Stem Cell Treatment Initiated for a Camel for the First Time in Turkey

At Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, a stem cell-based treatment process, which is a first in Turkey, has been initiated for the retinal disorder of a 7-year-old male wrestling camel brought from Aydın.

A cell-based study was implemented for the eye disorder of a 7-year-old male wrestling camel brought from Aydın to Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. Examined initially under suspicion of cataract, it was determined using electroretinography and advanced imaging techniques that the problem originated from the retinal layer. It was reported that progenitor cells to be obtained from the camel's own blood will be used in the operation carried out by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Harun Çınar from the Department of Surgery and Dr. Faculty Member Emine Kübra Bilir from the Department of Pathology.

The treatment process, which started with sample collection on October 14, 2026, is expected to last one to two months. While this initiative holds the distinction of being the first cell-based treatment study targeting a retinal disorder in a camel within the borders of Turkey, it has not yet been clarified regarding the definitive success status of the treatment and whether the camel will regain its vision.