Waleed Elsayed Ahmed Ellawatty*, Saleh Al-Tuwayjiri and Fhad El-Fhad

Salam Camel Hospital, Salam Veterinary Group, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia

*Corresponding Author: Waleed Elsayed Ahmed Ellawatty, Salam Camel Hospital, Salam Veterinary Group, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia.

Received: September 08, 2025; Published: September 29, 2025

Abstract

Cosmetic enhancement techniques, including the illegal injection of air into the throat and neck regions, have emerged as methods of cheating in camel beauty competitions. This study aimed to clinically characterize and diagnose the effects of air injection in camels using multiple imaging modalities. A total of 2,136 camels were examined clinically and with imaging techniques, including radiography, computed tomography (CT), ultrasonography and infrared thermography. Camels exhibiting abnormal swelling or tissue changes in the throat and neck regions were compared to a control group of healthy animals.

Two hundred twelve camels (10%) were identified as having been injected with air. Clinical findings included subcutaneous crepitus, localized swelling, hard nodules, skin thickening, and, in severe cases, abscess formation. Ultrasonography proved the most sensitive diagnostic tool, revealing hyperechoic air pockets, shadowing artifacts, and fluid accumulation in advanced cases. Radiography detected radiolucent air pockets and chronic tissue changes, while CT provided detailed mapping of air distribution and associated complications. Infrared thermography supported the findings by highlighting abnormal temperature patterns but lacked specificity. No such abnormalities were found in the control group.

These findings demonstrate that air injection for cosmetic purposes in camels is detectable through a combination of clinical examination and advanced imaging. The practice poses significant health risks and welfare concerns, highlighting the need for routine screening, regulatory enforcement, and education to prevent such unethical practices in camel competitions.

Keywords: Dromedary Camel; Cosmetic Enhancement; Air Injection; Radiography; Computed Tomography; Ultrasonography; infrared Thermal Camera; Beauty Competition

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Citation

Citation: Waleed Elsayed Ahmed Ellawatty., et al. “From Deception to Detection: The First Imaging-Based Investigations to Detect Subcutaneous Air Injections for Cosmetic Enhancement in Dromedary Camels".Acta Scientific Veterinary Sciences 7.10 (2025): 48-62.

Copyright

Copyright: © 2025 Waleed Elsayed Ahmed Ellawatty., et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.