Veterinary Research Forum

Abstract The thyroid gland is an integral part of the complex anatomy of the equine neck. Transcutaneous ultrasonography provides a non-invasive method for assessing the thyroid glands parenchyma and dimensions in horses. This study evaluated 30 clinically healthy Turkmen horses whose health status was confirmed through comprehensive physical examination, complete blood count, serum biochemical analysis, and thyroid hormone analysis. The horses were divided into two age groups: Group 1 under 36 months (three males and eight females), and Group 2: Thirty-six months and older (eight males and eleven females). Ultrasonographic assessment of the thyroid region was performed using a high-frequency linear transducer. Each thyroid lobe was systematically evaluated for its dimensions, volume, morphology, contour, parenchymal echogenicity and echotexture. Statistical analysis revealed no significant age-related differences in thyroid parameters; however, sex-based differences were observed: females had significantly greater thyroid lobe length and volume on both the left and right sides compared to males. Qualitative B-mode ultrasonography showed consistent morphological features; in the longitudinal view, all thyroid lobes exhibited a flattened, oval shape. On transverse images, most lobes (83.93%, n = 47) appeared elliptical, while the remaining lobes (16.07%, n = 9) were spherical. Irrespective of shape, all thyroid lobes demonstrated regular contour margins. Regarding echogenicity, most lobes were hyperechoic, with a few being isoechoic, relative to the sternocephalic muscle. Furthermore, all thyroid lobes exhibited homogeneous to mildly heterogeneous echotexture. This study establishes diagnostic baselines for thyroid evaluation in the Turkmen horse breed aiding in the detection and management of thyroid pathologies.

Abstract Disorders and injuries of the fetlock joint, encompassing both bone and soft tissue, are significant causes of limb pain and lameness in horses. Over time, these conditions can lead to joint dysfunction and a diminished quality of life. This study aimed to identify fetlock joint disorders using radiological examinations conducted during pre-purchase evaluations of horses and to evaluate the influence of age and sex on their incidence rates. 100 horses were selected from equestrian centers in Tehran Province during 2017 - 2020. As part of pre-purchase examinations, standard radiographic projections of the fetlock joints of all four limbs were obtained. Among the 100 horses examined, 28 showed no abnormalities in the fetlock joint, while 72 exhibited at least one disorder. Osteoarthritis was the most frequently observed condition, with an incidence of 26.75%, followed by soft tissue swelling (15.80%), medial and lateral proximal sesamoiditis (6.00%), osteochondritis dissecans (7.50%) and avulsion fractures (1.50%). Other disorders accounted for less than 5.00% of cases. The prevalence of disorders was significantly higher in the forelimbs compared to the hindlimbs, while no significant difference was found between male and female horses. The findings of this study underscored the importance of conducting pre-purchase radiographic examinations, particularly of the fetlock joints in both forelimbs and hindlimbs. These evaluations are crucial for identifying potential bone complications and for assessing the prognosis of a horse athletic performance.

Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship of different radiographic parameters of mandibular first molar with respect to age, body weight and breed in healthy dogs. Overall, 50 dogs with the age from 5 to 156 months and body weight from 6.00 to 45.00 kg of various breeds were made the subject of study. Animals were categorized into different groups based on age, body weight and breed. A new dental parameters measurement technique was standardised which was in line with modified Lind’s measurement technique of human dentistry. A significant decrease in least square count means of dental parameters was observed in age group 1 (0 - 12 months) in comparison with group 2 (13 - 60 months) and group 3 (> 60 months). A significant decrease in least square count means of dental parameters was observed in group A (0.00 - 10.00 kg) in comparison with group B (11.00 - 25.00 kg) and group C (> 25.00 kg). The root canal width showed a significant decrease with an increase in age; therefore, it was difficult to approach pulp cavity in older dogs. Small breeds showed decline in root length/crown height (R/C) ratio and mandible height/first mandibular molar height (MH/M1H) ratio in comparison with medium and large breeds because of which there were more chances of tooth loosening in smaller breeds. Regression equations formulated with respect to body weight and age can act as a ready reference to calculate values of different dental parameters at places where dental radiography is not available.

Abstract Dogs presented to the Small Animal Hospital of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran were included in the present study if spinal or intervertebral disc involvement was suspected. Clinical signs were recorded as well as general information of the patient such as age, breed and sex. Sixty dogs were examined radiographically and two standard orthogonal lateral and ventrodorsal projections were taken from the suspected region. Then magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed for all patients. Agreement between MRI and radiographic findings, comparison of sex and breed with diagnostic imaging grades, comparison between diagnostic imaging grades and mean age, recovery rate after surgery or medical treatment, effects of diagnostic imaging severity grades on surgical or medical referrals were evaluated statistically. There were no significant association between age, sex and breed and frequency of the intervertebral disk disease. Intervertebral disc involvements between L₂-L₃ and T₁₃-L₁ were estimated as the most frequent sites of involvements. Sensitivity and specificity of radiography were evaluated 90.0% and 46.0%, respectively, by considering the MRI as a gold standard modality. There was a significant association between severity of disease in the MRI with referral to surgery and medical treatment. The recovery rate after surgery was significantly higher than medical treatment. These results can be used as a foundation for other studies with more focuses on details of injury and larger group of patients.

Abstract Euphrates turtle is the only soft shell turtle of Iran, and unfortunately is in danger of extinction due to multiple reasons. Imaging techniques, in addition to their importance in diagnosis of injuries to animals, have been used as non-invasive methods to provide normal anatomic views. A few studies have been conducted to understand body structure of the Euphrates turtle. Since there is only general information about the anatomy of turtle limbs, the normal skeleton of the Euphrates limbs was studied. For this purpose four adult Euphrates turtles were used. Digital radiographic examination was performed by computed radiographic (CR) in dorsoventral (DV) and lateral (L) positions. Spiral CT-scanning was done and 3D images of the bones were reconstructed for anatomical evaluation. For skeletal preparation, the skeleton was cleaned by a combination of boiling and mealworm methods and limbs’ bones were examined anatomically. In the present study, simultaneous anatomic, radiographic and CT studies of bones in individual turtles made us possible to describe bones anatomically and provided comparable and complementary conditions to represent the abilities of the radiography and CT for better understanding of the anatomy. Arrangement and the number of carpal and tarsal bones are used in turtles’ classification. Among the studied species, Euphrates turtle carpal and tarsal bones show the most similarities to the Apolone spinifera.