Eurasian Journal of Veterinary Sciences - 2026; 42(1) - Current Issue

Gender Determination of Foramen Magnum and Occipital Condyles in Dogs Using Computed Tomography

Sedat Aydogdu, Yusuf Altundag, Muhammed Taha Temir — 2026-03-01

The foramen magnum (FM) and occipital condyles (OC) are important anatomical features in anthropology and zooarchaeology for the identification of breeds, species, and gender. The present study aimed to determine the gender of dogs using morphometric measurements of the FM and OC. A total of 27 healthy dogs without any pathology, 11 females and 16 males, were used in this study. Morphometric measurements were performed on tomography images of the dogs' heads. Before morphometric measurements were made on the images obtained in DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) format, interactive MPR (Multi-Planar Reformat) and positioning were performed in ITK-SNAP software. After rotation and positioning, eight different morphometric measurements were performed on the FM and OC using ITK-SNAP software. According to the morphometric measurement results, no statistical difference was determined in the length of the right OC(LROC), length of the left OC (LLOC), width of the right OC (WROC), width of the left OC (WLOC), intercondylar width (ICW), intercondylar distance (ICD), and internal width of the FM (IWFM) in female and male dogs. A difference was observed in the internal length of the FM (ILFM) parameter, which was found to be statistically significantly higher in males. It is thought that the morphometric measurement results obtained from the FM and OC of dogs will contribute to zooarchaeological and anthropological studies examining the differences between gender and head structure in dogs.

Immunohistochemical Distribution of Desmin and Vimentin in Bovine Spleen During Fetal Development

Ugur Topaloglu, Mehmet Erdem Akbalik, Ayse Durmaz Ciga, Abdullah Said Tekin — 2026-03-01

As one of the largest secondary lymphoid organs, the spleen, besides having a key role in filtering the blood, supporting the lymphocyte differentiation as well as maintaining immune system control, is the centre of haematopoiesis during the fetal period. Such essential cellular processes as cell maintenance, cell division and communication between cells are regulated by intermediate filaments. Among these filaments, vimentin and desmin play an important role in keeping mechanical strength and giving support to the cellular differentiation processes. Therefore, the presented study aims to find out how immunohistochemical distributions of vimentin and desmin are done in the fetal bovine spleen during gestation periods. In this study, from each gestational period, 10 spleen tissue samples were collected. Before serial sections were prepared and stained immunohistochemically, those spleen tissue samples were processed via basic histological procedures and embedded in paraffin. The study demonstrate that vimentin and desmin exhibited various levels of staining intensity within splenic cell during gestation. As a result, throughout prenatal development, vimentin and desmin proteins have been seen to have different dynamics with regards to the staining intensity and distribution in the spleen. With this study, it was concluded that proteins from both might have a crucial role in giving contribution to the essential biological processes, like cell proliferation and differentiation, the structural organization of the splenic stroma, blood cell formation, and the regulation of immune responses.

Microbial Profile of traditional Dry-cured Meat: Metagenomic Analysis of Microbial Community of Kastamonu Pastrami Compared to Industrial Counterparts

Yasin Akkemik, Eygi Feyza Bicak, Alper Gungoren, Ahmet Guner — 2026-03-01

This study provides the first metagenomic characterisation of Kastamonu pastrami, a traditional Turkish dry-cured meat, and compares its microbial diversity with industrially produced alternatives. The findings are evaluated regarding product quality, fermentation characteristics, and food safety. We analyzed 15 sırt pastrami samples (M. longissimus thoracis) from traditional producers A?D (n=12) and industrial producer E (n=3). The 16S rRNA V3?V4 region was sequenced on Illumina MiSeq and processed with standard quality-filtering/denoising and taxonomyassignment workflow. Diversity metrics included alpha diversity (Shannon) and beta structure (PCoA, hierarchical clustering); group differences were evaluated with multiple-comparison procedures. Traditional products (A?D) showed higher alpha diversity overall than the industrial group (E) (p<0.05). Shannon values were highest in A and C with medians around ~2.10 and ~2.06 respectively; B was intermediate (~1.88?1.90); D and E were lowest (~1,71 and ~1.65 respectively). Community composition reflected these patterns; traditional samples contained producerspecific lactic acid bacteria (LAB) consortia?Lactobacillus, Lactococcus, Weissella, and Leuconostoc?while A and C also harbored hygiene/spoilage-associated genera (e.e., Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus, Psychrobacter, Bacteroides, and Photobacterium). The industrial group (E) exhibited low diversity with Lactobacillus dominance (~80% relative abundance) and minimal non-LAB representation, consistent with controlled fermentation and sanitation. Findings indicate a diversity?safety trade off: traditional processing preserves microbial richness and typicity but may elevate contamination risk without robust GMP/HACCP, whereas industrial processing enhances microbiological safety at the expense of diversity. These results provide a practical basis for targeted hygiene interventions that improve safety while preserving the distinctive character of traditional pastrami.

