Indigenous Dog Research Articles

Understanding the evolution of domestic dogs

This article discusses the process of domestication, and the outcomes of domestication, and the evolutionary history of dogs. The essay also describes the processes that led to the evolution of domestic dogs and investigates the causes of the enormous variety of dog breeds. This research shows the complex interactions between humans and dogs throughout the history by analyzing genetic, and social aspects. It also provides insights into how this special relationship has formed the diversity of breeds that exist today. Additionally, the article provides a detailed examination of the Chinese Village Dog, an indigenous breed of China, highlighting its unique evolutionary pathway, genetic diversity, and cultural significance. Through the analysis of ancient texts and archaeological findings, this research sheds light on the longstanding relationship between Chinese Village Dogs and human communities, as well as the ongoing challenges and conservation efforts aimed at preserving indigenous Asian dog breeds.

Genetic diversity and origin of Kazakh Tobet Dogs

The Kazakh Tobet is an indigenous Kazakh dog breed that has been used to guard livestock since ancient times. To understand the genetic structure and phylogenetic relationship of the Kazakh Tobet breed with other herding and livestock guarding dog breeds, we analysed short tandem repeat data of 107 Kazakh Tobet dogs from different regions of Kazakhstan and Mongolia, as well as whole genome sequencing data from two Kazakh Tobet dogs and 43 dogs from 24 working breeds. Our results indicate a high genetic diversity of the Kazakh Tobet, with the average number of alleles per locus ranging from 6.00 to 10.22 and observed heterozygosity ranging from 76 to 78%. The breed has a complex genetic structure characterised by seven different clusters. The neighbour-joining tree constructed based on 14,668,406 autosomal and the maximum likelihood tree based on mitochondrial D-loop sequences indicate a common genetic heritage between the Kazakh Tobet, the Central Asian Shepherd Dog and the Turkish Akbash. The presence of haplotype A18 in the Kazakh Tobets supports the hypothesis of the ancient origin of the breed, which was previously suggested by archaeological finds and written sources. These results provide an important genetic basis for the ongoing efforts to improve the Kazakh Tobet breed, to ensure its preservation as an independent genetic lineage and to recognise a breed on an international level.

Characterization, registration and gazette notification

The first animal to be domesticated by the man was dog which probably occurred at least 14,000 years ago- the animals being used for hunting and as watchdogs. In India many exotic dog breeds (mainly German Shepherd, Labrador, Doberman, Pomeranian etc) are kept as pet but little emphasis has been given to the native dog breeds. Some Indian breeds of dogs reported in India are Caravan Hound, Combai, Chippiparai, Rajapalayam, Rampur Hound, Kanni, Mudhol Hound, Indian Mastiff (Bulli), Himalayan sheep dog, Bhutia dogs, Bhakarwal dogs etc. ICAR-NBAGR has developed methodology for characterization of dog breeds of Indian through systematic survey in the area of its distribution along with Breed Descriptors format for dog breeds. Phenotypic characterization of two indigenous dog breeds viz Rajapalayam and Chippiparai were completed by ICAR-NBAGR. Rajapalayam and Chippiparai dogs are exclusively reared for guarding the farm and farm houses. Chippiparai dogs are even given to brides during marriage. There is huge demand for the pups of these dog breeds. State of Karnataka has also completed the characterization of Mudhol hound breed. All three dog have been registered by ICAR & Gazette notified by Govt. of India.

Pathological Findings in the Carcass of a Dog following Ovariohysterectomy, and Intestinal Resection and Anastomosis

