Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2022; 35(05): A15-A32
DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1758322
Podium Abstracts

Use of Robust Fixation in Giant Anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla)—Report of Four Fractures

B. Minto
1   Faculty of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, São Paulo State University, Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
,
T. Magalhães
1   Faculty of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, São Paulo State University, Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
,
D. de Lucena
1   Faculty of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, São Paulo State University, Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
,
I. Soriano
1   Faculty of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, São Paulo State University, Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
,
G. Barranco
1   Faculty of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, São Paulo State University, Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
,
L. Dias
1   Faculty of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, São Paulo State University, Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
,
K. Werther
1   Faculty of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, São Paulo State University, Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
› Author Affiliations
 

Case Reports: The treatment of fractures in giant anteaters (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) is extremely challenging. Peculiar anatomical features and robust musculature highlight these challenges. Fracture fixation should promote adequate stability and early return to limb function, taking into account biomechanical characteristics of the bones, body weight, and natural habits in wildlife. Four bone fractures of three giant anteaters (Myrmecophaga tridactyla), which were referred to the teaching of veterinary hospital on different occasions, were treated using robust locking plates. The first anteater (Ant 1) had a complete oblique fracture of the proximal third of the right femur and a complete comminuted fracture of the distal third of the right tibia.

Surgical stabilization was performed with a double plating to stabilize the femur and tibia. The second anteater (Ant 2) had a complete transverse fracture of the middle diaphysis of the right radius and ulna, and it was fixed with a medial plate in the radius and a caudal plate in the ulna. The third anteater (Ant 3) had a complete oblique fracture in the diaphysis of the left humerus. Surgical stabilization was performed by craniomedial approach to the humerus, using a customized 3.5 mm locking plate (LCP). Patients walked 24 hours after surgical procedures. Bone consolidation was observed at 60 days post-operatively, without any complications. The biggest challenges were related to the anatomical characteristics for surgical approaches and the ability to promote fixation strong enough to support the animal's weight and strength, allowing for an early return to limb function.

Proprietary/Conflict of Interest: This report was partially supported by FAPESP—Brazil (2019/26207–7).



Publication History

Article published online:
26 October 2022

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