Morphological Aspects of Surgical Approaches to the Pelvic Limbs in Sloths (Bradypus variegatus)
Bradypus variegatus; anatomy; morphology; pelvic limb; surgical approach.
The sloth is a wild mammal with a wide geographic distribution, extending from Central America to South America. The species Bradypus variegatus has three toes on its thoracic and pelvic limbs, and is a herbivorous, arboreal animal that descends to the ground generally only once a week to relieve itself. Due to their slow movements, these animals are subject to accidents on highways, in which many end up dying or suffering serious injuries. Furthermore, deforestation caused by human activity results in the loss of their natural habitat, making them vulnerable to electric shocks, burns from fires, and injuries caused by falling trees. Given this scenario, the present study aims to describe the morphological aspects related to surgical approaches to the pelvic limbs of sloths (Bradypus variegatus). For this purpose, specimens belonging to the collection of the Animal Pathology Laboratory (LAPA) of the Federal University of Agreste of Pernambuco (UFAPE) were used. The animals were preserved in 10% formalin and kept in saline solution for dissection. In addition, radiographs of the pelvic limbs of these specimens were performed in order to obtain detailed and precise internal images of the anatomical structures, aiming to assist in the planning and execution of surgical procedures. It is hoped that this study will contribute to the proper management and facilitate the clinical-veterinary care of this species, which is frequently rescued and referred for veterinary medical care.