Maned Wolf MRI

Dr. Carlos Sanchez, veterinarian at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo, examines a maned wolf at the IAMS Pet Imaging Center in Vienna, Va., while Dr. Julie Smith, medical director for the Imaging Center, prepares the animal for an MRI. The maned wolf was taken to the Imaging Center after it showed signs of paralysis in its hind legs on March 7. The IAMS staff performed an MRI of the wolf’s entire spine and determined that its temporary paralysis was most likely caused by a herniated disc. This condition doesn’t require immediate surgery, but Dr. Sanchez cautions that the wolf’s recovery may be prolonged.

Native to the open forests and savannas of Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Bolivia, maned wolves are listed as “near threatened” on the World Conservation Union’s list of threatened species.

Photo Credit: John Gibbons/Smithsonian’s National Zoo
March 7, 2007

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