Male Red Fox Research Articles

Radiographic Imaging and Osteometric Analysis Os Penis in Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes)

The aim of this study was to determine the macroscopic features of the os penis of the Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes), as well as radiographic images and morphometric measurements using a digital electronic caliper. In this study, 4 adult male red fox os penises, which were previously brought dead from nature by students and whose skeletons were exhibited in our anatomy museum, were used. Macroscopic and morphometric measurements were taken and anatomical structures were analysed by radiographic imaging. Os penis is thicker at the proximal end and tapers towards the distal end, terminating in a cartilaginous tip. There are three margins, one dorsal and two ventrolateral to the sulcus urethiralis. The dorsal edge forms a crista on the median of the bone, extending from proximal to distal. The crista becomes shallow at the distal 1/3 of the bone and disappears completely at the cartilaginous end. Sulcus urethralis is found on the ventral side Os penis of the Red Fox measured as, length of the os penis 56.70mm, Distal diameter 2.96mm, Proximal diameter 3.85mm, length of the sulcus urethralis 35.13mm, width of sulcus urethralis 2.95mm, length of the fibrous cartilaginous tissue 5.70, width of the fibrous cartilaginous tissue 1.77mm. As a result, it has been observed that the os penis of the red fox, which is a part of wildlife, is similar to the other members of the team, the dogs, and radiographic images have been combined with new techniques and a literary contribution has been made. Wild animal anatomy has been supported by more detailed examination of these species. It is thought that the data obtained in the study can be used in future morphometric, zoo-archaeological and taxonomic studies.

Update on infections with Thelazia callipaeda in European wildlife and a report in a red fox, Vulpes vulpes, in Portugal

Thelazia callipaeda, also known as the “oriental eye worm”, is a zoonotic parasitic nematode with a wide range of hosts, particularly wild and domestic carnivores, but also lagomorphs and humans. Currently, ocular thelaziosis presents an expanding distribution range throughout Europe, including Portugal. This study provides an update on T. callipaeda infection reports (30 studies) in European wildlife comprising 54 host-locality records in 10 host species from nine European countries. The prevalence of T. callipaeda varied widely, with ranges from around 1% in red foxes and European hares to almost 50% in red foxes. The lowest mean intensity was 2.7 nematodes/host in European wildcats and the highest was 38.0 nematodes/host in wolves. In addition, a massive infection with T. callipaeda in a juvenile male red fox from eastern-central Portugal is also described, representing the southernmost report in a wild animal in this country. A total of 188 nematodes (139 females and 49 males) were collected from both eyes and were submitted to morphological and molecular characterization. Collected nematodes were morphologically identified as T. callipaeda. Given the endemicity of T. callipaeda in eastern-central Portugal, surveillance system should be implemented to monitor its presence among wild and domestic animals.

Acute lethal leptospirosis in a red fox (Vulpesvulpes)

Leptospirosis, caused by pathogenic spirochaetes belonging to the genus Leptospira, is a globally distributed zoonosis that can affect many species of domestic and wild animals, and humans. The red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is a native species in Croatia and, due to constant food availability and lack of interspecies competition, is becoming more abundant in urban and suburban areas. Although antibodies for Leptospira spp have been detected in red foxes, lethal disease has not been reported. We necropsied a young, male red fox that had jaundice, multifocal haemorrhages in the heart, lungs and urinary bladder, hepatomegaly, non-congestive splenomegaly and slight yellow discolouration of the renal cortex and medulla. Histology revealed multifocal haemorrhages in parenchymal organs, thrombi within lung septal capillaries and other blood vessels, interstitial lymphocytic and plasmacytic nephritis and erosions of the gastric mucosa. A microscopic agglutination test on the post-mortem cardiac blood clot revealed a high titre to Leptospira interrogans serovar Icterohaemorrhagiae, which implies contact with rats, which are natural reservoirs of this serovar in Croatia. The gross and histological findings in this fox were similar to those in dogs with leptospirosis, indicating that fatal leptospirosis can occur in foxes and suggesting that this species can act as a source of infection for other animals and humans.

Fishing behavior in the red fox: Opportunistic-caching behavior or surplus killing?

Fishing behavior in the red fox: Opportunistic-caching behavior or surplus killing?

