Tomographic evaluation of the glands and lymph nodes of the cervical region in the crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous).

The present study aimed to determine references of normality of computed tomographic (CT) images of mandibular and parotid salivary glands (PSGs), medial retropharyngeal and mandibular lymph nodes and thyroid gland of 10 clinically healthy crab-eating foxes, Cerdocyon thous. The location, shape, homogeneity of the parenchyma, and length, height, width and pre- and post-contrast attenuation values were evaluated. The anatomical structures in the crab-eating foxes studied here presented anatomical landmarks similar to those described for domestic dogs, and showed a regular shape and homogenous parenchyma, except for the PSGs, that showed predominantly heterogeneous parenchyma. The thyroid gland topography in the crab-eating fox, though very similar, is not identical to the domestic dog and the presence of isthmus between the lobes was not detected. The values obtained from crab-eating foxes are within the normal range, although in the upper limits of dogs. There was a significant difference in the attenuation values between the right and left lobes of the thyroid gland, being greater in the left thyroid lobe. CT attenuation values ranges for this neotropical canid can be incorporated into routine staging procedures in the veterinary care of the crab-eating foxes. Furthermore, the CT images obtained were similar to those of healthy dogs, and the information obtained can be considered as initial tomographic references of normality in the cervical structures of the crab-eating fox, in order to aid in the diagnosis of future diseases that can affect this neotropical canid.

Serological Survey for Three Canine Viruses in Brazilian Wild Carnivores : Antibodies Against Canine Viruses in Wild Carnivores.

We evaluated the presence of antibodies against CaHV-1, CDV, and CPV-2 in serum samples from Brazilian wild carnivore species. Nine maned wolves and six crab-eating foxes were tested for CaHV-1 and CDV by virus neutralization test and CPV-2 by hemagglutination inhibition assay. Antibodies to CaHV-1, CDV, and CPV-2 were detected in serum samples of 1 (6.7%), 5 (33.3%), and 10 (66.7%) wild carnivores, respectively. Two maned wolves and one crab-eating fox were seropositive simultaneously for CDV and CPV-2. Antibodies against all viruses were detected in one crab-eating fox. This is the first report of CaHV-1 antibody detection in crab-eating foxes.

Wild canids and the ecological traps facing the climate change and deforestation in the Amazon Forest.

Ecological traps occur when species choose to settle in lower-quality habitats, even if this reduces their survival or productivity. This happens in situations of drastic environmental changes, resulting from anthropogenic pressures. In long term, this could mean the extinction of the species. We investigated the dynamics of occurrence and distribution of three canid species (Atelocynus microtis, Cerdocyon thous, and Spheotos venaticus) considering human threats to their habitats in the Amazon Rainforest. We analyzed the environmental thresholds for the occurrence of these species and related to the future projections of climatic niches for each one. All three species will be negatively affected by climate change in the future, with losses of up to 91% of the suitable area of occurrence in the Brazilian Amazon. A. microtis appear to be more forest-dependent and must rely on the goodwill of decision-makers to be maintained in the future. For C. thous and S. venaticus, climatic variables and those associated with anthropogenic disturbances that modulate their niches today may not act the same way in the future. Even though C. thous is least dependent on the Amazon Forest; this species may be affected in the future due to the ecological traps. S. venaticus, can also undergo the same process, but perhaps more drastically due to the lower ecological plasticity of this species compared to C. thous. Our results suggest that the ecological traps may put these two species at risk in the future. Using the canid species as a model, we had the opportunity to investigate these ecological effects that can affect a large part of the Amazonian fauna in the current scenario. Considering the high degree of environmental degradation and deforestation in the Amazon Rainforest, the theory of ecological traps must be discussed at the same level as the habitat loss, considering the strategies for preserving the Amazon biodiversity.

The First Report and Phylogenetic Analysis of Canine Distemper Virus in Cerdocyon thous from Colombia.

