Camel Bite Injuries in North-Western Nigeria

Abstract

Camel bites are unusual type of injuries that are scarcely reported in the literature. It results in injuries that can be life threatening or limb threatening. Male camels are commonly implicated, during the rutting season. This article is a case series of six cases: all were males and camel rearers. Their injuries included open fractures of the upper limbs (Gustillo and Anderson IIIB and IIIC). Three patients underwent debridement with external fixation; one required amputation and the remaining two signed against medical advice. Out of the three that had external fixation, one died from generalised tetanus that had developed before presentation, the remaining two had non-union, requiring second procedure. Camel bite injuries are severe injuries and late presentation worsens the outcome of treatment.

Keywords

• domestic animals
• limb threatening
• rutting season