Diagnosis and treatment of congenital hydrocephalus in a red fox (Vulpes vulpes) with seizures

AbstractA 2‐year‐old male red fox (Vulpes vulpes) was presented for generalised tonic‐clonic seizures, blindness, compulsive circling and behavioural changes that occurred since the animal was 2 months old. Neurological examination indicated a diffuse forebrain lesion. On magnetic resonance imaging of the brain, a severe dilation of both lateral ventricles was identified. Congenital hydrocephalus was suspected and the fox was treated with methylprednisolone, omeprazole and phenobarbital. Sixteen months later, the neurological signs had improved: the frequency of seizures had decreased to one seizure every 3 months and compulsive circling was less pronounced.

A descriptive morphometric approach to the skull in Red fox (Vulpes vulpes) of Egypt

Craniofacial anatomy is essential to understand the locative relationships of organs in specific region of each species. This study was aimed to investigate morphometric parameters of the skull of the Red fox of Egypt. Thirteen skulls of about 2.5-4 years-old male Red fox were carefully processed using standard method. Altogether, 29 different osteometric measurements including 7 different indices were estimated. The average total length and width of the skull in the Red fox were 17.64 ± 2.68 cm and 8.73 ± 1.76 cm, respectively, with cephalic index of 49.27 ± 3.42. The cranial length of the Red fox’s skull was about two-fold of its width, with cranial capacity of 49.54 ± 3.75 cc, as well as cranial and basal indices were 49.87 ± 3.96 and 30.97 ± 2.33, respectively. The foramen magnum width was higher than its height, with foramen magnum index of 71.52 ± 3.86. The cranial length of the Red fox’s skull was higher than the facial length, with facial index of 62.70 ± 4.01. The orbital length was higher than the orbital width, and the interorbital distance was wider caudally and narrower in the middle, with orbital capacity and orbital index of 9.34 ± 0.17 cc and 97.87 ± 5.22, respectively. In conclusion, measured osteometric parameters of the Red fox’s skull will provide baseline anatomy information on the skull morphometry, which is necessary for comparative anatomy and clinical veterinary practice. The findings reported here will assist other clinical studies conducting on the Red fox’s head.

Detection of a gE-deleted Pseudorabies virus strain in an Italian red fox

This study describes an Aujeszky’s disease case in an adult male red fox found in an urban area in Central Italy, that exhibited a fatal infection with neurological lesions, but neither itching nor skin lesions.Diagnostic examinations included histology, and parasitological, bacteriological and virological analyses. Detection of parasitic enteric pathogens, bacteria, E. coli, Leptospira spp., rabies, canine distemper virus, parvovirus, hepatitis E virus and pseudorabies virus (PrV) was performed. Results showed the presence of a gE-deleted PrVthat was closely related to the NIA-3 strain but differed from the PrV strains currently circulating in wild boars and domestic pigs in Italy.All the results led to the conclusion that the fox suffered from Aujeszky's disease caused by a gE-deleted PrV strain closely related to a vaccine strain. The epidemiological link between the PrV vaccine strain and fox infection remains unclear. It could involve vaccinated pigs as a primary source of infection by direct or indirect contact with the red fox or less likely it could be related to improper use of the vaccine in the fox.

Male Genital Organs in the Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes); Macroanatomic and Three-dimentional Reconstruction Aspect

In this study, it was aimed to describe to the genital organs, the macroanatomical aspect and three- dimentional (3D) reconstruction of penis and os penis using multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) images in the male red fox (Vulpes vulpes). Six dead male red foxes were used as material. After MDCT images of the penis were obtained, they were reconstructed using a 3D modeling program (Mimics) by overlapping the images. Morphometric measurements were taken from reconstructed model of the penis and os penis. Dissections of foxes were carefully carried out under the loupes. Testis, epididymis and penis were measured from different places. In terms of anatomical aspect, in the red foxes were determined to ovoid testis and extend horizontally into the scrotum. The accessory genital glands were only prostate. The prostate was located to surround the urethra. The spongios body of penis had os penis which the urethra was pass through. The length of the penis obtained by mimics program and digital calliper were not difference. These results may contribute to the lack of the literature about male genital anatomy of the fed fox. It is thought that this study, using 3D reconsruction techniques could make anatomical studies easier to do without harming on wild animals.

Y-Chromosome Markers for the Red Fox.

