First report of cryptorchidism in a dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius) in Nigeria: a case report

A study was carried out to examine the incidence of cryptorchidism in dromedary camel males slaughtered at the Sokoto modern abattoir in Nigeria. Testes of 171 males were examined for cryptorchidism by palpating their scrotum and locating their testes. Males without testes were followed to determine the nature, location and obtain the dimensions (longitudinal length, mid testicular circumference, and testicular weight) of the cryptorchid male. These dimensions were also obtained in 5 non-cryptorchid males for comparison. One (0.58 %) of the male samples was cryptorchid, where the cryptorchid testis was bilateral and subcutaneously located. The testicular morphometry of the cryptorchid male was within the range of the non-cryptorchid males examined. However, histological changes characterized by atrophied testis with disrupted architecture, testicular degeneration, decrease seminiferous tubules devoid of spermatids were seen in the cryptorchid testes but absent in the non-cryptorchid males. It was concluded that cryptorchidism rarely occurs in dromedary camel as this is the first report in Nigeria. The cryptorchid male had reduced spermatogenic activities capable of rendering the male unfit for reproduction and could spread if unchecked.