Canine distemper virus (CDV) is the etiological agent of a highly prevalent viral infectious disease of domestic and wild carnivores. This virus poses a conservation threat to endangered species worldwide due to its ability to jump between multiple species and produce a disease, which is most often fatal. Although CDV infection has been regularly diagnosed in Colombian wildlife, to date the molecular identity of circulating CDV lineages is currently unknown. Our aim was to evaluate the presence and phylogenetic characterization of CDV detected in samples from naturally infected Cerdocyon thous from Colombia. We sequenced for the first time the CDV infecting wildlife in Colombia and demonstrated the presence of South America/North America-4 Lineage with a higher relationship to sequences previously reported from domestic and wild fauna belonging to the United States of America. Our results are crucial for the understanding of the interspecies transmission of CDV in the domestic/wild interface and for the prevention and control of such an important multi-host pathogen.

Molecular phylogenetic study in Spirocercidae (Nematoda) with description of a new species Spirobakerus sagittalis sp. nov. in wild canid Cerdocyon thous from Brazil.

The nematode family Spirocercidae Chitwood and Wehr, 1932, comprises three subfamilies, Spirocercinae Chitwood and Wehr, 1932; Ascaropsinae Alicata and McIntosh, 1933; and Mastophorinae Quentin, 1970, which occur worldwide. Spirocercids infect canids and can cause severe illness. The crab-eating fox, Cerdocyon thous (Linnaeus, 1766), is a canid that inhabits most of South America, including Brazil and is a host for several parasitic worms, in particular, nematodes. However, few reports or genetic data are available on the spirocercids found in this host. In the present study, we describe a new species of Spirobakerus Chabaud and Bain 1981, from the intestine of two crab-eating foxes from two different biomes in Brazil. Spirobakerus sagittalis sp. nov. presents a) unequal spicules, with a long, thin left spicule with a lanceolated shape at the tip; b) a pair of sessile papillae and a median unpaired papillae located anteriorly of the cloaca, and c) a tuft without spines at the tip of the tail in females. The molecular phylogenetic analysis indicated that S. sagittalis sp. nov. is basal to the other species of the subfamily Ascaropsinae, which was not recovered as monophyletic. Our phylogenies also indicated that Spirocercidae is paraphyletic, given that Mastophorinae did not group with Ascaropsinae and Spirocercinae. We provide the first molecular data on the genus Spirobakerus and expand the molecular database of the spirocercids. However, further studies, including the sequences of other spirocercid taxa, are still needed to infer the relationships within this family more accurately.

Origin and main ramifications of coeliac artery in Cerdocyon thous.

BACKGROUND: Cerdocyon thous is the canid with the greatest geographical coverage in South America. The aim of this study was to describe the origin, skeletopy, length and main branches of the coeliac artery in C. thous. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The dissections were performed on 14 cadavers of adult specimens, 6 males and 8 females, with a rostrosacral length average of 67.00 ± 4.7 cm and 62.09 ± 5.7 cm, respectively. The specimens were collected dead on highways on the banks of the Atlantic Forest (Rio de Janeiro) and the Pampa biome (Rio Grande do Sul) in Brazil. The cadavers were fixed and preserved in a formaldehyde solution until dissection. The coeliac artery was dissected, the length was measured "in situ" and its main branches were recorded. The coeliac artery emerged as a single artery in all dissected animals. RESULTS: The average length of the coeliac artery was 1.43 ± 0.17 cm in males and 1.39 mm ± 0.24 cm in females, with no significant difference in this measurement between sexes. The predominant skeletopy was at the level of the second lumbar vertebra (57.1%), positioned on average 1.43 cm cranially to the cranial mesenteric artery. In most individuals (92.9%), the classic trifurcation was formed: the coeliac artery branched into the hepatic, left gastric, and lienal arteries. Only 1 male animal presented a bifurcation formed between the hepatic artery and a gastrolienal trunk. CONCLUSIONS: These anatomical characteristics are similar to those of other species of the Canidae family, possibly due to their phylogenetic proximity.

THE EYE OF CRAB-EATING FOX (CERDOCYON THOUS): ANATOMICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND NORMATIVE VALUES OF SELECTED DIAGNOSTIC TESTS, MORPHOMETRY OF CORNEAL TISSUE, AND ARRANGEMENTS OF CORNEAL STROMAL COLLAGEN FIBERS.

This study aimed to evaluate the ophthalmic parameters, morphometric features of corneal tissue, and arrangements of corneal stromal collagen fibers in crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous), a species of neotropical wild canid. We conducted the study on six juvenile crab-eating foxes (12 eyes), whilst 16 eyes were obtained post mortem from eight adult crab-eating foxes. The research was divided into two stages. In the first stage, eye anatomical characteristics, tear production (Schirmer 1 tear test, STT1), intraocular pressure (IOP), ocular echobiometry, and specular microscopy parameters related to morphology of corneal endothelium were studied in juvenile animals. In the second stage, morphometric features of corneal tissue (central corneal thickness [CCT] and corneal epithelium thickness) and arrangements of stromal collagen fibers were studied using eyes from adult animals. The main findings were that crab-eating fox eyes have vertical-slit pupils, holangiotic retina, and reference values (mean ± SD) of 13.37 ± 3.79 mm/min for STT1 and of 10.43 ± 3.84 mmHg for IOP. The ocular echobiometric features observed in crab-eating foxes are different from those reported for domestic dogs (Canis familiaris). Conversely, the corneal endothelial parameters are similar to those of domestic dogs. The CCT measured by tissue morphometry was 0.54 ± 0.06 mm, and the corneal epithelium thickness was 60.13 ± 8.71 µm. Mean coherency related to alignment of collagen fibers was 0.66 ± 0.12. The crab-eating fox cornea had predominantly thick collagen fibers. Crab-eating fox eyes have morphofunctional peculiarities. They resemble the eyes of domestic dogs in some aspects, but diverge in others.

Arteria renal doble en Cerdocyon thous / Double Renal Artery in Cerdocyon thous

RESUMEN Objetivo. El propósito de este estudio fue explorar la duplicidad de la arteria renal en un espécimen de Cerdocyon thous, centrándose en las posibilidades de la implicación clínico-quirúrgica de esta variación anatómica. Materiales y Métodos. Fueron disecados 32 especímenes de Cerdocyon thous, obtenidos de las colecciones del Laboratorio de Enseñanza e Investigación en Morfología de los Animales Domésticos y Salvajes del Departamento de Anatomía Animal y Humana, de la Universidad Federal Rural del Rio de Janeiro y del Laboratorio de Anatomía Animal de la Universidad Federal del Pampa. Resultados. Fue observada una variación numérica en la arteria renal izquierda en un cadáver hembra adulto. El riñón izquierdo tenía dos arterias renales, una craneal y otra caudal. La primera arteria renal del riñón izquierdo, midiendo 2,25 cm de longitud, se ha originado lateralmente desde la aorta abdominal a nivel de la tercera vértebra lumbar. Además, emanaba dos ramas prehiliares, una dorsal y otra ventral, con la rama ventral suministrando también a la glándula suprarrenal. La segunda arteria renal también se ha originado lateralmente desde la aorta abdominal a nivel de la tercera vértebra lumbar, midiendo 2,36 cm de longitud. También ha emitido dos ramas prehiliares, una craneal y otra caudal, las cuales emitieron la rama uretral. Conclusiones. Las variaciones numéricas de las arterias renales deben ser consideradas en la ejecución de procedimientos quirúrgicos, radiológicos y experimentales, con los fines de evitar errores ocasionados por la falta de conocimiento de la posibilidad de estas variaciones tanto en animales domésticos como salvajes.

ABSTRACT Objective. The aim of this study was explored the duplicity of renal artery in a specimen of Cerdocyon thous, focusing on the possibilities of clinical-surgical implication of this anatomical variation. Materials and methods. Were dissected 32 specimens of Cerdocyon thous, obtained from the collections of the Laboratório de Ensino e Pesquisa em Morfologia dos Animais Domésticos e Selvagens do Departamento de Anatomia Animal e Humana, da Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro e Laboratório de Anatomia Animal da Universidade Federal do Pampa. Results. Were observed a numerical variation in the left renal artery in an adult female cadaver. The left kidney had two renal arteries, one cranial and another caudal. The first renal artery of the left kidney, measuring 2.25 cm in length, originated laterally from the abdominal aorta at the level of the third lumbar vertebra. Moreover, it emanated two pre-hilar branches, one dorsal and one ventral, with the ventral branch supplying also to the adrenal gland. The second renal artery also originated laterally from the abdominal aorta at the level of the third lumbar vertebra and measured 2.36 cm in length. It also emitted two pre-hilar branches, one cranial and another caudal, which emitted the ureteral branch. Conclusions. Numerical variations of the renal arteries should be considered in the execution of surgical, radiological and experimental procedures in order to avoid mistakes made due to lack of knowledge of the possibility these variations both in domestic and wild animals.