The de novo assembly of the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) genome has facilitated the development of genomic tools for the species. Efforts to identify the population history of red foxes in North America have previously been limited by a lack of information about the red fox Y-chromosome sequence. However, a megabase of red fox Y-chromosome sequence was recently identified over 2 scaffolds in the reference genome. Here, these scaffolds were scanned for repeated motifs, revealing 194 likely microsatellites. Twenty-three of these loci were selected for primer development and, after testing, produced a panel of 11 novel markers that were analyzed alongside 2 markers previously developed for the red fox from dog Y-chromosome sequence. The markers were genotyped in 76 male red foxes from 4 populations: 7 foxes from Newfoundland (eastern Canada), 12 from Maryland (eastern United States), and 9 from the island of Great Britain, as well as 48 foxes of known North American origin maintained on an experimental farm in Novosibirsk, Russia. The full marker panel revealed 22 haplotypes among these red foxes, whereas the 2 previously known markers alone would have identified only 10 haplotypes. The haplotypes from the 4 populations clustered primarily by continent, but unidirectional gene flow from Great Britain and farm populations may influence haplotype diversity in the Maryland population. The development of new markers has increased the resolution at which red fox Y-chromosome diversity can be analyzed and provides insight into the contribution of males to red fox population diversity and patterns of phylogeography.

A Subcutaneous Lipoma in a Male Red Fox

Dong-hyuk Jeong, Jeong-jin Yang, Joo-yeon Kong, Bae-keun Lee, Je-wook Lee, Se-jin Park, Seung-yong Lee, Seong-hoon Seok, Il-hwa Hong, Hee-chun Lee and Seong-chan Yeon. J Vet Clin 2015;32:278-81. https://doi.org/10.17555/jvc.2015.06.32.3.278

Microsporum canis infection in a red fox (Vulpes vulpes)

Summary A 3-month-old male red fox that was in contact with a Persian cat referred to the small animal hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran with multi-focal circular non-pruritic skin lesions and hair loss mainly on the head and extremities. A complete series of dermatologic tests such as Wood’s light examination, direct microscopic examination, and fungal culture were performed. The isolated pathogen was identified as Microsporum canis. The animal was treated using topical and systemic ketoconazole for 4 weeks. After treatment, the lesions were completely disappeared, and there was no recurrence of skin lesions during the follow-up period. It should be noted that asymptomatic cats may carry M. canis, thus may increase the risk of fungal infections for their owners and other pets as well. This is the first documented report of M. canis infection and its treatment in a red fox.

Traumatic Bilateral Mainstem Bronchial Avulsion in a Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes)

An adult male red fox (Vulpes vulpes) was hit by an automobile and presented in respiratory distress. Radiographs and a physical examination indicated that both bronchi had been avulsed from the lungs and euthanasia was elected.
 This is the first report of a bilateral bronchial avulsion, as well as the first report of large airway avulsion in a canid, as a result of blunt thoracic trauma. Tracheal avulsion is a sporadically reported sequel to blunt trauma in domestic cats. Preliminary diagnosis can be made from history, clinical signs, and radiographs. Bronchoscopy yields a definitive diagnosis. Treatment is most often surgical resection of traumatized ends of airway and anastamosis. Depending on the location and extent of injury, other surgical techniques may be considered.
 An index of suspicion for this injury must be maintained in any patient suffering blunt trauma, as patients with this severe injury may present with mild signs and initially respond to conservative therapy. Thoracic radiographs should be obtained promptly in all cases of suspected blunt thoracic trauma.

Bovine Tuberculosis in a Free Ranging Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) from Doñana National Park (Spain)

During 1997 and 1998, a survey of Iberian carnivores was conducted to study the epidemiology of bovine tuberculosis in the Doñana National Park and surrounding areas in southwestern Spain. Post-mortem examinations were done on seven red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), two Egyptian mongoose (Herpestes ichneumon), one weasel (Mustela nivalis), two genets (Genetta genetta), one Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus), one Eurasian badger (Meles meles), and two polecats (Mustela putorius). Lesions suggestive of bovine tuberculosis were not detected but, in culture, Mycobacterium bovis was isolated from the retropharyngeal lymph nodes of one adult male red fox. This is the first report of M. bovis infection in red fox in Spain.

Bovine tuberculosis in free-ranging carnivores from Michigan.

During a survey of carnivores and omnivores for bovine tuberculosis conducted in Michigan (USA) since 1996, Mycobacterium bovis was cultured from lymph nodes pooled from six coyotes (Canis latrans) (four adult female, two adult male), two adult male raccoons (Procyon lotor), one adult male red fox (Vulpes vulpes), and one 1.5-yr-old male black bear (Ursus americanus). One adult, male bobcat (Felis rufus) with histologic lesions suggestive of tuberculosis was negative on culture but positive for organisms belonging to the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex when tested by polymerase chain reaction. All the tuberculous animals were taken from three adjoining counties where M. bovis is known to be endemic in the free-ranging white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) population. There were two coyotes, one raccoon, one red fox, and one bobcat infected in Alpena county. Montmorency County had two coyotes and one raccoon with M. bovis. Two coyotes and a bear were infected from Alcona County. These free-ranging carnivores/omnivores probably became infected with M. bovis through consumption of tuberculous deer. Other species included in the survey were opossum (Didelphis virginiana), gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus), and badger (Taxidea taxus); these were negative for M. bovis.

