Description of the terminal branches of the abdominal aorta in capybaras Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris Linnaeus, 1766 (Mammalia: Rodentia)

The capybara Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris Linnaeus, 1766 (Mammalia: Rodentia) is the largest rodent in the world, with great economic potential. Exceeding 80 kg, the animal always lives close to water bodies and its hierarchical flocks have a single dominant male. Current study analyzes the structure and positioning of the terminal branches of the capybara's abdominal aorta to identify clinical pathologies, surgical and radiological procedures, and to contribute towards the knowledge of the rodent's anatomy. The abdominal aorta and its final branches (internal iliac artery, external iliac artery and median sacral artery) of six animals were dissected. Results showed that the organs were very similar to those registered in the literature for other species of rodents.