Mamastrovirus 5 detected in a crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous): Expanding wildlife host range of astroviruses.

Astroviruses are a common cause of gastroenteritis in children worldwide and can also cause infection in a range of domestic and wild animal species. Canine astrovirus (formally named as Mamastrovirus 5, MAstV5) has been reported worldwide, and its role as an enteric pathogen is still controversial. Herein, we describe the genomic characterization of a MAstV5 (strain crab-eating fox/2016/BRA) identified in a wild canid (Cerdocyon thous) diagnosed with canine distemper virus (CDV) as causa mortis. The nearly complete genome comprised 6579 nt in length and displayed the archetypal organization of astroviruses. The present report is the first evidence of MAstV5 infection in an animal species other than the dog and highlights a possible natural astrovirus spillover between domestic and wild canids. Moreover, these results show the first evidence of extra-intestinal MAstV5, suggesting a virus systemic spread. This work is expected to contribute to a better understanding of the astroviruses biology and their interactions with the wildlife health.

Occurrence of Lutzomyia longipalpis Lutz & Neiva 1912 and Cerdocyon thous Linnaeus 1977, in a visceral leishmaniasis endemic area in Brazil.

Cerdocyon thous presents a wide geographic distribution in Brazil and its role as a possible Leishmania infantum reservoir in a visceral leishmaniasis (VL) transmission cycle regardless of dogs (Canis familiaris) has been discussed. From this perspective, this work describes the occurrence and use of the habitat by Cerdocyon thous in a Lutzomyia longipalpis occurrence area Teresina (Piaui - Brazil), VL endemic region. Three specimens of C. thous were monitored with the use of radio telemetry and trails and footprints, seeking to find possible natural dens in order to collect the sanflies from the site. Luminous CDC and Damasceno traps were simultaneously installed at the visited sites, where two specimens of L. longipalpis and one L. termitophila were captured. The identification of the dens and trails, allows us to infer that the dens are not used only by the C. thous. Finding the VL vector in natural C. thous natural dens, reinforces the hypothesis of transmission of Le. infantum in the outskirts of the large urban centers, in a cycle that independs from dogs.

Histological description of Cerdocyon thous (Linnaeus, 1766) respiratory system / Descrição histológica do sistema respiratório de Cerdocyon thous (Linnaeus, 1766)

The massive agricultural expansion converted the Cerdocyon thous, a South American native predator, in vulnerable specie. Basic data, such as histological description, are important to raise awareness on animal species, helping on preservation strategies. Considering the difficult in obtain samples, as the euthanasia of wild animals for this purpose is not allowed, data on histology are very scarce or inexistent. The objective of this paper was to provide a detailed histological description of the trachea and bronchial tree of the crab-eating fox Cerdocyon thous (Linnaeus, 1766). The specimens (one adult male and one adult female) used were provided by the Federal University of Pelotas (Pelotas, RS, Brazil) Rehabilitation Center of Wild Fauna (NURFS). Tissue samples were fixed in 10% formalin and included in paraffin. After slicing, samples were stained with HE (hematoxylin and eosin), PAS (periodic acid-Schiff) and resorcin fuchsin. Trachea had an average diameter of 7.87mm, and approximately 57% of the mucosa ciliated pseudo-stratified columnar epithelium was composed of goblet cells, mostly in the dorsal region. Bronchia and bronchioles had a mucosal fold with higher number of goblet cells. Using all these techniques there is no great remarkable differences from C. thous trachea and lung, when compared with the previous described structures for carnivores and most mammals, except for the goblet cells "regionalization". Described results are important to understand the animal physiological and behavioral habits, allowing the development of preservation and protection strategies.(AU)

