IMAGING AND ANATOMIC ASPECTS OF THE COXOFEMORAL JOINT OF THE GIANT ANTEATER (MYRMECOPHAGA TRIDACTYLA)

This study evaluated the coxofemoral (CF) joint of the giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) through radiographic and ultrasound imaging and then dissection for proposed surgical approach to arthrotomy procedures. The study evaluated four isolated pelvic limbs fixed in 10% formaldehyde and six intact thawed carcasses. The radiographic assessment was performed with the carcass positioned in frog-legged ventrodorsal and lateral projections. The addition of ultrasound provided imaging of the CF joint. The articular elements presented similar characteristics to other domestic species, such as dogs, bovines, and horses. However, an anatomic particularity of muscle groups in the giant anteater was the intermuscular septum between the tensor fasciae latae and superficial gluteus muscles at the level of the greater trochanter of the femur, which enables a more conservative lateral surgical access to the femoral head and neck.