This report presented the gross and histopathological findings in the carcass of a Nigerian Indigenous Dog (NID) following ovariohysterectomy, intestinal resection and anastomosis. The carcass of a 9-month-old NID was presented to the Necropsy Unit of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Nigeria. History was obtained, general examination of the carcass and necropsy were conducted. History revealed sudden death 2 days post-abdominal surgical procedures (ovariohysterectomy, and small intestinal resection and anastomosis). The clinical signs observed before death were weakness and dyspnea, while mild tick infestations and bilateral congested ocular mucus membranes were on general examination of the carcass. The gross pathological findings were hemorrhagic trachea, congested and hemorrhagic lungs, enlarged heart with epicardial and endocardial hemorrhages, enlarged and congested liver, enlarged spleen, hemorrhage in the gastric mucosa, intestinal hemorrhages, and an area of hemorrhagic infarct at the intestinal anastomosed site. On histopathological examination, there was slightly thickened interalveolar walls with inflammatory cellular infiltrations, cardiac hemorrhage, and hepatic congestion. These gross and histopathological findings suggest possible systemic complications, thus, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive pre-operative assessment, and post-operative care and monitoring in veterinary surgeries.

The Dogs of Tsenacomoco: Ancient DNA Reveals the Presence of Local Dogs at Jamestown Colony in the Early Seventeenth Century

Abstract Multiple studies have demonstrated that European colonization of the Americas led to the death of nearly all North American dog mitochondrial lineages and replacement with European ones sometime between AD 1492 and the present day. Historical records indicate that colonists imported dogs from Europe to North America, where they became objects of interest and exchange as early as the seventeenth century. However, it is not clear whether the earliest archaeological dogs recovered from colonial contexts were of European, Indigenous, or mixed descent. To clarify the ancestry of dogs from the Jamestown Colony, Virginia, we sequenced ancient mitochondrial DNA from six archaeological dogs from the period 1609–1617. Our analysis shows that the Jamestown dogs have maternal lineages most closely associated with those of ancient Indigenous dogs of North America. Furthermore, these maternal lineages cluster with dogs from Late Woodland, Hopewell, and Virginia Algonquian archaeological sites. Our recovery of Indigenous dog lineages from a European colonial site suggests a complex social history of dogs at the interface of Indigenous and European populations during the early colonial period.

Optimizing Bangkaew dog breed identification using DNA technology.

The Bangkaew dog is an indigenous dog breed in the Phitsanulok province of Thailand. This breed is recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), a global canine organization. The unique traits of the Bangkaew breed lead to purebred selection for breeding, while only their traits and pedigree from parental history are recorded. Determination of the risk of inbreeding depression and the origin of unknown DNA profiles is essential due to the challenges in predicting puppy characteristics, which are crucial for breed management and conservation. This study aimed to emphasize that current allelic frequency data for the Bangkaew dog breed must be considered for precise individual identification. Approximately 82 Bangkaew dogs from various Thai localities were studied using 15 microsatellite markers for genotypic monitoring and individual identification. Maternal genetic inheritance was assessed via mtDNA D-loop analysis. The results revealed high genetic diversity in the Bangkaew breed, indicating low potential for inbreeding. We also found that using a 15 loci microsatellite panel was effective for the identification of Bangkaew dogs. The optimized 10 loci microsatellite genotyping panel developed in this study presents improved identification testing efficiency, promoting both time- and cost-effectiveness. Analysis of microsatellite DNA markers in Bangkaew dogs using an optimized panel of 10 loci selected from 15 loci effectively facilitated individual identification. This approach not only enhances time and cost efficiency, but also provides accurate allelic frequency estimates, which are crucial for the realistic evaluation of DNA evidence.

Radiographic Determination Of Costophrenic Angle Sizes In The Nigerian Indigenous Dog

Assessment of major organs like the heart, trachea, lungs, and diaphragm forms the most common thoracic investigation in small animal radiology. In other words, consideration of the sizes and shapes of thoracic sinuses are usually overlooked, unless the angular recesses are grossly abnormal. The objective of this cross-sectional prospective radiologic study was to measure and document normal index values of costophrenic angular recesses in the Nigerian indigenous dog breed. A total 30 dogs (average body weight: 8.19±2.45 kg) were used for the investigation. Thoracic dorsoventral (DV) and ventrodorsal (VD) projections were obtained of each dog, giving a total of 60 radiographs. Each thoracic silhouette was carefully studied and the costo-phrenic angular recesses (CPAs) were measured, in both DV and VD views, and recorded. Expressed as means and standard errors of means, the results obtained were: 23.40±0.770/23.40±0.540 for the left/right DV CPAs and 24.20±0.620/24.27±0.600 for left/right VD CPAs, respectively. The results of this study are clinically relevant and objectively easily applicable in canine practice for thoracic studies.

