Morphometric investigation of lumbal and sacral vertebrae in Aksaray Malakli dogs

Abstract

This research focused on the dimensions and shape of the lumbal and sacral vertebrae of Aksaray Malakli dogs. Within the scope of the study, the lumbal and sacral vertebrae of six Aksaray Malakli dog cadavers were examined, various measurements were performed on these vertebrae and the data obtained were presented. This investigation delves into the morphometric analysis of the lumbal and sacral spinal bones from six Aksaray Malakli dogs that succumbed to diverse causes between 2022 and 2023 at Aksaray University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Animal Hospital. The cadavers were initially subjected to a 14 day detection period in a 10% formaldehyde solution before being meticulously readied for dissection. In the study, it was determined that the processus spinousus and processus transversus protrusions of the lumbal vertebrae extend regularly until the sixth lumbal vertebra. Regarding the transverse diameters of the vertebral body, it was determined that the lowest value was "1.60±0.17 cm" in the second lumbal vertebra and the highest value was "1.81±0.09 cm" in the fifth lumbal vertebra. It was observed that the body length of the lumbal vertebrae increased steadily until the fifth vertebra and then decreased steadily until the seventh vertebra. The first four lumbal vertebrae were found to have processus accesorius near the processus articularis caudalis. It was observed that the sacrum is formed by the fusion of three sacral vertebrae and that the processus spinousus and processus transversus of these three vertebrae fuse to form the sacrum bone. Consequently, this study aims to enhance breed registration initiatives conducted by various institutions worldwide. By conducting a thorough examination of the lumbal and sacral vertebrae of the Aksaray Malakli dog, a breed deemed a local asset, we aim to provide valuable insights from both macroanatomical and morphometric perspectives. This endeavor aspires to bolster the breed's recognition on both local and global scales.