Establishing Metrics for Fetal Development in Tamandua tetradactyla Using Serial Ultrasound
American Association of Zoo Veterinarians Conference 2013
Rachel Thompson1, DVM; Tiffany Wolf1, DVM; Heather Robertson2, DVM; Lauren Revens2; Margarita Woc Colburn2, DVM; Alexis Moreno3, DVM; Anne Elise Napier4, DVM; Sally Nofs5, DVM
1Minnesota Zoological Garden, Apple Valley, MN, USA; 2Nashville Zoo at Grassmere, Nashville, TN, USA; 3Reid Park Zoo, Tucson, AZ, USA; 4Ultrasound Solutions, Hermitage, TN, USA; 5Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
Abstract
Little is published about the gestation and fetal development in southern tamanduas (Tamandua tetradactyla). From 2012–2013, nine pregnancies were monitored in five tamanduas housed at the Minnesota Zoological Garden, the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere, and the Reid Park Zoo. Clinicians recorded sonographic measurements to establish fetal growth curves using thoracic and skull landmarks described for giant anteaters.1 Gestational measurements can be compared to the growth curve and used to predict parturition dates, providing information for population management.
Literature Cited
1. Napier A.E., S.A. Nofs, and N.C. Boedeker. 2009. Serial ultrasonographic evaluation of the non-gravid and gravid uterus of the giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) for determination of pregnancy, estimation of parturition date, and breeding management. Proc. Am. Assoc. Zoo Vet. p. 58.