The Crucial Role of Breeder and Dog Owners Associations in Safeguarding Genetic Heritage of Endangered Balearic Dog Breeds: Gender Preference and Registry Adscription.

This study delves into the complex relationships between indigenous dog breeds in the Balearic Isles and their human counterparts, specifically breeders and owners. Using Canonical Correlation Analysis, the research examines variables such as breed registries and the number of breeders/owners, uncovering significant correlations within registries. For example, an increase in female auxiliary registrations corresponds to a decline in foundational registrations, indicating shifts in breed documentation dynamics. Similarly, a rise in definitive female registrations coincides with a decrease in foundational female registrations, suggesting increased pedigree awareness across generations. Beyond registries, the study explores the correlation between breeders/owners and various initial records, highlighting that a notable increase in breeders positively influences initial registrations, definitive totals, and overall counts, underscoring their crucial role in early breed stages. Gender preferences in registrations are noted, with a historical bias towards female entries during foundational stages gradually shifting in favor of males in definitive registrations. In conclusion, the research underscores the interconnected roles of breeders, owners, and comprehensive registries in preserving genetic diversity among Balearic dog breeds, emphasizing the need for ongoing efforts to address gaps in genealogical data for a more accurate understanding of breed dynamics.

Intussusception in a Nigerian Indigenous Dog: A Case Report and Probable Associated Pathologic Mechanisms

Intussusception, a serious gastrointestinal disorder characterized by invading one segment of the intestine into another, poses significant health risks in veterinary medicine. This case report presents the clinical and pathological findings of intussusception in a 10-month-old brown male Nigerian indigenous dog (NID). The dog, which had no history of vaccination, underwent abdominal surgical procedures including gastrotomy and intestinal resection with anastomosis seven days prior to death. Postoperatively, the dog exhibited clinical signs of vomiting and weakness despite treatment with penicillin-streptomycin antibiotics and a bland diet. Necropsy revealed severe pathological changes, including congested liver, gastric haemorrhage, peritoneal adhesions, leakage of intestinal contents into the peritoneum, peritonitis, intestinal congestion with intussusception, and infarction at anastomosed intestinal sites. These findings highlight the multifaceted nature of intussusception, involving mechanical obstruction, compromised blood supply, and systemic infection. The case emphasizes the challenges in managing post-surgical complications and the importance of early diagnosis and intervention in severe gastrointestinal disorders in dogs. This manuscript, therefore, contributes to the veterinary literature by providing a detailed description of the clinical course, pathological findings, and potential complications associated with intussusception in Nigerian indigenous dogs. The insights gained from this case report are crucial for improving diagnostic accuracy, optimizing treatment strategies, and enhancing clinical outcomes in similar clinical scenarios.

Genomic selection analysis of morphological and adaptation traits in Chinese indigenous dog breeds.

The significant morphological differences and abundant germplasm resources of Chinese indigenous dog breeds can be attributed to the diverse geographical environment, including plateaus, mountains, and a long history of raising dogs. The combination of both natural and artificial selection during the past several thousand years has led to hundreds of dog breeds with distinct morphological traits and environmental adaptations. China is one of the earliest countries to domesticate dogs and there are more than 50 ancient indigenous dog breeds. In this study, the run of homozygosity (ROH) and proportion of the autosomal genome covered by ROHs (FROH) were calculated for 10 dog breeds that are the most representative Chinese indigenous dogs based on 170K SNP microarray. The results of FROH showed that the Chuandong hound dogs (HCSSC) have the highest level of inbreeding among the tested breeds. The inbreeding in HCSSC occurred more recently than the Liangshan dogs (SCLSQ) dogs because of more numbers of long ROHs in HCSSC dogs, and the former also have higher inbreeding degree. In addition, there are significant differences in the inbreeding degree among different subpopulations of the same breed, such as the Thin dogs from Shaanxi and Shandong province. To explore genome-wide selection signatures among different breeds, including coat color, ear shape, and altitude adaptability, we performed genome selection analyses of FST and cross population extended haplotype homozygosity (XP-EHH). For the coat color, the FST analysis between Xiasi dogs (XSGZ) and HCSSC dogs was performed and identified multiple genes involved in coat color, hair follicle, and bone development, including MC1R, KITLG, SOX5, RSPO2, and TBX15. For the plateau adaptability, we performed FST and XP-EHH analyses between dogs from Tibet (Tibetan Mastiffs and Nyingchi dogs) and plain regions (Guangxi Biwei dogs GXBWQ and Guandong Sharpei dogs). The results showed the EPAS1 gene in dogs from Tibet undergo strong selection. Multiple genes identified for selection signals based on different usage of dogs. Furthermore, the results of ear shape analyses showed that MSRB3 was likely to be the main gene causing the drop ear of domestic dogs. Our study provides new insights into further understanding of Chinese indigenous dogs.

