A retrospective analysis was performed on free-ranging crab-eating foxes (Cerdocyon thous) admitted to a Center for Wildlife Medicine and Research (CEMPAS), located in Botucatu, during a 9-year period (2013-2021). A total of 73 animals were evaluated, comprising 41 adults, 14 subadults, and 18 pups. Regarding sex, 45 were males, 23 were females, and 5 the information was not provided. The causes of admission included rescued healthy animal (n = 25), animals with fractures due to motor vehicle collision (n = 13), animals with fractures of unknown cause (n = 10), traumatized animals with no fracture (n = 11), and other health conditions (n = 14). The lowest number of admissions was observed in 2019 and 2020. Included all years, the spring showed the highest number of admitted animals. Among the healthy animals, 44% (11/25) remained in the institution, 24% (6/25) died, 16% (4/25) were released back into the wild, 4% (1/25) were submitted to euthanasia, 4% (1/25) escaped from the enclosure and 8% (2/25) had no outcomes information. Regarding individuals with fractures due to motor vehicle collisions, 46.1% (6/13) were submitted to euthanasia, and 30.8% (4/13) were released back to nature, and 23.1% (3/13) died. Of those rescued due to fractures of unknown cause, 50% (5/10) were submitted to euthanasia, 30% (3/10) died, 10% (1/10) remained in the institution, and 10% (1/10) were released back to the nature. The geographic distribution of Cerdocyon thous rescues admitted to CEMPAS between 2013 and 2021 was concentrated in Botucatu and surrounding municipalities, likely reflecting the institution’s area of operation. This scenario represents a significant challenge for species conservation and requires the adoption of complementary measures to mitigate its negative impacts. Among these, the implementation of public policies aimed at reducing wildlife–vehicle collisions and preventing interactions between domestic animals and wildlife stands out as essential. In summary, most Cerdocyon thous individuals admitted to the CEMPAS were adult males, rescued near paved roads and frequently presenting signs of trauma. These findings highlight the crucial role of Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Centers in mitigating anthropogenic threats to wildlife.

This study assessed axial and appendicular fractures in crab-eating foxes (Cerdocyon thous; Linnaeus, 1766) admitted to the Reference Center for Wildlife. Medical records and plain radiographs of C. thous were retrospectively evaluated. Seventy-four free-ranging C. thous were admitted over 10 years, of which 21 had fractures in the appendicular and/or axial skeleton. Appendicular skeleton fracture was verified in 42.86 % of the animals, five of whom had long bone involvement and four the hip bones. More than one fracture in the appendicular skeleton occurred in 14.28 % of the animals, with the most common being a long bone fracture with a hip fracture. Axial skeleton fractures were observed in 9.52 % of the cases, with one fracture located in the vertebral column and the other in the head. Five animals died and nine were euthanized due to injury severity, prognosis and/or poor outcome after treatment. Seven animals showed good evolution after treatment, and four animals were released. In conclusion, hip bone fractures, isolated or combined with injuries to other bones of the axial and/or appendicular skeleton, were the most common injuries in C. thous. The characteristics of multiple trauma were associated with high mortality and complications.

Diaphragmatic hernia is a relatively common disorder in routine surgical procedures for small animals. This hernia is characterized by discontinuity of the diaphragm due to a rupture or defect, which may result in the displacement of abdominal organs into the thoracic cavity. Therefore, this review aims to provide information about the anatomy of the diaphragm and associated structures, as well as the causes, clinical signs, diagnosis, and treatment options for acquired diaphragmatic hernia. The diaphragm is an inspiratory muscle composed of a muscle portion that surrounds a central tendon. Traumatic diaphragmatic hernia is commonly associated with motor vehicle accidents. The diagnosis is based on clinical history and physical examination, but the final definition requires imaging studies, in which plain radiographic examination is the most frequently used. However, an ultrasound examination is necessary in some cases. Treatment involves surgical correction of the rupture, usually performed through a median celiotomy.

This study characterized the non-traditional or “exotic” pets most frequently admitted to a referral center (Center for Medicine and Research in Wild Animals–CEMPAS) located in Botucatu, São Paulo state, Brazil, and identified the main reasons for admission according to affected body systems or sense organs. A retrospective review of medical records was performed over 11 years, and data were grouped into four vertebrate classes: reptiles, mammals, amphibians, and birds. From 2014 to 2019, bird admissions exceeded mammals (p = 0.0001), whereas no significant difference was observed from 2020 to 2024 (p = 0.625). Reptiles were the least represented, and no amphibians were recorded in any year. In the bird class (n = 961), cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus) were the most common species (47.76%), followed by domestic chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) (15.19%), and blue-fronted Amazons (Amazona aestiva) (8.01%). The digestive, integumentary, and musculoskeletal systems were the most affected. The mammal class accounted for 882 admissions, with rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) predominating (52.38%), followed by guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) (17.57%), brown rats (Rattus norvegicus) (10.77%), and Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) (6.00%). In these animals, digestive disorders were most common, followed by integumentary, musculoskeletal, and reproductive conditions. The reptile class accounted for 164 admissions, mainly tortoises (70.12%) and turtles (18.90%), with the integumentary, musculoskeletal, and digestive systems most frequently affected. Overall, birds and mammals were the most commonly admitted non-traditional or “exotic” pets, while the digestive and integumentary systems were the most frequently affected across species, emphasizing the value of regional epidemiological data for improving exotic animal veterinary care.