Postmortem computed tomography imaging in giant anteaters (Myrmecophaga tridactyla)

Abstract

This study aimed to describe the findings of post-mortem CT in three adult giant anteaters. The first animal was found with paraparesis of the hind limbs in a rural area and rescued by a fire brigade. CT of the thoracic spine showed malalignment with a fracture-dislocation of T15. The fracture of T15 was compressive and there was a moderate narrowing of the spinal canal. The death was likely due to a spinal cord injury. The second animal was found unconscious in a rural area and rescued by the municipal guard. A CT scan revealed a significant increase in volume that extended to the submandibular and ventral upper cervical region with the presence of gas and a low-density core. Additionally, the right tympanic cavity was filled with material of soft tissue density. The animal likely died due to a severe neck infection. The third animal was in a rural area with body wounds. The CT scan showed an increase in muscle volume in the hind limbs with the presence of gaseous content. There was a loss of definition of the abdominal wall and the presence of free intraperitoneal gas. The death was attributed to the heavily infected and deep skin wounds, possibly leading to peritonitis. The post-mortem CT findings were valuable in identifying lesions and determining the cause of death in the three giant anteaters. The sensitivity of the post-mortem exam could be increased by including other imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging.