Title
Pseudoaneurysm diagnosis and treatment in an aardvark (Orycteropus afer)
Author(s)
Drumm, Hannah E.; Weisse, Chick W.; Le Roux, Alexandre B.; Rosen, Robert J.; Moore, Robert P.; DeJesus, Antonia A.; Sykes IV, John M.
Published
2021
Abstract
A 10-year-old male aardvark (Orycteropus afer) presented for acute proximal left pelvic limb swelling and bruising which progressed to encompass the entire leg. A mass effect and pitting edema were noted on the medial thigh and a non-weight bearing lameness developed. Clinical signs improved only to acutely recur repeatedly over the course of the following 2 months. Cytology, ultrasonographic evaluation, and histopathology of the mass were consistent with a large hematoma and he became markedly anemic. A CT angiogram revealed a pseudoaneurysm in a lateral branch of the left internal iliac artery. Fluoroscopy was used to guide a microcatheter from the right femoral artery to the level of the pseudoaneurysm. Glue embolization (n-butyl cyanoacrylate (n-BCA), Trufill, J & J Medical Devices) of the affected branch was performed without complication and complete occlusion of the vessel was confirmed. The lameness immediately improved post-operatively and full resolution of the swelling was achieved within 3 months. A pseudoaneurysm results from damage to an arterial wall which is subsequently contained by a hematoma. Prior to onset of clinical signs, the aardvark had received numerous intramuscular injections by hand or dart in the pelvic limbs for immobilization and management of an unrelated issue. It is suspected that one of these injections resulted in trauma to the arterial wall. This is the first report of pseudoaneurysm correction using minimally invasive techniques in a non-domestic species.
Keywords
aardvark; CT angiogram; glue embolization; minimally invasive; Orycteropus afer; pseudoaneurysm
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PUB26688