Ultrasonographic features of abdominal organs and testicles in captive adult crab-eating foxes (Cerdocyon thous) from the Brazilian Cerrado: a case series

Ultrasonography is a widely used diagnostic imaging technique in veterinary medicine and has gaining ground in wild animal medicine. This case series describes the ultrasonographic anatomy of abdominal organs and testicles in eleven adult captive crab-eating foxes (Cerdocyon thous) from the Brazilian Cerrado. All animals were considered clinically healthy based on physical examination and laboratory testing, including complete blood count and serum biochemistry. The animals were sedated with meperidine, acepromazine and propofol prior to ultrasonographic examination. The urinary bladder lumen was anechoic and homogeneous, with a mean wall thickness of 0.17 cm. The prostate was visualized caudal to the bladder, with mean length and height of 1.61 cm and 1.21 cm, respectively. The spleen showed homogeneous hyperechoic parenchyma with a mean thickness of 1.20 cm. Kidneys demonstrated well-defined corticomedullary differentiation, with mean lengths of 4.08 cm (left) and 4.15 cm (right). The liver displayed smooth margins, uniform echotexture, and intermediate echogenicity relative to the spleen and renal cortex. The gallbladder appeared as an anechoic structure with a mean wall thickness of 0.10 cm. The stomach wall measured 0.24 cm, intestinal wall thickness averaged 0.35 cm in the small intestine and 0.15 cm in the large intestine. Testicles displayed an oval shape with homogeneous echotexture and a visible mediastinum testis. Overall, the sonographic features observed were consistent with those reported in domestic dogs. These results aid to establishing reference ultrasonographic parameters for Cerdocyon thous and may facilitate clinical evaluation and diagnostic imaging in this species.