Abscess Formation in Dromedary Camels (Camelus dromedarius): A Review
Article Sidebar
Main Article Content
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9660-2759
Abstract
Abscess formation in dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) constitutes a major health and economic problem, leading to anemia, weight loss, reduced productivity, compromised reproductive performance, and carcass condemnation. This review synthesizes the current knowledge on the clinical and ultrasonographic evaluation of abscesses in dromedary camels, with an emphasis on etiology, classification, anatomical predilection sites, diagnostic approaches, and therapeutic management. Abscesses are defined as localized accumulations of purulent material resulting from tissue destruction and inflammatory expansion. In camels, they are predominantly associated with pyogenic bacterial infections, particularly Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis, Corynebacterium ulcerans, Corynebacterium pyogenes, group B streptococci, and staphylococci, which frequently involve superficial lymph nodes and contribute to caseous lymphadenitis. Common sites include the parotid and submandibular regions, subconjunctival area, umbilicus, prescapular and thoracic regions, as well as abdominal, pelvic, thigh, and peri-mammary areas. Clinically, superficial abscesses typically present as well-circumscribed, firm, painful, and warm swellings, whereas deep-seated abscesses in the thoracic, abdominal, or pelvic cavities are often associated with systemic signs such as fever, anorexia, weight loss, pain, and restricted movement. Ultrasonographically, abscesses demonstrate stage-dependent echogenic patterns, ranging from homogeneous echogenic contents in acute stages to heterogeneous, hypoechoic or to hyperechoic areas with internal septations in chronic cases, usually enclosed by a distinct echogenic capsule. Therapeutic management primarily involves promoting abscess maturation, followed by surgical incision and thorough drainage. It is concluded that an integrated clinical and ultrasonographic approach is essential for accurate diagnosis, prognosis, and effective management, ultimately improving treatment outcomes.
Article Details
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
References
Ackermann, M.R. (2017). Inflammation and Healing. In Zachary, J.F.(Ed.), Pathologic Basis of Veterinary Disease (6th ed., pp. 73-131) Elsevier, St. Louis, MO, USA. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-35775-3.00003-5
Ahmed, A.B., Ras, R., Mahmoud, A.F., El-Ghazaly, E., Widmer, G., Dahshan, H. & Elsohaby, I. (2021). Prevalence and bacterial isolation from hydatid cysts in dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) slaughtered at Sharkia abattoirs, Egypt. Journal of Parasitic Diseases, 45(1), 236–243. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12639-020-01300-x
Almansour, M., Jarrar, B., Faye, B., Al-Doaiss, A., Shati, A., & Meriane, D. (2024). The salivary glands of the camel: an element of adaptation to desert conditions and mitigation of climate change impacts. Animals, 17, 99–108. https://doi.org/10.54319/jjbs/170109
Al-Mheiri, F., Joseph, M., Kinne, J., Sunitha, J., Shantymol, V.J. & Wernery, U. (2024). Nocardiosis in a dromedary camel: case report. Journal of Camel Practice and Research, 31, 39–42. https://doi.org/10.5958/2277-8934.2024.00005.5
Almutairi, M.M., Alouffi, A., Damra, E.M., Alotaibi, M.R., Alkahtani, N., Al Salem, W.S., & Aljasham, A.T. (2025). Identification of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria isolated from Hyalomma excavatum and Hyalomma dromedarii infesting camels in Aljouf region, Saudi Arabia. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 12, 1634753. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2025.1634753
Baethge, C., Goldbeck-Wood, S., & Mertens, S. (2019). SANRA—a scale for the quality assessment of narrative review articles. Research Integrity and Peer Review, 4, 5. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41073-019-0064-8
