This study describes the clinical presentation of Achilles tendon rupture and
evaluates the utility of radiography and ultrasonography in the diagnosis of
such disorder in dromedary camels. Seventeen camels were included in this
study based on the clinical, radiographic and ultrasonographic evidence of
Achilles tendon rupture. The clinical, radiographic and sonographic findings of
studied camels differ according to the type, duration, and location of the
tendon rupture. Complete and incomplete rupture of the Achilles tendon was
precisely diagnosed in five (29.4%) and twelve (70.6%) camels respectively;
ruptured deep and superficial parts of the Achilles tendon were recorded in
10 (58.8%) and 2 (11.8%) camels respectively. Clinically, the camels exhibited
an acute non-weight-bearing lameness (second to fourth-grade lameness),
with swelling in the tendon near the calcaneus. Radiographs revealed swelling
of the soft tissues surrounding the Achilles tendon just proximal to the
calcaneal tuberosity in most of the camels with the presence of avulsion
fracture of the calcaneus in few cases (n=2). Ultrasonographically, the
ruptured part was precisely diagnosed as swollen, oedematous,
heterogeneous structure with the presence of anechoic or hypoechoic areas
(core lesion). In conclusion, lateromedial radiographs and ultrasonography
were helpful in diagnosis and differential diagnosis of different types of
Achilles tendon rupture and subsequent clinical decision and surgical
interference in dromedary camels.