Splenorrhaphy and collagen hemostatic sponge in a crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous) with traumatic splenic rupture - first case report

This case report describes the successful surgical management of a splenic rupture in a free-living crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous) using a collagen hemostatic sponge as an adjunct to splenorrhaphy. A male specimen was admitted following a vehicle collision and presented signs of hypovolemic shock. Diagnostic imaging by means of ultrasonography confirmed splenic rupture with active hemorrhage. The patient underwent an emergency laparotomy, primary suturing and collagen hemostatic sponge application followed by omentalization were performed to control bleeding and to preserve the organ. Due to a mandibular fracture, the patient remained hospitalized, allowing postoperative monitoring, including ultrasonographic evaluations seven and 30 days after surgery, which indicated successful healing with no complications. The animal was reintroduced into the wild 31 days after surgery. This is the first documented case of hemostatic sponge use for splenic injury management in a wild canid, highlighting its potential as a valuable tool for conservative surgical approaches in wildlife trauma care.