The purpose of this study was to establish puncture techniques of the forelimb joints
in dromedary camels. Ten clinically healthy female camels, 6-9 years old, were
used in this study. Two camels were euthanized, preserved with 10% formalin
solution and used to determine the appropriate site/sites for puncturing the joints. In
addition, barium sulfate was intra-articularly injected for contrast radiography to
determine the joint capsule outlines. Joints of the forelimbs were aseptically
punctured in the remaining eight camels. In general, puncturing of the
interphalangeal, fetlock, intercarpal, and radiocarpal joints was very easy (grade 1)
compared to the puncturing of the shoulder and elbow joints (grade 2). The
approaches and puncture techniques were established for each joint as well as for
contrast radiography, and are described in detail. The approaches for camels are
somewhat different from those for horses and cattle. In conclusion, puncturing and
contrast arthrography of the forelimb joints could be performed in adult dromedary
camels and could be of clinical relevance in the diagnosis and treatment of some
joint disorders.