Wojick Kimberlee B, Langan Jennifer N, Terio Karen A, Righton Alison, Drees Randi
J Zoo Wildl Med. 2018 Sep;49(3):648-655. doi: 10.1638/2017-0213.1.
The reproductive tracts of three captive male aardvark ( Orycteropus afer) were evaluated to characterize the gross and histological anatomy, with correlations to ultrasonographic and computed tomographic imaging. Observations were made from a reproductive tract examined at necropsy, with subsequent evaluation of tissues histologically. Two living specimens were evaluated via ultrasonography with a 10-MHz linear transducer. One living animal was also evaluated via computed tomography. Prominent external scent glands were present at the base of the prepuce. Testicles were present internally at the level of the inguinal canal and capable of sliding into a subcutaneous position. Accessory sex glands consisted of seminal vesicles, prostate gland, and bulbourethral glands, with histological characteristics similar to other species. Ultrasonography was an effective tool for evaluation of internal and external reproductive structures, while the usefulness of computed tomography was limited in the evaluation of pelvic organs due to artifact from nearby bony structures. While a larger study population is desirable, this report provides an important comparative anatomical reference and will help improve the clinical management and care of this species.
对三只圈养雄性土豚（南非地穿山甲）的生殖道进行了评估，以描述其大体和组织解剖结构，并与超声和计算机断层扫描成像进行关联。观察取自尸检时检查的生殖道，随后对组织进行组织学评估。使用10兆赫线性换能器通过超声对两只活体标本进行了评估。还通过计算机断层扫描对一只活体动物进行了评估。在包皮基部有明显的外部气味腺。睾丸位于腹股沟管水平的内部，能够滑入皮下位置。附属性腺包括精囊、前列腺和尿道球腺，其组织学特征与其他物种相似。超声是评估内部和外部生殖结构的有效工具，而计算机断层扫描在评估盆腔器官时因附近骨骼结构产生的伪影而效用有限。虽然需要更大的研究群体，但本报告提供了重要的比较解剖学参考，将有助于改善该物种的临床管理和护理。
