Examination of the vertebral heart scale and anatomical structure of different dog breeds by computed tomography

This study aims to reveal the statistical difference by measuring the vertebral heart scale and anatomical structures of the heart in different dog breeds. The vertebral heart scale (VHS) has recently been described as a method for measuring the heart silhouettes of dogs and cats. Vertebral heart scale (VHS) may vary in dog and cat breeds due to age, weight, etc. Twenty-one dogs (10 males and 11 females) of different ages and weights were used. Among the dog breeds used are the French Bulldog, Russian Poodle, Rottweiler, Jack Russell, Golden Retriever, King Charles, Pekingese, Belgian Shepherd, Husky, Chihuahua, Cocker, Terrier, Bulldog, Bouvier and Flanders breeds. Multislice detectors were scanned at 80 kV, 200 MA, 639 mGY, and 0.625 mm slice thickness. The resulting images were saved in Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) format. The obtained sections were measured in 3D-Slicer software. Thoracic height (TH) and cranial vena cava (CVC) measurement parameters were statistically significant with weight (P<0.05). Vertebral heart scale (VHS) was not statistically significant with any parameter in the correlation analysis (P>0.05). At the correlation table of animal weight with the measurements, it was seen that it had a very significant positive correlation with other measurement parameters except vertebral heart score (VHS) (P<0.01). Vertebral heart scale was determined as 9.09±1.37 vertebrae in females and 9.50±0.52 vertebrae in males. The study aims to contribute to veterinary anatomy, surgery and internal medicine

Evaluation of the stance phases of warmblood sport horses on soft and hard surfaces by infrared optical sensors

The aim of the study was to assertain the differences in walking time of sport horses by investigating their stance phases on soft versus hard surfaces using infrared sensors. A total of 15 warmblood sport horses were used in the study. Three different stages of the stance phase were examined, including initial contact, foot flat and propulsion, alongside assessment of walking pace and step-length. It was observed that the horses were inclined to walk more slowly on soft surfaces compared to hard ground. The amount of time spent in the foot flat position constituted the majority of the stance phase on both surfaces. Propulsion length during the stance phase was shorter on soft surfaces in comparison to hard ground. While the ratio of contact length in forelimbs was lower on hard ground compared to soft surfaces, in hind limbs this ratio was higher on hard ground. Objective data obtained through gait analysis systems are thought to serve as a potential auxiliary diagnostic tool in diseases associated with the locomotor system manifested by lameness, particularly in equine veterinary medicine. In the future, the relevant systems that could offer rapid results through current technology are anticipated to provide accurate preliminary assumptions to evaluate the potential of horses regarding their walking, trotting, and leaping capacity before competitions through such studies