Dystocia in dromedary camels: Prevalence, forms, risks and hematobiochemical changes

• Dystocia in camels was observed more frequently in intensive than in free systems.
• Postural abnormalities and uterine torsion were the most common forms of dystocia.
• Duration of dystocia has an important bearing on fetal and maternal outcomes.
• Dystocia was associated with increases in the acute-phase proteins, AST and BUN.

The objectives of this study were to investigate the prevalence of dystocia in camel herds, its forms in primi- and multipara, the risks to fetus and dam, and the associated hematobiochemical changes. A total of 1890 calvings were surveyed for the prevalence of dystocia. Cases with dystocia (n = 107) were examined for causes and treated with traction, fetotomy or Cesarean section. Logistic regression was performed to identify risk factors. The dependent variables were the fetal and maternal mortality, while the independent variables were parity, duration of dystocia, causes of dystocia, and method of treatment. Blood samples were collected from all dystocia camels and six controls for hematology and concentrations of serum amyloid A (SAA), haptoglobin (Hp), estradiol-17β (E2), progesterone (P4), total protein, albumin, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). The overall prevalence of dystocia was 8.6%. Risk of dystocia was higher in camels managed in an intensive system than in those in a free system (Odds ratio = 1.9, P = 0.0003) and higher in primipara than in multipara (Odds ratio 1.7, P = 0.005). Abnormal posture was the most important cause of dystocia (51.4%). Uterine torsion was the second most important cause (23.4%) and was mainly observed in multipara (P = 0.0006). Dystocia was linked to high fetal mortality (87.9%). A significant relationship was found between fetal death and duration of dystocia (Odds ratio = 8.04, P = 0.005). The percentage of dam mortality was 17.8%. Significant associations were detected between dam mortality rate and the duration of dystocia (Odds ratio = 4.74, P = 0.03) and fetal viability (Odds ratio = 5.82, P = 0.02). Increasing duration of dystocia was associated with significant increases in SAA, Hp, BUN and AST, but with decreases in E2 (P < 0.05). After a transient period of elevation, the white blood cell and neutrophil counts decreased (P < 0.05). In conclusion, abnormal posture and uterine torsion were found to be the common causes of dystocia in dromedary camels, and fetal and maternal deaths were mainly associated with the duration of dystocia.