A expansão agrícola maciça tornou o Cerdocyon thous, um predador nativo sul-americano, vulnerável. Dados básicos, tais como descrição histológica, são importantes para aumentar o conhecimento sobre as espécies, ajudando nas estratégias de preservação. A eutanásia de animais selvagens para a coleta de amostras não é permitida, por isso os dados sobre a histologia são muito escassos ou inexistentes. O objetivo deste trabalho foi de fornecer uma descrição histológica detalhada da traqueia e árvore brônquica do cachorro do mato Cerdocyon thous (Linnaeus 1766). Os espécimes (um macho e uma fêmea adultos) utilizados foram fornecidos pela Universidade Federal de Pelotas (Pelotas, RS, Brasil), Centro de Reabilitação da Fauna (NURFS). As amostras de tecido foram fixadas em formalina a 10% e incluídas em parafina. Após o corte, as amostras foram coradas com HE (hematoxilina e eosina), PAS (ácido periódico de Schiff) e resorcina fucsina. A traqueia tinha um diâmetro médio de 7,87 milímetros e aproximadamente 57% do diâmetro do epitélio colunar pseudo-estratificado ciliado da mucosa composto por células caliciformes, principalmente na região dorsal do órgão. Os brônquios e bronquíolos apresentaram cararísticas similares aos outros animais, contudo aparenta ter maior número de células caliciformes. Usando distintas técnicas de coloração, observou-se que não há diferenças notáveis da traqueia e do pulmão de C. thous quando comparados com os dados para carnívoros e para a maioria dos mamíferos, exceto a regionalização de células caliciformes. Os resultados descritos são importantes para compreender a fisiologia dos animais e hábitos comportamentais, permitindo o desenvolvimento de estratégias de preservação e proteção.(AU)

Exposure of Free-Ranging Wild Carnivores and Domestic Dogs to Canine Distemper Virus and Parvovirus in the Cerrado of Central Brazil.

Human population growth around protected areas increases the contact between wild and domestic animals, promoting disease transmission between them. This study investigates the exposure of free-ranging wild carnivores and domestic dogs to canine distemper virus (CDV) and parvovirus in Emas National Park (ENP) in the Cerrado savanna of central Brazil. Serum samples were collected from 169 wild carnivores, including the maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus), crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous), hoary fox (Pseudalopex vetulus), puma (Puma concolor), ocelot (Leopardus pardalis), pampas cat (Leopardus colocolo), jaguarundi (Herpailurus yagouaroundi), striped hog-nosed skunk (Conepatus semistriatus) and coati (Nasua nasua), and from 35 domestic dogs living on rural properties bordering ENP. Serological tests showed that 10.6% of wild carnivores (maned wolves, crab-eating foxes and ocelots) and 71.4% of domestic dogs were exposed to CDV, and 56.8% of wild carnivores, including all species sampled except coatis, and 57.1% of domestic dogs were exposed to parvovirus. This report is the first to indicate that the free-ranging pampas cat, jaguarundi and striped hog-nosed skunk are exposed to parvovirus. CDV and parvovirus deserve attention in ENP, and it is extremely important to monitor the health of carnivore populations and perform molecular diagnosis of the viruses to determine the possible involvement of the domestic dog in their transmission.

VENTRICULAR SEPTAL DEFECT IN A CRAB-EATING FOX (CERDOCYON THOUS).

Congenital heart diseases are not commonly diagnosed in wild animals. It is not surprising that few reports exist in the literature, so that prevalence of these anomalies is unknown in wild species. We report a case of a ventricular septal defect documented in a free-ranging crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous). This animal presented with rapid, labored breathing, and on physical examination, pulmonary crackles and a holosystolic murmur were auscultated. The echocardiogram with Doppler showed discontinuity of the dorsal section of the ventricular septum, which allowed a turbulent systolic flow to move from the left to the right ventricle. The postmortem examination confirmed the absence of a dorsal connection between the septum and the atrioventricular junction, and pronounced left ventricular myocardial dilation was observed on histopathology. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of a perimembranous ventricular septal defect in a crab-eating fox.