Radiologic evaluation of thoracic size in the Nigerian indigenous dog by vertebral, haller and frontosagittal indices

Reproducible and easily applied measurements for radiologic evaluation are needed in the day-to-day clinical practice for diagnosis and treatment or management of thoracic disorders in the Nigerian Indigenous Dog. The objective of this prospective cross-sectional study was to document measurement indices used for the evaluation of canine thoracic silhouette. Thirty healthy Nigerian Indigenous Dogs, 10 puppies and 20 adults of average body weight 8.19±2.45 kg and comprising equal number of both sexes. Ninety survey dorsoventral, right lateral and left lateral thoracic radiographs of the animals were obtained. The shape of the thoracic silhouette in each radiograph was objectively evaluated and adequately described. In the right and left lateral views, sternovertebral distance and sagittal vertebral diameter of the tenth vertebra were measured and recorded; while the dimension measured in the dorsoventral view was costocostal distance. In the lateral radiographs, mean values of vertebral indices (VI) for right/left lateral radiographs were 0.10±0.00/0.10±0.00, respectively. Results of normal thoracic silhouette determined in dorsoventral versus right lateral orthogonal radiographs were: frontosagittal index (FSI) 1.06±0.05 and Haller index (HI) 0.95±0.04. The clinical relevance of this investigation is that it provides measurement indices for the morphological evaluation of the thoracic silhouette in the Nigerian Indigenous Dog. These indices are reproducible, objective and easy to apply in small animal clinical practice.

Origin and population structure of native dog breeds in the Korean peninsula and East Asia

To study the ancestry and phylogenetic relationships of native Korean dog breeds to other Asian dog populations, we analyzed nucleotide variations in whole-genome sequences of 205 canid individuals. Sapsaree, Northern Chinese indigenous dog, and Tibetan Mastiff were largely related to West Eurasian ancestry. Jindo, Donggyeongi, Shiba, Southern Chinese indigenous (SCHI), Vietnamese indigenous dogs (VIET), and Indonesian indigenous dogs were related to Southeast and East Asian ancestry. Among East Asian dog breeds, Sapsaree presented the highest haplotype sharing with German Shepherds, indicating ancient admixture of European ancestry to modern East Asian dog breeds. SCHI showed greater haplotype sharing with New Guinea singing dogs, VIET, and Jindo than with other Asian breeds. The predicted divergence time of East Asian populations from their common ancestor was approximately 2,000 to 11,000 years ago. Our results expand understanding of the genetic history of dogs in the Korean peninsula to the Asian continent and Oceanic region.

