A three-dimensional reconstructive study of pelvic cavity in the red fox (Vulpes vulpes).

Abstract

Three-dimensional (3D) reconstructive techniques are being used in many morphometric studies and clinical applications. The red fox is a wild animal localized in a wide geography. This study has been performed to determine morphometric properties of the pelvic cavity and reveal differences between sexes via 3D reconstruction obtained by multi-detector computed tomography images (MDCT) of the red fox. A total of 12 adult red foxes of both sexes were used in this study. Two-dimensional (2D) MDCT images of the pelvic cavity obtained and stored in DICOM format were used to reconstruct the 3D model. Mimics 13.1 program was used to perform the 3D reconstruction. A total of 24 dimensions were measured from the reconstructive model of the pelvic cavity. Twenty two dimensions were found to be significantly different (p<0.05) between sexes. In conclusion, according to the pelvimetric data, it was determined that the red fox has sexual dimorphism and these data may be useful in wild animals morphological and gynaecological research. The authors hope to help in the diagnosis and treatment of the pelvic cavity-related orthopaedic and gynaecological disorders in the wild animals.