Impact of Flunixin Meglumine, Phenylbutazone and Electroacupuncture on Ocular Pain and Corneal Wound Healing in the Dromedary Camel (Camelus dromedarius)

This study aimed to determine the effects of flunixin meglumine, phenylbutazone, and electroacupuncture on corneal wound healing and pain relief in dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius). The present study was conducted on sixteen dromedary camels (seven males and nine females). The camels were diagnosed with new corneal injury after undergoing general and ophthalmic examinations. An ophthalmological examination was performed to determine the dimensions of the corneal wound using an ophthalmoscope and florescence test to determine the measurement of the corneal wound. The study involved categorising camels into four groups and administering local ointment (gentamicin) to all camels. Furthermore, individualised treatment protocols were implemented for each group. The first group served as the control and received no treatment. The second group was treated with the flunixin meglumine, while the third group was injected with the phenylbutazone. The fourth group received electroacupuncture treatment once daily for a duration of five days. A comprehensive ocular pain scoring system was used, which involved the assessment of eight different ocular parameters to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatments. The mean maximum ocular pain level score at 12 hours after a corneal wound in the control group represented a mild-moderate level of pain greater than the mean maximum ocular pain level score in the phenylbutazone group. The flunixin meglumine and electroacupuncture treatment groups showed the lowest cumulative pain scores of all treatments. Electroacupuncture has been found to be an effective treatment for ocular pain relief and expediting corneal wound healing in camels. Flunixin meglumine was found to be the most reliable option in relieving ocular pain comparing to phenylbutazone or Electroacupuncture.