Anesthetic management of an orange-spined-hairy-dwarf-porcupine (Sphiggurus villosus) undergoing myelography / Manejo anestésico de ouriço-cacheiro (Sphiggurus villosus) submetido à mielografia

ABSTRACT

Background: The orange-spined hairy dwarf porcupine (Sphiggurus villosus) is a mammal that belongs to the rodentia order. Accidents involving this porcupine and dogs have become usual in some cities of Brazil. Dog bites may eventually result in spinal injuries. When there is clinical evidence of spinal cord injury, a myelography under general anesthesia may be required to allow identification of the exact location of the injury. To the authors knowledge, there is only one case report about anesthesia in Sphiggurus villosus where dissociative anesthesia was employed. This paper describes one case report of inhalation anesthesia with isoflurane in a Sphiggurus villosus undergoing myelography. Case A 1.6 kg orange-spined hairy dwarf porcupine, with a history of dog bite was referred to the Veterinary Hospital of the University. On clinical examination, the patient was in good physical condition, alert, with an approximately 1-cm injury near the 10th and 11th thoracic vertebrae. Nociception in pelvic limbs was present whereas proprioception was absent. Radiographic examinations were suggestive of vertebral dislocation and fracture between the 10th and 11th thoracic vertebrae. A myelography was then requested by the responsible veterinarian. The porcupine received intramuscular midazolam (0.5 mg/kg) in combination with meperidine (10 mg/kg) as premedication. Anesthesia was induced [...]