Cervical ectopia cordis in a neonatal camel (Camelus dromedarius): A rare case report from North Kordofan, Sudan.

BACKGROUND

Ectopia cordis (EC) is a rare congenital condition in which the heart is partially or completely displaced outside the thoracic cavity. This abnormality is most commonly recognized in humans but has also been observed in dogs, cats, cattle, pigs, and goats. However, it has not been documented in camelids.

CASE DESCRIPTION: This case report describes the case of a neonatal camel calf born in rural Wad Ashana, North Kordofan, Sudan, who presented with EC. The heart was located in its pericardium outside the thoracic cavity, at the most ventral aspect of the cervical region. The heart exhibited a normal morphology and a normal heartbeat. Despite the absence of any additional malformations, the calf died 2 days after delivery.

CONCLUSION

This case is the first documented instance of EC in camels from Sudan and offers important information for veterinary literature on congenital anomalies.