Abdominal ultrasonographic characterization of captive South American felids: puma (Puma concolor) and jaguarundi (Herpailurus yagouaroundi)

Grandez R.R.; Muñoz K.D.; Hermoza C.G.; Arias Y.G.; Merino V. · Revista de Investigaciones Veterinarias del Peru (2026) · DOI: 10.15381/rivep.v37i2.33304

Resumen

The abdomen of apparently healthy pumas (Puma concolor) and jaguarundis (Herpailurus yagouaroundi) kept in confinement at the Parque de Las Leyendas Zoo (Lima, Perú) and the Parque Natural de Pucallpa Zoo (Ucayali, Peru) was evaluated by ultrasound between 2021 and 2023 as part of routine annual health check-ups. The study included 12 specimens: four jaguarundis (one male and one female at each site) and eight pumas (four females from Parque de las Leyendas and two males from each zoo). Ultrasound evaluations were performed using an Esaote MyLabOne™ equipment with a SC3123 4–9 MHz microconvex transducer, capturing images and videos of abdominal organs for analysis. Organ anatomical location, echotexture, and architecture were assessed. The liver, kidneys, urinary bladder, spleen, and gastrointestinal tract exhibited ultrasonographic characteristic consistent with findings reported in other South American wild felines, with organ dimensions correlating proportionally to body size. Differences in testicular shape were observed, with oval testicles in jaguarundis and round testicles in pumas. Adrenal glands were visualized in only two jaguarundis due to time constraints during health evaluations. This study provides valuable reference data for the ultrasonographic evaluation of abdominal organs in pumas and jaguarundis, contributing to veterinary diagnostics and conservation efforts. ©Los autores.

Instituciones: Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia