A case of oral health problem in a geriatric camel (Camelus batracianus) showing behavioral changes

Behavioral and appetite changes in elderly zoo animals may represent nonspecific symptoms of a serious and painful disease, and should be carefully examined. A 20-year-old intact male camel (Camelus bactrianus), with an estimated body weight of 750 Kg, was referred to the University Veterinary Teaching Hospital of Padova following a 5-month history of increasing aggression and irritability towards cohabiting camels and keepers and decreasing appetite. The animal also had a 3-month history of progressive reduction in physical condition. Sedation of the animal was planned to perform physical examination, blood sampling, abdominal ultrasound and oral radiographic imaging at the zoological park. Xylazine 0.3 mg/kg and butorphanol 0.06 mg/kg were mixed in a 5 ml dart and administered intramuscularly (IM) using a blow pipe. Supplemental xylazine and butorphanol (total dose of 0.4 and 0.04 mg/kg, respectively) were administered IM during procedures, to maintain sternal recumbency. General physical and abdominal ultrasound examination were unremarkable. Palpation through the cheeks revealed food pocketing, and severe dental irregularities. Gingivitis, periodontal pocketing and periodontitis were observed through intra- oral examination using a full mouth gag. Extra-oral X-ray revealed the absence of the upper left first molar the presence of broken teeth (lower left first and second molars) and osteolytic lesions. Mobile fractured dental fragments were removed, and all the sharp enamel points rasped using a motorized equipment and water-dip cooling. Atipamezole 0.06mg/kg was administered IM at the end of the procedure, and the camel was able to stand on the first attempt within 20 minutes. Heart rate, respiratory rate, arterial blood pressure oxygen saturation and temperature were stable during procedures. Blood work resulted to be within the normal limit The camel became calmer within a week, improved its physical condition, and gained weight within 2 months. The incidence of oral disorders ranges from 10 to 27% in camels (Camelus dromedarius) over 10 years old. (2) Dental disorders in camelids might cause an obvious loss of condition due to poor prehension and improper mastication, but also slight pain-related behavioral changes. Through careful observation of animal behavior, dental disorders could be identified and treated early, preventing the worsening of periodontitis, tooth loss and teeth fractures and their negative impact on tha animal’s general condition.