Innervation of the muscles of the pelvic limb of the nutria (Myocastor coypus) by nerves originating from the lumbosacral plexus

Knowledge about the innervation of the pelvic limb is crucial in veterinary sciences, particularly in anesthesiology, diagnostics, and veterinary surgery, where precise knowledge of the nervous system enables effective treatment and interventions. With the growing interest of veterinarians in studies of the rodent, expanding knowledge of the neuroanatomy of these animals is key to improving veterinary care and treatment efficacy. The aim of our study was to analyze the innervation of the pelvic limb muscles in the nutria (Myocastor coypus). Our research demonstrated that these muscles are innervated by motor fibers from nerves such as the femoral nerve, the obturator nerve, the sciatic nerve, and the cranial and caudal gluteal nerves. We also determined the origin of these nerves, indicating that they stem from the ventral roots of the spinal nerves from L3 to S1, knowing that the nutria has six lumbar vertebrae. Conclusions from such analyses can contribute to a deeper understanding of the evolutionary anatomy of the nervous system in various mammal groups and the development of more precise diagnostic and therapeutic methods in veterinary medicine.