Constraints Perceived by the Kennel Owners in Rearing of Indigenous Dog Breeds (Rajapalayam, Kanni and Chippiparai Dog) in Southern Districts of Tamil Nadu

The increased demand for indigenous native dog’s breeds like Rajapalayam, Kanni and Chippiparai, leading to flourishing of more kennels in and around the breeding tract of the above breeds. The breeders without an experience in dog breeding are also involved in this dog breeding business and some of them face number of problems in running the business and meet with fiscal loss. Individuals who run the kennel with successful managemental practices and marketing tactics can only survive in this business. Considering the above problems in mind, a study was carried out to list out the major constraints perceived by the kennel owners of the indigenous dog breeds so as to sketch out a package of practices in indigenous dog breeding business. A study was carried out to identify the major constraints perceived by the dog breeders of the above indigenous dog breeds. The data were collected by pre-tested interview scheme from 39 kennel owners randomly selected from the breeding tract viz Virudhunagar, Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi districts of Tamil Nadu. Prime constraints listed in the previous study were used to get response form the kennel owners. Kennel owners with more than five year of experience and maintaining more than 25 adult breedable dogs were interviewed. The constraints perceived by the kennel owners were collected and Garett’s ranking technique was followed to rank the constraints perceived by them in their business. The study revealed that, majority of the dog breeders reported that, the unavailability of timely veterinary care (83.80%) is the major problem in dog breeding business followed by high cost involved in establishment of kennel (70.15%), difficulty in getting KCI registration for their dog (58.23%), unavailability of Vaccine (56%), frequent disease problems (50%), unethical business tactics by the competitors (48.33), inbreeding and inherited diseases (45%), pup Mortality(40%), poor breeding performance of dogs (35%), low demand and low price for the pups (28%) and unaware about scientific management (17%).

Surgical treatment of a deep knife-cut injury in the neck of an adult Nigerian indigenous bitch

Trauma, in all its categories, is the main cause of external injury in domestic animals generally and dogs in particular. Traumatic injuries may be due to gunshot, kicks, falls from heights, knife cut and bites of other animals. Such wounds may be treated conventionally, medically and or by surgery. The objective of this clinical case study was to present a successful treatment of a deep knife-cut in an adult female Nigerian Indigenous Dog. The patient was examined generally and stabilized with fluid administration. Surgical intervention was given by stitching the gaping wound using various suture patterns and materials according to standard technique. Drug treatment comprised injection of antibacterial, anti-tetanus, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic agents. The surgical wound was cleaned with an antiseptic solution and irrigated with topical antibacterial spray. The wound was dressed on alternate days resulting in a successful treatment. The patient recovered and resumed normal life a few weeks following the surgical treatment. Clinically, the present article is relevant in small animal practice as it has demonstrated the effectiveness of surgery in treatment of deep cutlass-cut in the cervical region of the dog.

Sivas İlinde Bulunan Aksaray Malaklısı Köpeklerinin Sağırlık Yönünden Araştırılması

Aksaray Malaklısı Türkiye’nin yerli genetik kaynaklarından olan bir köpek ırkıdır. Bu çalışmada Sivas ilinde yetiştirilen Aksaray Malaklısının duyma ve işitmesine yönelik mevcut durumun ortaya konulması amaçlanmıştır. Sivas il merkezi ve Kangal ilçesindeki 3 işletmede bulunan toplam 34 adet Aksaray Malaklısı çoban köpeğinde Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response (BAER) testi ile sağırlık tarama işlemi gerçekleştirilmiş ve 20, 40, 60 ve 80 desibeller (dB) yönünden duyma eşikleri elde edilmiştir. Daha sonra köpekler hiçbir ayrıma tabi tutulmadan tek grup olacak şekilde genel, cinsiyet, kulağı kesik olup olmaması ve yaş aralığına göre gruplandırılmış ve her iki kulağa ait dalga boyları yönünden karşılaştırılmaları da yapılmıştır. Grup karşılaştırılmalarında genel grubunda bağımsız gruplarda t-testi, cinsiyet ve kulağın kesik olup olmaması durumuna göre oluşturulan gruplarda Mann Whitney U testi ve yaş grubunda ise Kruskal-Wallis testi uygulanmıştır. Tüm istatistiksel analizler SPSS v.25 paket programında gerçekleştirilmiştir. Çalışma sonucunda, toplam 2 hayvanda tek taraflı (sol taraf) sağırlığın bulunduğu tespit edilmiştir. Grupların karşılaştırılması sonucunda ise hiçbir grupta ve hiçbir dalga boyutunda istatistiksel olarak önemlilik tespit edilememiştir (P>0.05). Bu çalışmada farklı olarak yaş gruplarında yaş ilerledikçe duyma duyusunda azalma olmadığı, cinsiyetler arasında da farklılık olmadığı tespit edilmiştir. Bu çalışma Aksaray Malaklısı çoban köpeklerinde sağırlık taramasının yapıldığı ilk çalışma olma özelliğine sahiptir. Çalışma başta Aksaray Malaklısının yetiştirildiği Aksaray ilindeki yetiştirici elindeki hayvanları da içerecek şekilde genişletilmesi gerekmektedir.

