An Outbreak of Pre-parturient and Post-parturient Clinical Hypocalcemia in a Camel’s Herd in Iran

Abstract

Background: Desert plants cannot provide all the animals’ requirements for calcium and mineral deficiency in camels. This condition is mostly aggravated in dry seasons. The present study investigates hypocalcemia in pre-parturient and post-parturient camels. Methods: In a camel herd, 25 out of 96 pregnant animals showed clinical signs of hypocalcemia within a week after parturition. Two camels had abortions, and 9 animals that gave birth died. The blood samples were collected from the animals, and their calcium and phosphorus concentrations were measured using a commercial kit. Results: The clinical and necropsy signs resemble a decline in blood calcium, and the level of calcium and phosphorus had fallen below the normal range in all tested blood samples. Most camels recovered after the administration of injectable calcium and adding supplementary nutrition. Conclusion: Paying attention to mineral balance, especially in the last months of pregnancy and in recently parturiated camels, is crucial.