Determination of Embryotoxic Effects of Levofloxacin Exposure by the In Ovo Method

Rahmi Canbar, Osman Dagar, Tugba Melike Parlak, Mehmet Tuzcu, Enver Yazar — 2026-03-01

Levofloxacin is a broad-spectrum antibacterial drug in the fluoroquinolone class that is classified as category C during pregnancy. This study aimed to determine the effects of levofloxacin administration on embryos at different developmental stages. It examined 420 fertile chicken eggs, divided into two main groups-levofloxacin treatment on days 7 and 14-each containing seven subgroups (n = 30 each): negative control (no treatment), positive control (treated with saline), and five levofloxacin doses (5000, 2500, 1250, 625, and 312.5 µg/kg). On day 21, all eggs were hatched, the live-dead ratio was determined, and liver and kidney tissues were collected for histopathological analysis. Administering levofloxacin to embryos at 7 and 14 days of incubation had no lethal effect at doses up to 5000 µg/kg (p>0.05). Histopathological evaluations revealed no significant or clinically meaningful histopathological toxicity was observed of levofloxacin on liver and kidney development (p>0.05). In conclusion, when administered directly, levofloxacin does not have adverse effects on embryos at different developmental stages.

Short-Term Outcomes of Closed Butterfly-Shaped External Fixation in Feline and Canine Carpal and Tarsal Joint Instability

Ebru Eravci Yalin, Yusuf Altundag, Kemal Altunatmaz — 2026-03-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the short-term clinical and radiographic outcomes of a butterfly-shaped external fixation technique applied using a closed approach for the stabilization of traumatic carpal and tarsal joint instability in cats and dogs. This study included 39 patients (29 cats and 10 dogs) presented with acute lameness to the Surgical Clinic of Istanbul University?Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. Clinical and radiographic examinations revealed carpal or tarsal joint instability associated with luxation and ligament injuries. Joint stabilization was achieved without opening the joint by applying a linear type II external skeletal fixation system using Kirschner wires connected with thermoplastic material. The butterfly-shaped configuration was designed to provide temporary joint stabilization and promote periarticular fibrosis rather than osseous fusion. Postoperative clinical examinations and stress radiography were performed at the 4th and 8th postoperative weeks. Successful joint stabilization was achieved in 97% of the cases by the 8th postoperative week. Most complications were minor and included pin tract infection, skin irritation, and occasional pin breakage. External fixation materials were removed at the 12th postoperative week in the majority of patients without any adverse effects or recurrence of instability. The butterfly-shaped external fixation technique applied via a closed approach is a minimally invasive, cost-effective, and well-tolerated alternative to arthrodesis for the treatment of carpal and tarsal joint instability in cats and dogs. Temporary immobilization for 8?12 weeks was sufficient to restore joint stability with a low complication rate.

The Effects of Diallyl Disulfide on Certain Oxidative Stress and Biochemical Parameters in an Azoxymethane-induced Colon Cancer Model

Buse Turan, Seyfullah Haliloglu, Zafer Bulut — 2026-03-01

The aim of the present study is to investigate the effects of diallyl disulfide (DADS), an active compound of garlic, on certain serum biochemical and oxidative stress parameters in colon cancer induced by azoxymethane (AOM) in rats. The rats were divided into 5 groups: Control, AOM, DADS, AOM+DADS and corn oil. AOMtreated groups received 15 mg/kg sc AOM injections (twice at one-week intervals), while DADS-treated groups received 50 mg/kg DADS via gavage 5 days a week at the end of the 15th week. The corn oil group received 1 ml/kg corn oil via gavage 5 days a week (for 3 weeks) at the end of the 15th week of the study. Total protein and albumin (p<0.05) levels were higher in the DADS group than in the AOM group. ALP activity decreased in the DADS and AOM+DADS groups; whereas, ALT activity increased in the AOM group (p<0.05). Additionally, cholesterol and HDL levels lowered in the AOM and AOM+DADS groups (p<0.05). ROS concentration was significantly higher in the AOM group compared to the other groups (p<0.05), while GPx levels were low. Serum magnesium concentration was lower in the AOM+DADS group compared to the control group (p<0.05) and this decrease was accompanied by urea levels in both the AOM+DADS and DADS groups (p<0.05). Compared to the control group, iron levels were high in the DADS group, while chloride levels were high in the DADS, AOM+DADS and corn oil groups (p<0.05). In conclusion, the decreases in serum cholesterol and HDL levels, particularly in the AOM group, supported the notion that these parameters could be important cancer biomarkers in cancer cases. Furthermore, the changes in chloride and iron levels across groups were striking and it was concluded that many biochemical parameters could be identified as new biomarkers in colon cancer through investigation of the therapeutic efficacy of DADS.