Eibl, C., Schoiswohl, J, & Kofler, J. (2023). Sohlenabszess (Pododermatitis purulenta superficialis) bei einem Trampeltier – Diagnostik, Therapie und Heilungsverlauf / Sole abscess (Pododermatitis purulenta superficialis) in a Bactrian camel – diagnosis, treatment, and healing process. Tierärztliche Praxis Ausgabe G: Großtiere/Nutztiere, 51(1), 42–49. https://doi.org/10.1055/a-2007-8335
Elbir, H. (2025). Genomic and Phylogenomic Characterization of Three Novel Corynebacterium Species from Camels: Insights into Resistome, Mobilome Virulence, and Biochemical Traits. Microorganisms, 13(9), 2090. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13092090
El-Gedawy, A.A., Ali, S.F., Mohsen, R.A., Abd El Ghafar, A.E., & Hana, Y. (2023). Highlighting on the occurrence of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis in camel. Egyptian Journal of Animal Health, 3(3), 54–64. https://doi.org/10.21608/ejah.2023.302101
El-Shafaey, E.S., Sadan, M., & Refaai, W. (2020). Superficial swellings in camels (Camelus dromedarius): clinical and ultrasonographic findings. Journal of Veterinary Medical Science, 82, 1346–1353. https://doi.org/10.1292/jvms.20-0163
Fouad, E.A., Elnaga, A.S.A., & Kandil, M.M. (2019). Antibacterial efficacy of Moringa oleifera leaf extract against pyogenic bacteria isolated from a dromedary camel abscess. Veterinary World, 12, 802–808. https://doi.org/10.14202/vetworld.2019.802-808
Gadallah, S., Sharshar, A., Elsharkawy, S., & Fadel, M. (2023). Ultrasonographic description of tendons and ligaments at the palmar (plantar) aspect of the distal limb in the one-humped camel (Camelus dromedarius). Australian Veterinary Journal, 101, 397–408. https://doi.org/10.1111/avj.13268
Gimenez, E., Viana, M.V.C., de Jesus Sousa, T., Aburjaile, F., Brenig, B., Silva, A., & Azevedo, V. (2024). Resequencing and characterization of the first Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis genome isolated from camel. PeerJ, 12, e16513. https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.16513
Guo, Y., Li, J., Luo, H., Sun, P., Li, Y., & He, S. (2020). Isolation and identification of bacterial strains causing multiple abscess infections in Bactrian camels. Journal of Biotechnology Research, 11, 82–89. https://btsjournals.com/assets/2020v11p82-89.pdf
Haddaway, N.R., Page, M.J., Pritchard, C.C., & McGuinness, L.A. (2022). PRISMA2020: An R package and Shiny app for producing PRISMA 2020-compliant flow diagrams, with interactivity for optimised digital transparency and Open Synthesis. Campbell Systematic Reviews, 18(2), e1230. https://doi.org/10.1002/cl2.1230
Hamoda, H., Elsaid, F.G., Eldesoqui, M., Al-Mosaibih, M.A., Fayad, E., Hussein, M.K., Hamed, M.A., Farrag, F., Abumandour, M., & Shukry, M. (2025). Imaging-based observation of the pes region in the dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius). Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 12, 1558954. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2025.1558954
Hosny, O.H. (2024). Parotid duct sialolith in a male dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius). Journal of Advanced Veterinary Research, 14, 235–237. https://www.advetresearch.com/index.php/AVR/article/view/1627/1110
Ibrahim, A., Zabady, M., El Nahas, A., Aljazzar, A., Al-Hizab, F., Kandeel, M., & Porter, B.F. (2023). Maxillary neoplasms in four dromedary camels. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 10, 1153398. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2023.1153398
Konieczny, K., & Pomorska-Mól, M. (2023). Selected bacterial diseases in alpacas and llamas: epidemiology, clinical signs and diagnostics. Animals, 14, 45. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14010045
Kumar, V., Abbas, A., & Aster, J. (2020). Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Diseases. 10th Edition, Elsevier, Amsterdam. https://shop.elsevier.com/books/robbins-and-cotran-pathologic-basis-of-disease/kumar/978-0-323-53113-9
