camels. These tests support the diagnosis, therapy and prognosis of sick camels. In this connection three diseases are discussed: B. cereus intoxication, Clostridium perfringens enterotoxemia and Trypanosomiasis.