Descripción del esqueleto axial del carpincho (hydrochoerus hydrochaeris)

Abstract

"Capybara" is a great size rodent broadly distributed in the areas of plains and swamps of South America. The anatomical information on the axial skeleton of this species is scarce. The objective of the assay was to describe the axial skeleton of Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris. Three cadavers were used (two males and one female). Bones were obtained by maceration, and later treatment with 20% sodium hypochlorite. Anatomical characteristics were photographically registered. Thirty four bones of the head (included ear bones and considering the dorsal nasal turbinates as part of the ethmoid bone), 36 vertebrae (7 cervical, 13 thoracic, 6 lumbar, 4 sacral and 6 caudal), 26 ribs, and the sternum with 6 sternebrae, were observed. From the osteological point of view, the bones of the face were stronger than those of the skull. It is expected that these anatomical findings in H. hydrochaeris may contribute to improve the sanitary and productive handling of the species.