Exploring the gut-kidney axis: Possible connection between gastrointestinal and renal disorders in dromedary camels

Mohamed Tharwat^1*Hazem M.M. Elmoghazy²Abdelmonem Abdallah³

• ¹Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Qassim University, buraydah, Saudi Arabia
• ²Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
• ³University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, Canada

This study explored the interrelationship between gastrointestinal (GI) disorders and renal dysfunction in dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius). Seventy camels were examined, including 49 with GI conditions and 21 clinically healthy controls. Based on clinical presentation, affected camels were categorized as Group 1 (n=22, intestinal obstruction), Group 2 (n=20, GI impaction), and Group 3 (n=7, chronic diarrhea). Camels with obstruction showed absent defecation, abdominal pain, anorexia, distension, and dehydration; impaction cases presented with constipation, vomiting, inappetence, and abdominal pain; and diarrhea cases exhibited chronic dehydration and anorexia. Two jugular blood samples were collected from each camel for biochemical and serological analyses, and ultrasonography was used to assess both GI and urinary tracts. Serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine were modeled using simple linear regression. The total effect of GI disorders on these renal biomarkers was estimated, with direct effects assessed after adjusting for hematocrit, total protein, sodium, potassium, albumin, globulin, and phosphorus, identified as potential mediators through directed acyclic graphs (DAGs). Compared to controls, Groups 1–3 showed significantly elevated BUN (2.2-, 1.9-, and 2.6-fold, respectively) and creatinine (2.4-, 2.7-, and 3-fold, respectively). Adjustment for mediators had little effect, indicating robust and independent associations between GI disorders and renal function. Ultrasonography further supported these findings: Group 1 camels had distended intestinal loops with diminished or absent motility and peri-intestinal fluid; Group 2 showed absent or hyperechogenic rumen contents; and Group 3 exhibited increased peristalsis, mucosal thickening, and mesenteric lymphadenopathy. In conclusion, GI disorders in dromedary camels are strongly linked to renal dysfunction, with consistent biochemical and ultrasonographic evidence. Early diagnosis and prompt management of GI disorders are critical to preventing secondary renal complications in this species.