Dermoid cyst is more common than other cutaneous cysts in camels. This study recorded the effects of camel’s gender and age on the nature of dermoid cysts. A total of 1745 camels (Camelus dromedarius) were examined clinically for the presence of dermoid cyst, depending upon its characteristic location and clinical signs as well as paracentesis. A complete case history was taken whenever possible. The affected animal was subjected to thorough clinical examination. Gross examination of the cysts was also performed. The data were statistically analysed. Out of 1745 examined camels, 35 camels (2.01%) had 39 dermoid cysts. All of the recorded cysts were congenital and located at the anterolateral aspect of the cranial third of the neck, just over or near the jugular vein. The affected camels were 21 males and 14 females. The age of diseased camels ranged between one and 16 years. The recorded dermoid cysts located at the right side of neck in 18 camels and at the left one in 13 camels. However, four camels had bilateral dermoid cysts. The cyst appeared as fluctuating, round or oval, painless and movable swelling covered with normal haired skin. Gross examination of the cyst revealed a well-defined, encapsulated sac. The interior of cyst was lined with haired uneven skin and had multiple hair tufts, squamous debris, keratinous material, masses of greasy scales and coffee-coloured fluid. The cysts were either unilocular or multilocular and volume of the cystic contents ranged between 4 and 250 mL. There were no statistically significant associations between the camel’s gender and the nature of the dermoid cysts (P > 0.05). However, there were statistically significant associations between the camel’s age and the nature of the dermoid cysts in terms of volume of the cystic contents and presence of septa (P < 0.05). Each one-year increase in the affected camel’s age increased the volume of cystic contents by 17.01 mL (R2 = 0.96, P < 0.0001). In conclusion, dermoid cyst is a common congenital cutaneous cyst in camels and has an identical location as well as characteristic features. The camel’s age has an effect on the nature of dermoid cyst in terms of volume of the cystic contents and presence of septa.
Key words: Camel, cutaneous cyst, dermoid cyst, dromedaries, neck swelling, paracentesis
Home