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Radiological Investigation of the African Brush-tailed Porcupine (Atherurus africanus) Appendicular Skeleton

Benha Vet. Med. J. • 2010
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Publication Information
Authors A El-Shafey; A Akraiem; A Abdel-Galil
Keywords Not Available
Journal Benha Vet. Med. J.
Publisher El-shafey
Volume 21
Issue 2
Pages 158-169
publication.type International
Paper Link Not Available
Supplementary Materials Not Available
Abstract
The present study aimed to describe the normal radiographic anatomy of the healthy African Brush-tailed Porcupine appendicular skeleton to fill a gap in the field of comparative anatomy and to establish an anatomical basis for diagnosis of skeletal diseases and surgical interference of the limbs of this important zoo-animal. Four (two male and two females) free-living porcupines (Atherurus africanus) from the El-Jabal Alakhdar region of Libya were selected for this study. Lateral, craniocaudal and caudocranial radiographs from the thoracic and pelvic limbs were obtained. The important anatomic structures of the appendicular skeleton were revealed, seen clearly and labeled in two corresponding photographs of radiograph and bones of porcupine limbs. The various boney structures of the limbs were recorded. The radiograph pictures from these porcupines were compared with the normal canine and feline skeletal radiographic anatomy.