Mahla, J., Patel, A., Patel, B., Gelat, M., Patel, K., Bodala, J., & Patel, S. (2024). Surgical management of external hernia in bovines: review of eight cases. International Journal of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, 9, 32–35. https://doi.org/10.22271/veterinary.2024.v9.i2Sa.1198
Misk, T., El-Sherry, T., & Misk, N. (2020). Retrospective study on body surface abscesses in farm animals. Assiut Veterinary Medical Journal, 66, 47–61. https://doi.org/10.21608/avmj.2020.166386
Nagati, S.F., El Shafii, S., & Abd El Mawgoud, S. (2021). Effectiveness of disinfectants against multidrug-resistant contaminants causing skin abscesses in farm animals. American Journal of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, 16, 128–138. https://doi.org/10.3844/ajavsp.2021.128.138
Osman, S.A., & Alsidrani, A.S. (2021). Outbreak of caseous lymphadenitis in dromedary camels in Qassim region, Saudi Arabia. Journal of Camel Practice and Research, 28, 117–121. https://camelsandcamelids.com/uploads/journal-manuscript/PG%20117-121%20An%20outbreak%20of%20caseous.pdf
Page, M.J., McKenzie, J.E., Bossuyt, P.M., Boutron, I., Hoffmann, T.C., Mulrow, C.D., Shamseer, L., Tetzlaff, J.M., Akl, E.A., Brennan, S.E., Chou, R., Glanville, J., Grimshaw, J.M., Hróbjartsson, A., Lalu, M.M., Li, T., Loder, E.W., Mayo-Wilson, E., McDonald, S., … Moher, D. (2021). The PRISMA 2020 statement: an updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews. British Medical Journal, 372, n71. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.n71
Sadan, M. (2019). Superficial swellings in sheep (Ovis aries) and goats (Capra hircus): clinical and ultrasonographic findings. Journal of Veterinary Medical Science, 81, 1326–1333. https://doi.org/10.1292/jvms.19-0209
Sadan, M., Aldakhil, F., Haridy, M., Alshanbari, F.A., & Refaai, W. (2026). Soft palate (dulla) injuries in camels (Camelus dromedarius): clinical, hematobiochemical, histopathological findings and treatment outcomes. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 13, 1749533. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2026.1749533
Sadan, M., El-Shafaey, E.S., & El-Khodery, S. (2019). Abdominal hernias in camels (Camelus dromedarius): clinical findings and treatment outcomes. Journal of Veterinary Medical Science, 81, 675–681. https://doi.org/10.1292/jvms.18-0471
Sadan, M., Tharwat, M., Alkhedhairi, S., Refaai, W., Moghazy, H., Khodier, M., Alkhamiss, A., & Ghallab, A. (2024). Abdominal pedunculated leiomyoma in a male dromedary camel. International Journal of Veterinary Science, 13, 458–462. https://doi.org/10.47278/journal.ijvs/2023.114
Sadan, M., Tharwat, M., & El-Deeb, W. (2023). Deep swellings in sheep and goats: clinical, ultrasonographic and post-mortem findings. International Journal of Veterinary Science, 12, 793–801. https://doi.org/10.47278/journal.ijvs/2023.050
Shoulah, S.A., Gaballa, M.M., Marawan, M.A., Saqr, S.A., Abdelhady, A., Alzahrani, H.A., Wakid, M.H., Al-Jabr, O.A., & Selim, A. (2023). Pathological findings and oxidative stress associated with hydatidosis in dromedary camels. Veterinary Sciences, 10, 74. https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci10020074
Silva, T.V., Cajueiro, J.F.P., Silva, N.A., Souza, M.I., Costa, N.A., Mendonça, C.L., Afonso, J.A.B., & Miranda Neto, E.G. (2021). Ultrasonographic diagnosis of reticular diaphragmatic hernia in bovines. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira, 41, e06801. https://doi.org/10.1590/1678-5150-PVB-6801
Sparnon, A., Smith, J., Mulon, P.Y., Hecht, S., Anderson, D., & Van Amstel, S. (2024). Tooth root abscess and mandibular infections in Old World camelids: 3 cases. Case Reports in Veterinary Medicine, 2024, 4589572. https://doi.org/10.1155/2024/4589572
Sting, R., Geiger, C., Rietschel, W., Blazey, B., Schwabe, I., Rau, J., & Schneider-Bühl, L. (2022). Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis Infections in Alpacas (Vicugna pacos). Animals (Basel), 12(13), 1612. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12131612
