Anatomical Study of the Nerve Supply of the Dromedary Camel (Camelus dromedarius) in the Distal Hindlimb with a Special Reference to the Cutaneous Innervation

SIMPLE SUMMARY: The nerve supply of the distal part of the hindlimb is very important for the motor and sensory function of the hindlimb. The dromedary camel is historically and currently a very important species for transportation, riding, and racing in many countries. Therefore, understanding the structural components of its limbs is highly important for clinical and surgical purposes. The nerve supply of the distal part of the hindlimb has been discussed in a few domestic species; however, little is known about the nerve supply in the dromedary camel. This study aimed to show the anatomical structure of the nerve supply of the distal part of the hindlimb. Dromedary hindlimbs were collected from a slaughterhouse. Then, they were fixed using 10% formalin. Subsequently, dissection was performed to show the group of nerves that supply the hindlimb’s distal portion. The result shows the branches of the superficial fibular nerve and tibial nerve. It is very important to understand the nerves that supply the distal part of the hindlimb for anesthesia of the skin, tendons and joints. ABSTRACT: This study aimed to describe the anatomy of the nerve supply of the hindlimb’s distal portion in a dromedary camel’s foot. In our study, we used ten adult slaughtered dromedary camels (twenty distal hindlimbs) of different sexes and ages (4–6 years). The hindlimbs were preserved using 10% formalin for about one week. The distal part of the hindlimb of the camels was dissected with extreme precision to show the group of nerves responsible for the nervous supply to the distal part of the hindlimb in dromedary camels. This study shows the numerous branches of the superficial fibular nerve along its extension to the dorsal surface metatarsus and the abaxial aspect of the third digit. The results show that the tibial nerve possesses many branches along its extension to the plantar surface skin of the metatarsus. Additionally, it provides the axial and abaxial plantar surfaces of the fourth digit and the interdigital surfaces as well as its branches to supply the plantar-abaxial and plantar-axial of the third digit. The present study shows the anatomical nerve supply of the hindlimb’s distal portion that is essential for anesthesia and surgery in this region.