Ramos colaterais do arco aórtico e suas principais ramificações no cachorro-do-mato (Cerdocyon thous) / Collateral branches of the aortic arch and its main rami in crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous)

O cachorro-do-mato (Cerdocyon thous) pertence à família Canidae, encontra-se amplamente distribuído pela América do Sul. Devido à escassez literária a respeito da morfologia desta espécie objetivamos colaborar com o conhecimento da anatomia do arco aórtico e seus ramos colaterais. Foram estudados quatro animais, sendo 2 machos e 2 fêmeas oriundos da Mina de Bauxita, Paragominas, Pará, Brasil/Terra Ltda, sob autorização da SEMA-PA nº 455/2009, que morreram por causas naturais. O sistema arterial foi preenchido com látex corado em vermelho e fixado em solução aquosa de formoldeído 10%. O arco aórtico de Cerdocyon thous apresentou em sua origem apenas dois vasos, o tronco braquiocefálico e a artéria subclávia esquerda. Do tronco braquiocefálico originou-se o tronco bicarotídeo, que se bifurcou nas artérias carótidas comum direita e esquerda, e artéria subclávia direita. Das artérias subclávias ocorreu a formação do tronco costocervical, artéria vertebral, artéria torácica interna, artéria cervical superficial e ao atingir o espaço axilar passa a ser chamada de artéria axilar em ambos os antímeros. Concluímos que o arco aórtico de Cerdocyon thous é similar ao de outros animais domésticos com relação ao número de ramificações em sua origem.(AU)

Crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous) belongs to the Canidae family distributed in South America. Due to literary scarcity regarding the morphology of this species, we objectifiked to collaborate with description of the anatomy of the aortic arch and its collateral branches. We studied four foxes, 2 males and 2 females, from Mina Bauxita, Paragominas, Pará, Brazil/Terra Ltda, under authorization of SEMA-PA nº 455/2009, that died of natural causes. The arterial system was filled with red latex and fixation with 10% formaldehyde solution. The aortic arch of Cerdocyon thous showed that in its origin are two vessels, brachiocephalic trunk and left subclavian artery. From brachiocephalic trunk originates the bicarotid trunk, bifurcated into left and right carotid common arteries, and right subclavian artery. The subclavian arteries originates the costocervical trunk, vertebral artery, internal thoracic artery, superficial cervical artery, to reach the axillary space, and passes to be called axillary artery on both sides. We conclude that the aortic arch of Cerdocyon thous is similar to the one in other domestic animals regarding the number of ramificastions at its origin.(AU)

Morfologia da laringe em Cerdocyon thous (Linnaeus, 1766) / Laryngeal morphology in Cerdocyon thous (Linnaeus, 1766)

Cerdocyon thous (cachorro-do-mato) é o canídeo silvestre mais comum em território sul-americano. Objetivou-se com o presente trabalho descrever a morfologia macroscópica, microscópica e comparada da laringe nesta espécie. Para tal, as laringes de dezesseis espécimes (quatro machos e doze fêmeas) foram analisadas quanto à topografia, forma, morfometria, musculatura intrínseca e histologia. A laringe dispôs-se ventralmente ao áxis e foi constituída por uma cartilagem tireoide e outra cricoide (hialinas), uma epiglótica (elástica) e um par de ariteoides (mistas). Um par de cartilagens sesamoides foi identificado entre os processos corniculados e a lâmina da cricoide. A morfometria revelou que a tireoide é a maior cartilagem. Não houve sinais definitivos de dimorfismo sexual na laringe de C. thous. O epitélio predominante foi do tipo pavimentoso estratificado o qual sofreu transição para pseudoestratificado cilíndrico ciliado ao nível do terço caudal da tireoide e rostral da cricoide. A laringe de C. thous mostrou semelhança com a do cão doméstico, ainda que o formato das cartilagens tenha apresentado diferenças.

