Physical, biochemical and cytologic properties of blood and synovial fluid in clinically normal adult camel (Camelus dromedarius).

Forty-three adult one-humped Iranian camels (Camelus dromedarius) were studied to determine their physical, cellular and biochemical parameters of synovial fluid and blood. All the animals were clinically normal with no clinical signs of locomotion problem. Synovial fluid samples were taken from both elbow joints, and blood samples were also obtained from the jugular vein immediately prior to arthrocentesis. The synovial fluid appeared pale, creamy, and clear with no debris. No clot formation was observed at room temperature. Mucin clot test in all samples was normal. The percentage of neutrophils and eosinophils in the synovial fluid was lower than that in blood (P < 0.05). In contrast, the percentage of lymphocytes and monocytes in the synovial fluid was higher than that in blood (P < 0.05). The concentration of protein, glucose, uric acid, inorganic phosphorus, calcium, sodium, potassium, magnesium and the activities of AST, ALT, ALP, CK and LDH was higher in the serum than in the synovial fluid (P < 0.05). Nonetheless, the concentration of chloride in the synovial fluid was higher than in the serum (P < 0.05). The concentration of urea nitrogen in the synovial fluid was similar to that of the serum. Comparing the values of the synovial fluid constituents of the left and the right elbow joint showed that there was no significant difference in any of the physical, cellular and biochemical parameters. No significant difference was found in any of the cellular and biochemical parameters of male and female camels' blood except in red blood cell counts, which was lower in females than in males. Comparing the values of the synovial fluid of male and female camels showed that there was no significant difference in any of the physical, cellular and biochemical parameters.