Anatomy, Morphometry and Radiography in the thoracic limb bones of the Patagonian Huemul Deer (Hippocamelus bisulcus)

Abstract

The aim of this study was to provide morphometric, anatomic and radiographic data of the thoracic limb bones of the Patagonian Huemul (Hippocamelus bisulcus) including a functional interpretation of this, as a reference for clinical use, biomedical research and teaching purposes. Currently, the Patagonian huemul deer is in danger of becoming extinct due to multiple causes. Research carried out for its conservation has focused mainly on its ecology and pathology, leaving gaps in biological knowledge, which is basic and important for its comprehension. This study was conducted to reveal the gross osteology and radiology features of the thoracic limb bones of the Patagonian huemul deer. The osteological findings suggest the presence of powerful flexor muscles in the scapulohumeral and elbow joints, useful to cushion the jumps. Also, the principal nutrient foramen of Patagonian huemul differs in position with respect to domestic ungulates, which may be important to consider during surgical procedures. Finally, the radiographic data can provide new information about the tissue loading conditions in Patagonian huemul, so that this new knowledge can be of great importance for a better understanding of mechanically induced or adaptive changes in bone produced by habitat or other ecological phenomena.

Functional limb anatomy in a refugee species: The endangered Patagonian huemul deer (Hippocamelus bisulcus)

“…Lastly, Salinas, Núñez‐Cook, et al. (2020) refer to high prevalences of skeletal injuries and diseases in Chile (87%) and Argentina (57%): no available information corroborates this high prevalence in Chile. Rather it likely stems from sources stating that prevalences of osteopathology in Argentina in dead huemul were 57%, and 86% based on live and intact specimens (Escobar et al, 2018; Flueck & Smith‐Flueck, 2017, 2018, 2020; Smith‐Flueck et al., 2018).…”

“…(3) Huemul, Hippocamelus bisulcus , from Salinas, Núñez‐Cook, et al. (2020), Salinas, Arenas‐Caro, et al. (2020).…”

“…Caseous lymphadenitis (CLA) (Salinas, Núñez‐Cook, et al., 2020; Salinas, Arenas‐Caro, et al., 2020) was first identified in huemul in 2015 (Morales et al., 2017). It resulted surveying another population in 2018, although clinical symptoms described there 1999–2007 (Guineo et al., 2008) did not elicit sanitary concerns until CLA was diagnosed in 2015 (Flueck & Smith‐Flueck, 2020).…”

“…The limited data on these diseases in huemul render doubtful that they present the greatest impact on population decline, as asseverated by Salinas, Núñez‐Cook, et al. (2020); Salinas, Arenas‐Caro, et al. (2020).…”

“…This paper aims to expand comparisons of appendicular morphometry between huemul and other ungulates (Flueck & Smith‐Flueck, 2011a) by including huemul cases used in Salinas, Núñez‐Cook, et al. (2020) and Salinas, Arenas‐Caro, et al. (2020), to assist with ecological interpretations and future conservation measures towards recovering this species.…”