Cerdocyon thous (crab-eating fox) is the most common wild canid in South American territory. The aim of this paper was to describe macroscopic, microscopic and comparative morphology of the larynx of this species. Analyses of larynges of sixteen specimens (four males and twelve females) revealed the topography, conformation, morphometrics, intrinsic muscles and histological characteristics. The larynx was positioned ventral to the axis and comprised one cricoid and one thyroid cartilage (hyaline), one epiglottis (elastic) and a pair of arytenoids (mixed). A pair of sesamoid cartilages was identified between the corniculate processes and the cricoid lamina. Morphometry revealed that thyroid cartilage was the largest. There were no conclusive signs of sexual dimorphism in the larynx of this species. Squamous stratified epithelium predominated and underwent transition to ciliated pseudo-stratified at the level of caudal thyroid and rostral cricoid portions. By comparison, larynx of C. thous showed similarity with the domestic dog, although the shape of cartilages has shown some variation.

Comparison of the Lumbosacral Plexus Nerves Formation in Pampas Fox (Pseudalopex gymnocercus) and Crab-Eating Fox (Cerdocyon thous) in Relationship to Plexus Model in Dogs.

In this study, the spinal nerves that constitute the lumbosacral plexus (LSP) were dissected in two species of South American wild canids (pampas fox-Pseudalopex gymnocercus, and crab-eating fox-Cerdocyon thous). The nerves origin and distribution in the pelvic limb were examined and compared with the LSP model of the dog described in the literature. The LSP was formed by whole ventral branches of L5 at L7 and S1, and a contribution of a one branch from S2, divided in three trunks. The trunk formed by union from L5-6 and S1 was divided into the cranial (cutaneus femoris lateralis nerve) medial (femoralis nerve) and lateral branches (obturatorius nerve). At the caudal part of the plexus, a thick branch, the ischiadicus plexus, was formed by contributions from L6-7 and S1-2. This root gives rise to the nerve branches which was disseminated to the pelvic limb (nerves gluteus cranial and gluteus caudal, cutaneus femoris caudalis and ischiadicus). The ischiadicus nerve was divided into fibularis communis and tibialis nerves. The tibialis nerve emits the cutaneus surae caudalis. The fibularis communis emits the cutaneus surae lateralis, fibularis superficialis and fibularis profundus. The pudendus nerve arises from S2 with contributions of one branch L7-S1 and one ramus of the cutaneus femoris lateralis. Still, one branch of S2 joins with S3 to form the rectales caudales nerve. These data provides an important anatomical knowledge of a two canid species of South American fauna, besides providing the effective surgical and clinical care of these animals.

Ticks and fleas in crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous) of Pernambuco state, Brazil / Carrapatos e pulgas em cachorro-do-mato (Cerdocyon thous) do Estado de Pernambuco, Brasil

This study aimed to identify the species of fleas and ticks of Cerdocyon thous from the state of Pernambuco. Animals (n = 20) were examined, with 30% (6/20) ectoparasitized. Fleas (n = 16) and ticks (n = 17) parasitizing free-living crab-eating fox and captive in state of Pernambuco were collected. The fleas were identified as: Pulex irritans and Ctenocephalides felis; and the ticks were: Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato and Amblyomma ovale. The presence of ectoparasites of domestic animals parasitizing C. thous, suggests a close contact of this species to the peridomicile. Furthermore, this is the first report of the occurrence of A. ovale in C. thous in northeastern Brazil.(AU)

Objetivou-se identificar as espécies de pulgas e carrapatos de Cerdocyon thous provenientes do estado Pernambuco. Foram examinados 20 animais, estando 30% (6/20) ectoparasitados. Foram coletadas 16 pulgas e 17 carrapatos em cachorros-do-mato de vida livre e de cativeiro no estado de Pernambuco. As pulgas foram identificadas como: Pulex irritans e Ctenocephalides felis; e os carrapatos foram: Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato e Amblyomma ovale. A presença de ectoparasitos de animais domésticos parasitando C. thous, sugere a aproximação de indivíduos desta espécie ao peridomicílio. Além disso, este é o primeiro relato da ocorrência de A. ovale em C. thous no nordeste brasileiro.(AU)

