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The relatively recent surge in Aspidodera species descriptions suggests that several species are yet to be documented and properly described. We describe Aspidodera serrata n. sp. from the giant anteater Myrmecophaga tridactyla from the Cerrado biome (Savanna), Brazil. The new species is distinctive in the genus because of the attributes of the cephalic cordons, position of pore-like papillae and a thickening of body cuticle. Because no male specimens were recovered from the host, morphological characteristics that are identical in both sexes and specific for the genus were fundamental during the identification. We emphasize the relevance of hood features and scanning electron microscopy to base descriptions in Aspidodera. We provide a new key for the genus to assist in the efforts to identify the species present in multiple infections. This is the first report of a coinfection with 3 congeners in the same individual host involving Aspidodera. We urge researchers to preserve and document the metazoan parasites from tetrapod species considered vulnerable, because they can be valuable sources of information on the distribution of parasites in the wild. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypervitaminosis D was diagnosed in a giant anteater (Myromecophaga tridactyla) and a large hairy armadillo (Chaetophractus villosus) being fed a commercial insectivore diet. Clinical findings included weight loss, reduced appetite, vomiting, and suspected abdominal discomfort. Hypercalcemia (3.68 and 2.04 mmol/L total and ionized calcium, respectively) was detected in the anteater, and plasma 25(OH)D levels were measured and found to be 808.7 and 379.4 nmol/L for the anteater and armadillo, respectively. Dietary change resulted in a reduction of 25(OH)D levels in both animals and resolution of hypercalcemia in the giant anteater. Dietary analysis of the commercial insectivore food revealed levels of vitamin D3 higher than the data-sheet values. This case report demonstrates that hypervitaminosis D in Xenarthra can be associated with significant clinical signs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An anorexic 5-yr-old female giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) developed multifocal ulcerative and vesicular lesions affecting the rostrum, oral cavity, and tongue. Disseminated skin lesions were also found on the body, affecting the feet, flanks, and genital area. Polymerase chain reaction confirmed a systemic viremic orthopoxvirus infection. Cowpox virus was considered to be the only likely etiological agent. Intensive supportive treatment, including daily fluid therapy, force-feeding, and anti-inflammatory administration achieved a successful outcome after 3 wk. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first time a giant anteater with severe orthopoxvirus lesions has survived the disease. This unique case discusses current and possible future therapeutic and prophylactic options for the treatment of orthopoxvirus infections in giant anteaters and other nondomestic animal species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of Pesquisa Veterinaria Brasileira is the property of Colegio Brasileiro de Patologia Animal - CBPA and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Pesquisa Veterinaria Brasileira is the property of Colegio Brasileiro de Patologia Animal - CBPA and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Pesquisa Veterinaria Brasileira is the property of Colegio Brasileiro de Patologia Animal - CBPA and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Pesquisa Veterinaria Brasileira is the property of Colegio Brasileiro de Patologia Animal - CBPA and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Because of their very large claws, Giant anteaters are quite dangerous animals. In this study the principles of Medical Training with Giant anteaters were worked out in order to obtain information about organ health and physical development of the animals without fixation. Anesthesia-free blood sampling was performed upon three trained animals, taken from the medial saphenous vein. In most cases, this vein could be palpated only, or the blood sampling had to be done “blind”. From 23 obtained blood samples the organ parameters, hemogram, taurine and coagulation parameters were determined . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anteater forelimbs are distinguished morphologically from domestic animals, especially due to their unique movement and their natural habits. A knowledge of the pectoral limb anatomy and the proper surgical approach are fundamental to success in osteosynthesis and other surgeries. This study aimed to describe the muscles and neurovascular structures of the pectoral limb and the surgical approach to the humeral shaft of the giant anteater ( Myrmecophaga tridactyla). Dissections of the forelimbs of seven cadavers were performed to identify the major muscles and neurovascular structures. Three of these animals' contralateral forearms were used to simulate the surgical approach to the humeral shaft. Some specific characteristics of the muscle morphology were