Veterinary Research Forum

Abstract The calculation of the cranial cavity volume is important for brain development, pathologies and health status. In recent years, advancements in clinical applications have made volume calculation methods from radiological images more consistent. In this context, it was aimed to calculate the intracranial volume of the Koçeri sheep’s skulls using three-dimensionel models based on computed tomography (CT) scan sections and stereology. In the study, seven adult female and seven male Koçeri sheep were used. The skulls used were scanned with a 64-detector Multi-Detector CT device with a section thickness of 0.625 mm, 80.00 kV, 200 mA, and 639 mGy specifications. Using the MIMICS 20.1 software, three-dimensional models of the skull region were created and intracranial volumes were measured. The same reference points were measured using the Cavalieri principle. As a result of the study, measurements taken using CT scan showed that the cranial volume in females was 133.09 ± 7.81 cm³ and in males was 148.68 ± 16.25 cm³. The intracranial volume calculated using the Cavalieri principle was found to be 133.87 ± 8.43 cm³ in females and 149.77 ± 16.74 cm³ in males. The data were statistically analyzed in terms of two methods and sexual dimorphism. While no difference was found between the methods, a significant statistical difference was determined between the genders. In this context, our study believed to make significant contributions to clinical sciences through accurate management of cranial disease diagnosis and processes and to taxonomy through identification of interspecies differences.

Abstract Tarantula cubensis alcoholic extract (TCAE) is a homeopathic product used in the veterinary field. This study aimed to determine the effects of TCAE on cadmium (Cd) toxicity in the embryo. The study used 220 fertile, incubated chicken eggs divided into 11 equal groups on the 7^th day of incubation. The groups comprised untreated and physiological saline control groups, a group with TCAE alone, four groups with varying doses of Cd alone and four groups with the same doses of Cd plus TCAE. At the end of the incubation period, the eggs were opened, kidney and liver tissue samples were taken for histopathology and the number of dead and living embryos were recorded. In the prsent study, the median lethal dose of Cd was determined to be 0.029 mg per egg and the median lethal dose of Cd plus TCAE was determined to be 0.020 mg per egg. The histopathological examinations determined that kidney and liver damage were increased when TCAE and Cd were administered together, that was higher than when Cd was given alone. Thus, TCAE, which had no toxic effect on the embryo when used alone, might increase the embryotoxic activity of Cd. However, more detailed studies are needed.