Biometria corporal e estudo da volumetria gástrica de gambás (didelphis aurita - wied-neuwied, 1826) de vida livre atropelados na Rodovia ES-060

Abstract

This study evaluated the biometric data of 15 specimens of black-eared opossum (Didelphis aurita - WIED-NEUWIED, 1826) run over on the ES-060 highway, regarding their biometrics and gastric volumetry. The animals were collected by highway traffic inspectors and sent for identification and storage at the Environmental Operational Base of Rodosol, in Guarapari – ES, and subsequently forwarded to the Wildlife Health Laboratory, located at Biopráticas - UVV. After specimen identification, measurements of head length, head circumference, body length, tail and ear size, and body weight were taken. During necropsy, gastric volumetry was assessed through the gradual injection of dyed water into intact stomachs, controlling gastric distension up to the maximum safe volume, while monitoring for signs of excessive distension. Due to the condition of the specimens resulting from collisions, 13 stomachs were evaluated for volumetry. The biometric data analysis revealed variations related to sexual dimorphism, and the gastric volumetry showed an average safe stomach distension capacity for the species of approximately 8% of live body weight, lower than the 20% parameter recommended by previous studies. This difference highlights the importance of a specific evaluation for this species, considering its physiological and anatomical particularities. It is proposed the following formula: volume in milliliters = animal weight x 8%, for calculating soft food or milk feeding for convalescent animals. This data is essential for clinical procedures of enteral nutrition in opossums, optimizing nutritional support and preventing complications such as aspiration and regurgitation. This work contributes to the biological knowledge of the species Didelphis aurita (WIED-NEUWIED, 1826) and provides support for more effective clinical management in Animal Intensive Care Units (ICUs).