biceps muscle had two heads, triceps muscle had three heads, and there was an olecranon-epicondylar muscle. To expose the shaft of the humerus, it was necessary to incise the superficial pectoral muscle and separate the heads of the biceps muscle. Due to the anatomical characteristics of the humerus, the craniomedial approach was the most appropriate because it accommodated the anatomical peculiarities of the giant anteater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Pesquisa Veterinaria Brasileira is the property of Colegio Brasileiro de Patologia Animal - CBPA and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Anteater forelimbs are morphologically adapted to obtain food and to provide defense and locomotion. Four species are known, but there are few anatomical studies presenting the morphologic features of each species. The aim of this study was to describe the skeletal morphology of the giant anteater ( Myrmecophaga tridactyla) forelimb. Pictures and schematic drawings of six cadavers were created to show the bone morphology. In addition, radiographs and computed tomographs were obtained. The skeletal structure of the forelimb had several notable anatomical features. The scapula had two spines, with apparent differences between infant and adult animals. The humerus had a pectoral ridge, a pectoral tubercle, and a pronounced medial epicondyle that represent the origins of muscles important for fossorial activity. The radius had cranial, lateral, and caudal ridges that became more prominent in older animals, and the distal condyle joint provided enhanced support of the dorsal articulation for the manus. Knowledge of the bone morphology of the forelimb generates a better understanding of giant anteater habits and helps in the diagnosis of skeletal abnormalities and in the routine medical assessment of this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study 14 Giant Anteaters from Dortmund Zoo (Germany) were examined under different aspects. Examination of Giant Anteaters could be fatal to humans, if animals react aggressively or feel cornered. To reduce stress and hazard the principles of Medical Training were adapted to Giant Anteaters in this study. The Anteaters were conditioned and accustomed with the help of the training to regular clinical examinations, weight management, urine collection, and abdominal sonography. Thus, the authors were able to provide first data of unstressed Giant Anteaters with regards to body temperature, breathing rate, and heart rate. It was clearly demonstrated that the body temperature is dependent on the ambient temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large mammals are elusive, often nocturnal, and therefore difficult to study. In many parks, reserves, agriculture lands, and other human-dominated landscapes, mammalian abundance is unknown despite their importance to ecosystems. The Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve of eastern Honduras has been the site of much research, but many rivers within the reserve have not been surveyed for mammalian diversity. In this study we used camera traps to survey an area of 70 km² along the Sikre River for mammals in both broad-leaf forest and pine savanna. 2,040 trap-nights yielded 116 captures in total. Fourteen mammal, three bird, and one reptile species were photographed in the broad-leaf forest, while none of the four camera stations in the pine savanna captured animals on film. The tapir (Tapirus bairdii) was the most frequently captured species. We also captured four photographs of at least two individuals of the giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla), a species considered the most threatened mammal in Central America. Of the felids, Puma concolor and Leopardus pardalis were each captured on five photographs each, while Panthera onca was only captured once during a preliminary pilot survey in 2007. The results suggest the study site hosts a species richness of large- and medium-sized mammals that is comparable to other sites in Central and South America. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which reported the hematological results for 13 giant anteaters, Myrmecophaga tridactyla and 13 collared anteaters, Tamandua tetradactyla from zoos in Brazil. The researchers examined different parameters, including the red blood cell count, white blood cell count, and hemoglobin concentration. A survey done for hemoparasites noted that none was observed in thin blood smears. The results were found to be similar to those previously reported in the literature for these species.

Copyright of Zoologische Garten is the property of Verlag Natur & Wissenschaft and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The article presents a case study of an adult male giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) with a disseminated lymphoma from the City Zoo of Curitiba, State of Paraná, Brazil. As mentioned, the postmortem examination showed that pale white to yellow, variably sized nodules infiltrated the heart, liver, and intestinal lymph nodes and histological examination revealed the presence of two distinct cell populations in the nodular region.