Anatomical and histological structure of ovary and salpinx in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) (linnaeus, 1758)

Abstract

The Red fox is the largest of the true foxes and the most abundant wild member of the carnivora. This study aimed to determine the anatomical and histological structure of the ovary and salpinx of the Red foxes. The ovary and salpinx of four Red foxes of similar ages, which could not be rescued by the Center despite all interventions, were dissected. Measurements were taken from the right-left ovary and salpinx using digital callipers. The weights of each ovary and salpinx were measured using a precision scale (min: 0.0001 g, max: 220 g). The mean length of the ovary was 13.43 ± 2.38 mm, the width was 6.28 ± 1.99 mm, the thickness was 4.89 ± 0.18 mm, and weight was 0.93 ± 0.14 g. The mean length of the salpinx was 76.22 ± 3.02 mm, the width was 1.98 ± 0.07 mm, and the weight was 0.53 ± 0.31 g. Crossman’s triple staining method was applied for histological examination of the ovary tissue. It was observed that the ovary was surrounded by germinative epithelium from the outside and consisted of the cortex with different follicles in the development stage, and the medulla layer with plenty of blood vessels and nerve plexuses inside. In conclusion, we believe that the findings of this study may be useful for further studies on foxes and surgical operations (ovariectomy, ovariohysterectomy). In addition, it is aimed to eliminate the insufficient information regarding the reproductive system of wild animals in this study.