The Effect of Bisphenol A on the Proportions of Alpha Naphthyl Acetate Esterase Positive Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes in Rats

2026-03-01

Bisphenol A (BPA) is one of the most important endocrine disrupting chemicals. Epoxy resins and polycarbonates are frequently manufactured using this compound. Enzyme histochemical techniques not only can be used to evaluate the general status of the immune system but also are used to determine the functional situation of the lymphocytes. Immunocompetent T-lymphocytes in certain animal species are characterized by the presence of ANAE (Alpha Naphthyl Acetate Esterase). The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of BPA on the proportions of ANAE positive peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) in rats. A total of 40 rats were used. Forty animals were randomly assigned to five experimental groups (n = 8 per group): control, vehicle-control, BPA-5, BPA-50, and BPA-500. The BPA- 5, BPA-50 and BPA-500 groups were given 5, 50, and 500 ?g/kg body weights/day, respectively. At the end of the 8 weeks, peripheral blood samples were obtained from the rats and blood smears were prepared for ANAE demonstration. On each smear, two-hundred lymphocytes were counted for the determining of the percentages of ANAE-positive lymphocyte percentages. The proportions of ANAE positivity were found as 43.37%, 36.50%, 32.62%, 31.37% and 30.75% respectively. It was determined that the differences of the proportions of ANAE positive PBL between the groups were statistically important (p<0.01). It was concluded that BPA had immunotoxic and/or immunosuppressive effect of PBL, and it might cause functional failure of lymphocytes affecting their enzymatic activity.

Investigation of Toxic Pathological Findings in European Seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax (Linnaeus, 1758)) Applied with High-dose Chlorine Dioxide

Eda Vural, Mustafa Kemal Ciftci — 2026-03-01

Aquatic species are important sources of high-quality protein and contribute significantly to global food security and national economies. In Türkiye, the European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) accounts for approximately 37% of marine aquaculture production and is widely cultured in coastal farming systems. However, diseases and environmental stressors remain major constraints that can significantly limit production in European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) aquaculture. Among these factors, water quality management is one of the most critical parameters affecting fish health and farm productivity. Physical approaches, such as filtration systems and ultraviolet (UV) treatment, are commonly used to maintain water quality; chemical disinfectants, such as ozone and chlorine, are also commonly used as essential complementary strategies. Nevertheless, these agents may be ineffective and can cause undesirable pathological effects in fish. Before the experiment, the 96-h median lethal concentration (LC50) of Chlorine dioxide for European seabass was determined experimentally to be 1.33 mg/L. Based on this value, the present study aimed to evaluate the pathological effects of Chlorine dioxide at different concentrations (0.375, 0.750, 1.125, 1.5, 1.875, and 2.25 mg/L) in various tissues and organs (skin, gills, liver, heart, kidneys, and intestines) of 9-19-month-old European seabass. Fish were exposed to Chlorine dioxide for 7 days under semi-static conditions, with daily renewal of the disinfectant solution. In addition, oxidative stress and apoptosis-related biomarkers were evaluated in liver tissue. Macroscopically, haemorrhages were observed in the gills and liver. Histopathological examinations revealed dose-related pathological alterations, including degeneration, necrosis, and epithelial sloughing in the gills; hepatocyte swelling, vacuolization, and necrosis in the liver; and oedema in the brain. Histopathological changes were scored as 0 in the control group, and scores from 1 to 4 were assigned based on lesion severity. Scoring results for gill and liver tissues indicated that high-dose groups (1.5, 1.875, and 2.25 mg/L) had significantly higher lesion scores compared with the low-dose groups (0.375, 0.75, and 1.125 mg/L), demonstrating a significant increase in tissue damage with increasing dose (p < 0.001, n = 10 per group). ELISA analyses of oxidative stress and apoptosis biomarkers (Caspase-3 (pmol/L), Tumour Necrosis Factor-? (pmol/L), Cytochrome-C (pmol/L), Apo-1/Fas (pmol/L), Malondialdehyde (pmol/L), and P53/Tumour Protein P53 (pmol/L) showed no significant induction of oxidative stress or apoptotic responses in liver tissue following Chlorine dioxide exposure. In several cases, biomarker levels were significantly lower than those of the control group, indicating a suppression or reduction relative to baseline levels rather than activation of these pathways. In conclusion, Chlorine dioxide may be used as a disinfectant in marine aquaculture for European seabass at concentrations between 0.750 and 1.125 mg/L for short-term applications. Under the experimental conditions of this study, these concentrations did not induce significant oxidative stress or apoptosis, although dose-dependent histopathological alterations were observed at higher exposure levels.

Effects of Different Ozone Application on Some Quality Parameters of Red Meat During Cold Storage

Ozge Durmaz, Umit Gurbuz — 2026-03-01

This study investigated the effects of gaseous ozone treatments at different concentrations and exposure times on the physicochemical and microbiological quality of beef (Musculus longissimus lumborum) during cold storage. Beef loin samples were divided into control and treatment groups, with ozone applied at 0.5-0.6 ppm for 10 or 20 minutes. Quality parameters, including pH, water activity, color (L*, a*, b*), lipid oxidation (TBARs), and microbial counts, were measured immediately after treatment and on days 7 and 14 of storage. Ozone treatment significantly reduced microbial loads, particularly mesophilic aerobic bacteria, Pseudomonas spp., and Enterobacterales, and maintained microbial counts at acceptable levels throughout storage. Although ozone exposure increased lipid oxidation, pH and water activity values remained within normal ranges, and color changes were moderate. These findings highlight ozone as a promising non-thermal preservation technology that can improve microbial safety and extend the shelf life of beef without leaving chemical residues.