Morphometric, Anatomic and Radiographic Study of Bone of the Pelvic Limb of Endangered Patagonian Huemul Deer (Hippocamelus bisulcus)

Abstract

Currently, the Patagonian huemul (Hippocamelus bisulcus) is endangered. Anatomical studies focused on understanding the anatomy of the deer most threatened by extinction in South America is a challenge for anatomists, veterinarians and biologists. Research carried out for its conservation has focused mainly on its ecology and pathology, leaving gaps in anatomical knowledge, which is basic and important for a comprehensive understanding of this species. Gross anatomy and radiography of the skeleton of the pelvic limb was performed in three adult Patagonian huemul. Bone specimens of three skeletally mature Patagonian huemul deer were used for gross osteological and radiographic studies. This study was conducted to reveal the morphometric and morphological features of the ossa membri pelvini of the Patagonian huemul. The main findings suggest the presence of powerful extensor muscles in the coxofemoral, femorotibial and tarsal joints, useful during walking, jogging and propulsion in deer. In general, the MNF of Patagonian huemul differ in position with respect to domestic ungulates. In addition, the presence of a notch or obturator canal was observed, with variability in morphology and development among the specimens.

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

“…(2020); Salinas, Arenas‐Caro, et al. (2020). The strongest epidemiological conclusions come from studies that use large populations with precise measurements of exposure and disease; repeated observations of event (A) which is followed by another (B) enabling to hypothesize why A causes B; biological plausibility explaining the reasonability that A causes B; proper temporal relationship—an absolute requirement, where the exposure must precede the disease; consistency as shown by the association being repeated in many studies (large effect size); and by determining the causal inference (Steenland & Moe, 2016).…”

“…Salinas, Arenas‐Caro, et al. (2020) state that there is no literature about anatomical and morphometric characteristics of huemul, although Flueck and Smith‐Flueck (2011a) reported allometric comparisons between huemul and 12 other species. However, these were considered erroneous (Salinas, Núñez‐Cook, et al.…”

“…If constraints are suboptimal nutrition, it may be manifested in immunodepression, below‐normal skeletal size and development, or reduced rate of recruitment. Thus, increasing knowledge about huemul anatomy and its functional interpretation benefits clinical and biomedical research, teaching (Salinas, Núñez‐Cook, et al., 2020; Salinas, Arenas‐Caro, et al., 2020) and, importantly, achieving recovery of huemul (Taber, 1978).…”

“…(2020) and Salinas, Arenas‐Caro, et al. (2020), to assist with ecological interpretations and future conservation measures towards recovering this species.…”

Morphometric analysis and three-dimensional computed tomography reconstruction of the long bones of femoral and crural regions in Van cats

“…Various studies have been performed to determine the anatomical and osteometrical properties of the main long bones of the pelvic limbs (femur, tibia, fibula) of different animal species, like mole-rats (Spalax leucodon Nordmann) [34], African giant rats (Cricetomys gambianus Waterhouse) [27], grasscutter rodents (Thryonomys swinderianus, Temminck-1827) [29], guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) [37], feral pigs (Sus scrofa) [19], martens (Martes fonia) [3], badgers (Meles meles) [32], squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris) [31], hedgehogs hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus L.) [35], porcupines (Hystrix Cristata) [49], chinchillas (Chinchilla lanigera) [10], lumholtz tree-kangaroo (Dendrolagus lumholtzii) [40], Anatolian bobcats (Lynx lynx) [30], New Zealand rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) [1,16,36], marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) [9], brown bears (Ursus arctos) [13], deers (Hippocamelus bisulcus) [41], sheeps (Ovis aries) [2], gazelles (Gazella subgutturosa) [12], foxes (Vulpes vulpes and Alopex lagopus) [24], dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) [28,43], and domestic cats (Felis catus and Felis domestica) [5,16]. No study was found when the existing literature was searched for long bones of the pelvic limbs of Van cats, however.…”