Food-caching behaviour of captive-reared red foxes

Two juvenile male red foxes exhibited stereotypic patterns of food-caching behaviour when moved into a dirt-floored pen from a concrete-floored run in which they had been raised since being removed from their natal den. The dominant animal did not prevent the subordinate fox from unearthing and/or reburying food which it had buried. Of a total of 44 unearthings of buried food items, 56.8% were made by the subordinate fox. Urine-marking behaviour was not noted in connection with the burying of food and may suggest that this is either learned behaviour or simply related to the lack of maturity of the foxes studied.

Response of captive male red foxes (Vulpes vulpes L.) to some conspecific odors

Captive male red foxes were allowed access to urine and anal sac secretions collected from both familiar and unfamiliar foxes of both sexes. Conspecific odors commonly elicited higher visiting and marking frequencies than did their distilled water controls. Unfamiliar odors generally attracted a higher frequency of urinations than familiar odors, and unfamiliar male urine elicited a longer investigation time and was urine-marked more frequently than other stimulus odors.

Home Range Defense in the Red Fox, Vulpes vulpes L.

This paper describes the home range defense behavior observed when nonresident male red foxes were introduced into established home ranges of resident male-female pairs. In 12 observation periods, four intruders were introduced to each of three mated pairs which had been given three weeks to acclimate to a 4.05-hectare, fenced enclosure. The residents centered their activities around a natural den and the frequency of intruder-resident encounters decreased rapidly with increasing distance from the den. The primary home range defense was continual harassment of the intruders by the resident males through agonistic displays and chases. Physical contact was rare. Even though the resident males were dominant in less than a majority of the interactions observed, they were usually successful in displacing the intruders within a few hours. The resident females seldom interacted with the intruders.

Survival and Movements of Transplanted and Adopted Red Fox Pups

The recovery rates and dispersal distances of transplanted juvenile red foxes (Vulpes fulvs) were compared with those of controls released an their natal range. Transplanted juvenile foxes included one group held in captivity for 2 to 4 weeks before release (Group 1)> one group added to other resident litters (Group 2), and nine farnily groups each consisting of an adult female and her offspring (Group 3). The overall recovery rate was not significantly different among Groups 1, 2, and 3, but rates of each of iese groups tended to be higher than those of the controls. Mortality aier ian hunting and trapping, was higher in the group held captive than in Xall other groups. Dispersal in all groups did not begin until late Se?tember and early October. Only one of ie nine transplanted adult females showed a tendency to home back to the original den. J. WILDL. MANAGE. 37(T):69-72 There are few published reports on the rearing of young foxes by foster parents or survival estimates for transplanted versus nol1-transplanted foxes. Marcstromas ( 1968 ) study in Sweden indicated that eansplanted red foxes survived as well as those released at the point of capture. However Errington and Berry (1937) presented evidence that for red foxes kept in captivity, survival was better in those released in fall than in those released at a younger age in spring. Sheldon (1950:37) noted that a litter of Sweek old pups was adopted by one adult male red fox in captivity. Kleiman ( 1968:5) observed two arctic fox vixens (Alopex lagopus L.) in captivity retrieving each other's cubs. In other carnivores Verts (1967) indicated that captive lactating skunks ( Mephitis mephitis) accepted orphaned young in early stages of development, and Erickson and Miller (1963:585) reported adoption in the brown bear (Ursus arctos). In a 1 Present address: Pennsylvania Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit, Pennsylvarlia State University, University Park, Pa. 16802. review of mammalian adult-young relationshipsa Spencer-Booth (1970) pointed out the wide variability between species in their readiness to adopt offspring and the complexity of the adoption process. This paper compares the mortality of juvenile red foxes removed from their natal ranges and transplarlted int() unfamiliar areas with that of juveniles captured and released on their natal ranges. All foxes were captured and rele!ased in Iowa during 196S1Y10. This study was financed by the Iowa Conservation Commission, by NIH Training Grant No. 5 T01 GM01779, by U. S. Atomic Ersergy Commission ( C00-133282) directed by Dr. J. R. Tester, and the U. S. Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife. We thank G. G. Good who assisted in all phases of the field work. Ann H. Jones, Drs. E. D. Klonglan, and R. B. Finley reviewed the manuscript.