New records of three species of nematodes in Cerdocyon thous from the Brazilian Pantanal wetlands / Novos registros de três espécies de nematoides em Cerdocyon thous do Pantanal brasileiro

We report the occurrence of nematodes collected from the gut of roadkilled crab-eating foxes (two adult males and one juvenile female), Cerdocyon thous (Linnaeus, 1766), found on the BR 262 highway in Mato Grosso do Sul state, Brazil in 2011. Three helminth species were identified: Ancylostoma buckleyi, Pterygodermatites (Multipectines) pluripectinata, and Ascaridia galli. These nematodes are reported for the first time to infect C. thous from the Brazilian Pantanal wetlands, thereby expanding their geographical distribution.

Este estudo relata a ocorrência de nematoides coletados no sistema digestório de cachorros-do-mato Cerdocyon thous (Linnaeus, 1766) encontrados atropelados na rodovia BR 262, no Estado do Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil, em 2011. Três espécies foram identificadas: Ancylostoma buckleyi, Pterygodermatites (Multipectines) pluripectinata e Ascaridia galli. A ocorrência destes nematoides foi registrada pela primeira vez em C. thous no bioma Pantanal, ampliando a distribuição geográfica destes helmintos parasitos em C. thous.

Bartonella clarridgeiae and Bartonella vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii exposure in captive wild canids in Brazil.

SUMMARY Wild canids are potential hosts for numerous species of Bartonella, yet little research has been done to quantify their infection rates in South America. We sought to investigate Bartonella seroprevalence in captive wild canids from 19 zoos in São Paulo and Mato Grosso states, Brazil. Blood samples were collected from 97 wild canids belonging to four different native species and three European wolves (Canis lupus). Indirect immunofluorescent antibody testing was performed to detect the presence of B. henselae, B. vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii, B. clarridgeiae, and B. rochalimae. Overall, Bartonella antibodies were detected in 11 of the canids, including five (12·8%) of 39 crab-eating foxes (Cerdocyon thous), three (11·1%) of 27 bush dogs (Speothos venaticus), two (8·7%) of 23 maned wolves (Chrysocyon brachyurus) and one (12·5%) of eight hoary foxes (Lycalopex vetulus), with titres ranging from 1:64 to 1:512. Knowing that many species of canids make excellent reservoir hosts for Bartonella, and that there is zoonotic potential for all Bartonella spp. tested for, it will be important to conduct further research in non-captive wild canids to gain an accurate understanding of Bartonella infection in free-ranging wild canids in South America.

Anatomo-radiographic description of the axial skeleton of the crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous) / Descrição anátomo-radiográfica do esqueleto axial do cachorro-do-mato (Cerdocyon thous)

The aim of this study was to describe the axial skeleton of a wild Brazilian carnivorous, the crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous). Five specimens of crab-eating fox were previously unfrozen for radiographic exams and their bones went through dissection and chemical maceration. This animal presents seven cervical vertebrae, and from the third on, they become shorter and wider than the other ones e the spinous process was makeable from the fifth cervical vertebrae on. There are thirteen thoracic vertebrae and the spinous process of the lumbar vertebrae, which are seven, decreases from the fifth on. The sacrum is formed by two vertebrae and there are twenty or twenty one caudal vertebrae. It can be concluded that the crab-eating fox axial skeleton is similar to that of the domestic dog.(AU)

O objetivo deste trabalho foi descrever o esqueleto axial de um carnívoro selvagem brasileiro, o cachorro-do-mato (Cerdocyon thous). Cinco animais foram previamente descongelados para exames radiográficos e posteriormente submetidos a dissecação óssea e maceração química. Os animais apresentavam sete vértebras cervicais e, à partir da terceira, eram mais curtas e largas e o processo espinhoso mais evidente a partir da quinta vértebra cervical. Há treze vértebras torácicas e o processo espinhoso das vértebras lombares, que são sete, diminui partir da quinta vértebra. O sacro é constituído por duas vértebras fundidas e há 20 ou 21 vértebras caudais. Pode-se concluir que o esqueleto axial do cachorro-do-mato se assemelha ao do cão doméstico.(AU)