Anesthetic management in a free-ranging crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous) with splenic rupture - case report

The crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous) is a medium-sized mammal found throughout South America, known for its adaptability to diverse environments and a varied diet. Recently, habitat loss and increased encounters with roadways have led to a rise in road traffic accidents involving this species, resulting in significant trauma such as splenic rupture. This report details the anesthetic management of a free-ranging crab-eating fox with splenic rupture following a road traffic accident. The patient, an adult male weighing 6.6 kg, presented with hypotension and pale mucous membranes. Initial chemical restraint was administered using tiletamine-zolazepam and morphine. An abdominal ultrasound revealed splenic rupture with active hemorrhage and a systolic arterial pressure (SAP) of 60 mmHg. Immediate fluid resuscitation was initiated, but the patient remained hypotensive. A transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block was performed with bupivacaine and lidocaine, which significantly reduced the need for isoflurane. The splenorrhaphy was performed, and the patient's condition improved with fluid therapy, dobutamine infusion, and reduced isoflurane concentration. Postoperatively, SAP stabilized, and urinary output was within normal ranges, indicating no acute renal injury. This case highlights the TAP block's effectiveness in managing pain and stabilizing hemodynamics, underscoring the need for tailored anesthetic approaches in wildlife trauma.