Anatomical and Ultrasonographical Studies on the Spleen of Red Fox (Vulpes Vulpes) from Western Egyptian Desert

Abstract

This study provides preliminary data about anatomical and ultrasonographical features of the spleen in clinically normal red fox, using the distinct orientation of the splenic artery. Six red foxes of both sexes with an average weight of 4-6kg and age range 2-3years were achieved from the Western Egyptian Desert. Trans-abdominal splenic ultrasonography was performed on all foxes with the dorsal recumbent position. The foxes were euthanized by an intravenous overdose of Thiopental sodium. Anatomical dissection was performed on two sacrificed animals while the other four animals were used to describe the arterial architectures (n=two foxes) and angiography (n=two foxes). The splenic parenchyma appeared slightly hyperechoic to isoechoic relative to the adjacent liver. It was hypoechoic to the surrounding fat. The spleen of the red fox had a falciform outline and was located in the left cranial abdominal cavity, beneath the last two ribs just cranial to the left kidney. The red fox's spleen was unique in its relation to the left crus of the diaphragm and the absence of renosplenic ligament. The splenic artery was the last branch of the celiac trunk and was subdivided into two main vessels, dorsal and ventral. These branches entered the spleen through two splenic hila at both extremities. Splenic arteriography revealed an internal link between these vessels but lacked an external connection.