Results of radiological hip dysplasia monitoring in Tornjak breed

The aim of this retrospective study was to show the prevalence of hip dysplasia (HD) in the indigenous dog breed Bosnian and Herzegovinian - Croatian Shepherd Dog (Tornjak) in the period from 2001 to 2016. A total of 735 radiographs were evaluated according to the FCI protocol. Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistica 13.5.0.17. (TIBCO Software Inc.) software. Significant differences between categorical variables were analysed using the Chi-square test. The median value of age of examined dogs was 18 (13.8-26.0) months, with majority of dogs (523) under 24 months. In the overall examined population 74.97% of hip radiographs were interpreted as healthy (grades A and B) and 25.03% were interpreted as dysplastic (grades C, D and E). In dogs under 24 months of age, the most common age for HD survey, 76.86 % was interpreted as healthy and 23.14% as dysplastic. Comparing the frequency of diagnosed HD according to the breeding licence during the 15 years period there was a statistically significant increase in dogs with HD grades A, B, C, D and a decrease in dogs with grade HD E restricted for further breeding (P

Anthelmintic, haematological and antioxidant potential of Spondias mombin L. in young dogs

Associated side effects and anthelmintic resistance to synthetic anthelmintics limit their use. This study evaluated the anthelmintic, haematological and antioxidant activities of Spondias mombin (SM) in young dogs. In addition, phytochemical analyses and in vitro antioxidant assays of SM’s fractions were done using standard methods. Ten Nigerian indigenous dog breed (aged 2-6 months), were randomly allocated into two groups (A and B) and pre-treated with 200 µg/kg ivermectin subcutaneously. Two weeks after, each dog was infected with 400 L3/mL Ancylostoma caninum suspension orally and topically. On day 31 post infection, Group A was administered 5 mg/kg pyrantel pamoate (PP) once, while Group B was administered 500 mg/kg aqueous SM leaf extract for two days. Their physical condition, faecal egg count, body weights (BW), haematological, antioxidant and serum biochemistry were evaluated before and two weeks post treatment (PT). Data were presented as mean ± SEM, analyzed using student t-test and Chi-square, and p-value ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. Melanic faeces voided by dogs in both groups returned to normal colour and consistency PT, with SM aqueous extract comparing well with PP. There was slight decrease in WBC (8.74±4.85 to 8.37±1.78x 103/μL), improvement in PCV (30.60±6.54 to 33.20±4.87%), serum biochemistry and antioxidant values for Group B, though not statistically significant (p=0.2). Total cholesterol and phospholipids were significantly reduced PT in Group B (p = 0.05). Nine phytochemicals were identified in SM fractions and the plant demonstrated high free radical scavenging activity. Crude aqueous extract of Spondias mombin leaf is an effective anthelminthic, which can be developed further in the management of canine helminthosis.

Characterization of Certain Reproductive Parameters in Chippiparai Bitches of Tamil Nadu

Background: This study was conducted to establish the certain reproductive parameters of Chippiparai bitches, which are indigenous dog breed of Southern Tamil Nadu in India to augment the fertility of Chippiparai bitches using vaginal exfoliative cytology and progesterone assay as diagnostic tools. Methods: The data was collected by a questionnaire from (105 female dogs) pet owners to understand the breeding practices and the reproductive performance of Chippiparai breed. On the basis of Vaginal Exfoliative Cytology (VEC) (n=100) and combination of VEC with progesterone assay (n=12) the optimum time of breeding, ovulation, conception rate and litter size were estimated. Result: Management and reproductive performance of Chippiparai female was recorded as other medium sized hound breeds. This study established the stages of estrous cycle in Chippiparai bitches on the basis of vaginal cytology and combination of VEC with progesterone estimation improved the conception rate and litter size and also helped in identification of the fertile period in Chippiparai bitches.

