HEMOSTATIC PARAMETERS IN THE CAMEL (CAMELUS-DROMEDARIUS) - COMPARISON WITH HUMANS

Haemostatic measurements were undertaken in 46 camels (Camelus dromedarius) and the results were compared to human reference values. The effects of sex, age and pregnancy on camel haemostatic parameters were studied. There was significant shortening of the prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time and marked elevation of factor VIII clotting activity (FVIII:C), FVII and FIX in camels as compared to humans. On the other hand, FX, fibrinogen and packed cell volume levels were lower in camels than humans. These results indicate a more active state of the coagulation system in camels as compared to humans and this might be a physiological adaption that protects this animal from excessive blood or fluid loss under the conditions of drought and transhumance. Pregnancy had no effect on any measured parameters. Platelet counts and ATIII levels were higher in males than females, and both parameters, in addition to FIX, decreased with age. The lack of any fluctuations of haemostatic parameters during pregnancy in camels may be related to the placental type; camel placenta which is of the epitheliochorionic type is much less vascular and less liable to bleed than the haemochoroinic placenta of pregnant women, who show a hypercoagulable state to guard against excessive bleeding during placental separation.