Terab, A.M.A., Abdel Wahab, G.E.D., Ishag, H.Z.A., Khalil, N.A.H., El Tigani-Asil, E.T.A., Hashem, F.M., Khalafalla, A.I., Shah, A.A.M., & Al Muhairi, S.S.M. (2021). Pathology, bacteriology and molecular studies on caseous lymphadenitis in Camelus dromedarius. PLoS One, 16, e0252893. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0252893
Tharwat, M. (2019). Multiple splenic abscessations in a camel: case report. Journal of Camel Practice and Research, 26, 273–276. https://doi.org/10.5958/2277-8934.2019.00044.4
Tharwat, M. (2021). Ultrasound in camel medicine. Tropical Animal Health and Production, 53, 53. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-020-02551-9
Tharwat, M., & Elmoghazy, H.M.M. (2026). Long-term ultrasound insights into camelid urology: a retrospective analysis of urinary tract disorders in 1,100 dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) (2012–2025). Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 13, 1742804. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2026.1742804
Tharwat, M., Elmoghazy, H.M.M., & Haridy, M. (2025). Breaking new ground: first report of integrating clinical, hematobiochemical, sonographic, and pathological findings in dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) with hepatic fibrosis. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 12, 1639628. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2025.1639628
Tharwat, M., Elmoghazy, H.M., Saeed, E.M., & Alkheraif, A.A. (2025). Renal abscessation in dromedary camels. Open Veterinary Journal, 15, 1289. https://doi.org/10.5455/ovj.2025.v15.i3.20
Tharwat, M., El-Shafaey, E.S., & Alkheraif, A.A. (2024). Ultrasonographic evaluation of thoracic and abdominal neoplasia in domestic ruminants. Open Veterinary Journal, 14, 1751. https://doi.org/10.5455/ovj.2024.v14.i8.2
Tharwat, M., El-Shafaey, E.S., Sadan, M., Ali, A., Al-Sobayil, F., & Al-Hawas, A. (2018). Omaso-abomasal adenocarcinoma in a female Arabian camel. Journal of Applied Animal Research, 46, 1268–1271. https://doi.org/10.1080/09712119.2018.1495644
Tharwat, M., Sadan, M., El-Shafaey, E., Al-Hawas, A., & Saeed, E. (2018). Unilateral nephrectomy in a female camel with chronic suppurative pyelonephritis caused by Staphylococcus lugdunensis. Pakistan Veterinary Journal, 38, 116–118. https://www.pvj.com.pk/pdf-files/38_1/116-118.pdf
Tharwat, M., Sadan, M., El-Shafaey, E.S., Saeed, E.H., & Al-Hawas, A. (2018). Bilateral renal abscessation and chronic active pyelonephritis in a male camel (Camelus dromedarius) caused by Escherichia coli. Journal of Veterinary Medical Science, 80(5), 778–783. https://doi.org/10.1292/jvms.17-0484
Tina Roshini, S., Gurunathan, N., Vigneswari, M., Chimiti, C., & Arivukarasi, A. (2023). Hernioplasty for umbilical hernia in six crossbred heifers. Indian Veterinary Journal, 8, 181–184. https://doi.org/10.22271/veterinary.2023.v8.i3c.542
Torkaman, R., Azizi, S., & Jalilzadeh, A.G. (2025). A retrospective study on prevalence and surgical management of umbilical hernias in calves. Veterinary Medicine International, 2025, 8838445. https://doi.org/10.1155/vmi/8838445
Waziri, A., Hassan, S.U., & Igbokwe, I.O. (2020). Kidney lesions in dromedary camels at slaughter in Maiduguri, Nigeria. Bulletin of Animal Health and Production in Africa, 68, 7–15. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/IkechukwuIgbokwe/publication/343083444
Wernery, U., Kinne, J., John, J., Anas, S., Jose, S., Joseph, M., & Taha, A. (2025). Caseous lymphadenitis sepsis in a dromedary camel. Journal of Camel Practice and Research, 32, 9–11. https://www.camelsandcamelids.com/uploads/journal-manuscript/caseous-lymphadenitis-sepsis-pseudotuberculosis-in-a-dromedary-camel-a-case-report.pdf
Youseef, M., Karam, F., Kadry, M., Elhariri, M., & Elhelw, R. (2024). Escherichia coli and their potential transmission of carbapenem and colistin-resistant genes in camels. BMC Microbiology, 24(1), 65. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12866-024-03215-6