Radiomorphometric studies of the thorax in Nigerian indigenous dog: Novel thoracic measurements

Evaluation of the heart in terms of its silhouette size and shape and the morphometry of other thoracic organs cannot be ignored diagnostically in small animal practice when history and or results of general examination of a patient reveal clinical signs of cardiothoracic diseases. However, there is a paucity of published work on the radiologic appraisal of cardiac and thoracic dimensions in the Nigerian indigenous dog. The research aimed to establish new reference indices for improved diagnosis of cardiothoracic pathologies in the Nigerian indigenous dog. A total of 120 thoracic radiographs of thirty healthy Nigerian indigenous dogs, comprising right lateral, left lateral, dorsoventral and ventrodorsal projections, were obtained and evaluated. Biometric parameters were taken of each research radiographs, recorded, and used to generate cardiothoracic measurement indices for the Nigerian indigenous dog. In the dorsoventral versus ventrodorsal projections, ratios established and described as means plus or minus standard errors of means were as follows: cardiac width/cardiac length ratio 0.75±0.01/0.73±0.01; cardiac length/thoracic diameter 0.64±0.01/0.70±0.01; and heart width/costocostal distance ratio 0.58±0.01/0.60±0.01, respectively. The mean results obtained in the right lateral versus left lateral radiographs were: postcava-to-long axis ratio 0.14±0.00/0.15±0.00; cardiac axes ratio 0.75±0.01/0.81±0.01; cavocardiac ratio 0.19±0.01/0.19±0.01; aorticocardiac ratio 0.22±0.0/0.21±0.00; short axis/sternovertebral distance 0.63±0.01/0.63±0.01; and aortic diameter/long axis ratio 0.17±0.00/0.17±0.00, respectively. The cardiac axes ratio and aorticocardiac ratio showed a positive and significant (p≤0.05) relationship with the cardiac short axis in the lateral projections. The indices established in this study are reproducible and easy to use, allowing objective thoracic assessment. All the results are efficient and generated in the present investigation, probably, for the first time in veterinary radiology. The clinical relevance of this research is related to the management of cardiothoracic anomalies.

Evaluation of tracheal size in the Nigerian indigenous dog by radiologic morphometry

Reproducible and easily applied methods of radiologic evaluation are needed in the day-to-day clinical practice for diagnosis and treatment (management) of tracheal disorders in animals. In the Nigerian Indigenous Dog, records of such measurements are either non-existent or invisible. The objective of this prospective cross-sectional study was to document measurement indices used for the evaluation of canine trachea. Thirty healthy Nigerian indigenous dogs of both sexes were used for the investigation. Plain right and left lateral thoracic radiographs of each research animal were obtained. The tracheal silhouette in each radiograph was objectively evaluated and adequately described. In the right and left lateral views, the sagittal diameter of the tenth vertebra, the thoracic inlet diameter, and the tracheal diameter were the parameters measured and recorded. Indices generated were the tracheothoracic ratio and tracheovertebral ratio. Results were described as means ± standard errors of means while differences between mean values were subjected to student’s t-test statistic using SPSS version 22 for windows. Statistical significance was established at P≤0.05. In the lateral radiographs, mean values of vertebral indices, tracheothoracic ratios, and tracheovertebral ratios for right/left lateral radiographs were 0.21±0.01/0.21±0.01, and 0.92±0.12/0.92±0.11, respectively. Using the right lateral and dorsoventral orthogonal views, the fronto-sagittal and Haller index's mean values were 1.05±0.04 and 0.95±0.04, respectively. The indices generated in the present study are considered adequate and recommended for morphological evaluation of the canine tracheal silhouette. The tracheovertebral ratio was established for the first time in the present research. The results of this work are reproducible, objective and easy to apply in small animal clinical practice.