Echocardiography of the normal camel ( Camelus dromedaries) heart: technique and cardiac dimensions

Abstract

Background

Echocardiography and intra-cardiac dimensions have not previously been reported in adult camels despite its potential application for medical purpose. The aim of this study was to describe the results of a prospective study, aiming to report normal cardiac appearance and normal chamber dimensions in adult camels ( Camelus dromedarius).

Results

On the right side, when the probe was placed in the 5 ^th or 4 ^th intercostal space (ICS), the caudal long-axis four-chamber view of the ventricles, atria, and the interventricular septum was obtained. Placing the probe slightly more cranially in the 4 ^th ICS, the caudal long-axis four-chamber view and the caudal long-axis view of the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) were imaged. In 7 camels, a hybrid view between a “four-chamber” and “LVOT view” was imaged from the same position. The short-axis view of the ventricles was obtained in the 4 ^th ICS where the transducer was rotated between 0° and 25°. Placement of the transducer in the 3 ^rd ICS allowed visualisation of the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT). On the left side, when the probe was placed in the 5 ^th or 4 ^th ICS, a four-chamber view was obtained. The LVOT is imaged in the 4 ^th ICS and the RVOT was seen from the 3 ^rd ICS.

Conclusions

This study showed that it is possible to obtain good-quality echocardiograms in adult camels and provide normal cardiac dimensions. This study could be used as a reference for further studies concerning camels with cardiac diseases.