Pelvic limb amputation in a giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) traumatized by an agricultural harvester

ABSTRACT

Background: The giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) returned to the category of vulnerable by the 2014 IUCN /SSC, due to the population reduction, less than 30%. The main reasons are environmental degradation and fragmentation,being run over, burning, attacks by hunting dogs, illegal trade and diseases. It is very common to find these fractured patientsand the treatment is mostly surgical. Amputation is indicated when there are extensive lacerations and when reconstructivesurgery is not possible. The objective is to report a viable treatment option in fractured wild patients, contributing to thepreservation of the species.Case It was received at the Veterinary Hospital Dr. Halim Atique - UNIRP an young female giant anteater (M. tridactyla)weighing 5.75 kg, brought by the Environmental Forestry Police of the municipality of São José do Rio Preto - SP, foundin the region of Olímpia at a gas station. The animal was traumatized by an agricultural harvester, with partial traumaticamputation in the left pelvic limb and tail. In the preoperative period, the patient was admitted to hospital under assistedcare, analgesia and all the necessary support for stabilization. High amputation was performed, with hip disarticulationand treatment of the tail wound, which was initially opted for healing in the first intention, where sutures were used toapproach the edges of the wound, but presented dehiscence and was treated as a second intention. There were almost 2months of care with specific food, cleaning of the enclosures, medications and dressings. After 57 days of hospitalization,the patient was transferred to the Municipal Zoo of São José do Rio Preto - SP, where it...(AU)