Gestational ultrasound in crab-eating fox
Keywords:
Ultrasound, wild mammals, complementary examsAbstract
The running over of wild animals is very common in urban areas due to the increasing degradation of their natural habitats. The crab-eating fox is a species of canid that inhabits forests, and woodlands, and can be involved in accidents on roads and highways when its environment is threatened. A female fox was treated at the Sylvio Barbosa Cardoso Veterinary Hospital, presenting apathy and signs of pregnancy. To perform additional tests, such as ultrasound, it was necessary to chemically restrain the animal, this practice was performed through the administration of ketamine 5mg/kg and acepromazine 0.1mg/kg intramuscularly (IM). The examination concluded that the female was carrying three live fetuses. Therefore, it can be concluded that performing ultrasounds is beneficial for gestational diagnosis, and that wild animals should be chemically contained during examinations to avoid accidents with the technicians involved in the handling and to safeguard the health of the animal and its fetuses, as illustrated in this case.
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