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

Background: Desert plants can’t provide all the animals requirements for calcium and mineral deficiency in camels is mostly visible in dry seasons. The present study investigates hypocalcemia in pre-partum and post-parturient camels. Methods: In a camel herd 25 out of 96 pregnant animals showed clinical signs of hypocalcemia within a week post-parturition. Two camels had abortions and 9 animals that gave birth had died. Blood sample was collected and calcium and phosphorus concentration was measured using a commercial kit. Results: The clinical and necropsy signs bore a resemblance of decline in blood calcium and the level of calcium and phosphorus had fallen below the normal range in all the tested blood. Most of the camels recovered after administration of injectable calcium and adding supplementary nutrition. Conclusion: Regarding the presence of camels suffered hypocalcemia in the current study, paying attention to minerals balance especially in last months of pregnancy and in recently parturiated camels is crucial.