AMPROLIUM-INDUCED CEREBROCORTICAL NECROSIS (CCN) IN DROMEDARY RACING CAMELS

Amprolium was successfully used to induce Cerebrocortical necrosis (CC N) in dromedary racing camels, only when they were fed on a barley die t Camels which were fed on hay ad libitum did not suffer from CCN, alt hough their thiamine pyrophosphate FP) reached similar levels as in ca mels fed on barley. The reason for this phenomenon is discussed Five c amels which suffered from CCN had TPP values of 80-115% and were eutha nized on humane grounds when they were in lateral recumbency. Pathohis tological investigations revealed a polioencephalomalacia of the dorsa l cerebral cortex with oedema and status spongiosus. Cerebral autofluo rescence was observed under untravoilet light The major clinicopatholo gical changes were a slight anaemia and a decreased potassium value wh ereas glucose, muscle enzymes; leucocyte counts and differential count s were elevated. A TPP effect of 12% was found during this study in he althy dromedary racing camels and symptoms were observed when TPP valu es reached 80-115%. The test is now being widely used during the camel racing season.