Abstract

An approximately 10-yr-old male giant anteater (Myrecophaga tridactyla) exhibited partial, intermittent anorexia, soft stool and bleeding from the mouth over a 4-wk period. The giant anteater was anesthetized with xylazine (3.4 mg/kg; Rompun® Bayer AG, Leverkusen, Germany) and ketamine (13 mg/kg; Narketan® 10, Vétoquinol AG, Belp Bern, Switzerland) by intramuscular injection for diagnostic investigations. A constriction due to wood fibers was detected by endoscopy and removed in the distal part of the tongue. All other clinical findings were normal and hematology and blood biochemistry results were within reference range. Treatment was effective and the animal returned to normal health and feeding behavior within five days.

Wood fibers were present in peat, which was included as a dietary supplement to improve stool consistency. The giant anteater diet consisted of fatless meat, low fat curd cheese, seasonal fruits, tomatoes, oatmeal, dog pellets, boiled eggs, bruised shrimp, chitin replacement and peat. Further investigations revealed that a switch to another commercial source of peat had resulted in a peat type which included elongated fibers. The risk for further problems was eliminated by careful sieving of the peat before inclusion in the diet. To prevent future tongue injuries in giant anteaters it is recommended to avoid any elongated fibers in the diet by careful chopping or sieving of all dietary elements.