ISSN: 2639-216X
Authors: Da Silva VMF*, Morel AP, Depelegrin C, Roll AA, Dos Santos RC and Soares AHP
Wild mammal orphans are challenging cases in rehabilitation centers since, usually, as a result of artificial care an emotional bond is created due to human-animal interaction. In these cases, in which reintroduction to the wild is not possible, the animals need to be sent to zoos, breeding sites or fauna holding facilities. This report describes an elective ovariohysterectomy (OVH) procedure in an adult female hairy dwarf porcupine (Coendou spinosus), kept in a zoo in southern Brazil. The aim of the procedure, besides reproductive control, was to reduce hormonal changes that were leading to bad and confrontational behavior of the female animal with others of the same species, therefore seeking to improve the well-being of the animals. For the anesthetic protocol, the pre-anesthetic medication consisted of midazolam (0.5 mg/kg, IM), ketamine (10 mg/kg, IM) and tramadol (2 mg/kg, IM). As maintenance of the anesthesia, isoflurane was utilized. As local anesthesia, a transversus abdominis plane block (TAP Block) was performed to improve analgesia. No complications were seen during or after the procedure. Elective OVH proved to be feasible in C. spinosus, as did the TAP Block technique, emphasizing the importance of having a technically qualified team for better outcome.
Keywords: Contraception; Zoos; Sphiggurus; Regional Anesthesia; Rodents
