Radiological Anatomy of the Pelvis and Hind Limb of the Southern Giant Pouched Rat ( Cricetomys ansorgei )

The southern giant pouched rat (Cricetomys ansorgei) is a large rodent utilised in recognition of landmines, pulmonary tuberculosis and Brucella infection. Additionally, they are kept as pet animals. The aim of this study was to describe the radiological anatomy of the pelvis and hind limb and to provide measurements of the hind limb bones in southern giant pouched rats. Radiological examinations were performed in 10 live and five dead adult southern giant pouched rats. The pelvis had a relatively short pelvic symphysis and the ischial tuberosities were less prominent. The obturator foramina and cranial opening of the pelvis had a pear-shape. The proximal extremity of the femur had well-developed major, minor and third trochanters, with the major trochanter extending higher than the femoral head. All rats had medial and lateral fabellae. Ossicles of the menisci were visualised. The mineralised popliteal sesamoid bone was not seen. Tibia and fibula were fused in the distal third of the crus. Seven tarsal bones were seen and the tarsal sesamoid bone was present in all rats. Five slender metatarsal bones and digits were present. The os penis was seen in all male rats. The tibia was the longest bone of the hind limb. This study has provided the radiological anatomy of the pelvis and hind limb of the southern giant pouched rat. Information from this study will be beneficial to anatomists, clinicians and students in more understanding of the functional anatomy of the pelvis and hind limb of southern giant pouched rats.