The patella plays a vital role in stifle joint function by contributing to limb extension and joint stabilization. While its clinical significance in small animal orthopedic surgery is well established, detailed comparative data on patellar morphology in domestic cats and dogs remain limited. This study aimed to investigate interspecific and intraspecific variation in patellar shape and size using three-dimensional geometric morphometric techniques. Computed tomography images of 18 cats and 55 dogs were used to construct 3D models, and a total of 14 anatomical landmarks were manually placed on each patella. Generalized Procrustes Analysis was applied, followed by principal component analysis to explore patterns of shape variation. The results revealed a significant difference in shape between cats and dogs, with dogs exhibiting broader variation and larger centroid sizes. Regression analysis indicated that 12.2% of the observed shape variation could be attributed to centroid size, reflecting the influence of patellar size. This strong link suggests that size has a significant influence on how the patella’s shape varies, especially in dogs. These findings highlight the importance of individual variation in patellar morphology, particularly in dogs. A single standardized implant or surgical technique may not be appropriate for all cases. Integrating shape and size evaluations into preoperative imaging can help improve implant fit, joint stability, and overall surgical success. In the absence of breed-specific data, individualized planning remains the most reliable approach.

The carapace morphology of tortoises is a crucial characteristic used for species identification, with features such as shell shape, roughness, and color patterns varying among species. Understanding this morphological diversity is valuable not only for taxonomic classification but also for more specialized clinical approaches. This study investigated the morphological differences in the shells of Leopard tortoises (Stigmochelys pardalis), African spurred tortoises (Centrochelys sulcata), and Greek tortoises (spur-thighed tortoises; Testudo graeca) raised in captivity. Using 3D scanners, the carapaces were modeled, and a 3D geometric morphometric method was employed to analyze shape variations and dimensional features, with landmarks applied automatically. Among the species studied, African spurred tortoises had the largest carapace size. Principal component analysis (PCA) identified PC1 and PC3 as critical factors in distinguishing between species based on morphological characteristics. Positive PC1 values, associated with a shorter carapace height, indicated a flatter or more compact shell shape. A higher PC3 value corresponded to a raised shape at the back of the shell, while a lower PC3 value indicated a raised shape at the front. Specifically, Leopard tortoises exhibited a higher carapace shape than the other species, while African spurred tortoises had shorter carapaces. An allometric effect was observed in the carapaces, where smaller specimens tended to be proportionately higher-domed, whereas larger shells displayed a lower height in shape. These findings highlight the significance of shape variations in tortoise shells, which emerge during adaptation and have important implications for taxonomy and clinical practice. Such differences should be carefully considered in veterinary care and species identification.

The present study aimed to describe the skull and mandibles of the brown bear (U. arctos) from the Dancing Bear Belitsa Park using advanced 3D morpho-geometric techniques. The objective was to explore how sexual dimorphism and size influence cranial structures using advanced 3D geometric morphometric methods. Three-dimensional models of the skulls and mandibles of 12 brown bears were used. Differences in skull morphology between male and female brown bears were observed in this study. The male brown bear skull, larger than the female, exhibited a more pronounced extension of the upper part of the nuchal region towards the posterior. Additionally, the posterior part of the frontal region appeared notably thinner in male brown bears compared to females. Analysis of the mandible revealed that the masseteric fossa was more developed in males than females. These shape differences between males and females were found to be influenced by body size. Statistical analyses indicated a significant allometric effect of body size on skull PC1 values, suggesting that giant bears tend to have more elongated skulls. This implies a relationship in which larger individuals exhibit greater cranial elongation. In contrast, mandible PC1 values showed no size-related variation, indicating that mandibular shape is less influenced by overall body size. However, PC2 values in the mandible increased significantly with larger specimens, indicating a larger masseteric fossa in larger bears. This morphological adaptation potentially enhances feeding efficiency and bite strength in larger individuals, reflecting functional adaptations in brown-bear mandibular morphology. These findings contribute to our understanding of sexual dimorphism and size-related morphological adaptations in brown bears, providing insights into their adaptation biology and ecological roles within their habitats.

Enterolithiasis is a rare gastrointestinal disorder characterized by mechanical obstruction caused by enteroliths formed within the intestinal lumen. Dietary composition, environmental factors, and breed predisposition have been reported to contribute to enterolith formation, with these structures typically developing through mineral accumulation around foreign materials. Although enterolithiasis is relatively common in horses, it has been rarely reported in cats and dogs. Surgical intervention is considered the most effective treatment option in clinically symptomatic cases. In this case report, two cats presented to our faculty clinic with complaints of lethargy and weight loss were evaluated. Hematological examinations revealed anemia in both cases. Abdominal radiographs demonstrated multiple similarly sized radiopaque structures within the small intestinal lumen. Surgical exploration revealed jejunoileal dilatation and ileocecal stenosis. In one case, removal of the enteroliths alone was sufficient, whereas the other case required enterotomy followed by segmental intestinal resection and anastomosis. These cases indicate that enterolithiasis should be considered among the differential diagnoses in patients presenting with chronic gastrointestinal signs and multiple radiopaque intestinal structures. The aim of this case report was to describe the clinical, radiographic, and surgical findings of enterolithiasis in two cats and to contribute to the limited literature regarding this rare condition in small animal practice.

Optic nerve aplasia is an exceptionally rare congenital malformation characterized by the complete absence of the optic nerve, optic disc, retinal ganglion cells, and retinal vasculature, resulting in irreversible blindness from birth. Although well documented in human ophthalmology and sporadically reported in dogs and other species, feline cases remain exceedingly rare, limiting clinical awareness and diagnostic experience. The present report describes a unilateral case of optic nerve aplasia in a young cat, with emphasis on the integration of neuro-ophthalmologic examination and multimodal imaging. Marked anisocoria and complete absence of the pupillary light reflex, dazzle reflex, and menace response in the affected eye indicated severe afferent visual pathway dysfunction. Funduscopic evaluation was precluded by a concurrent congenital lens abnormality, necessitating reliance on advanced diagnostic imaging. Ocular ultrasonography revealed posterior segment maldevelopment and absence of the optic nerve shadow, while magnetic resonance imaging definitively demonstrated complete unilateral absence of the optic nerve from the optic chiasm to the orbital cavity, with normal contralateral optic nerve and intracranial structures. By correlating clinical findings with imaging features and existing human and veterinary literature, this case highlights the critical diagnostic role of MRI in suspected congenital optic nerve anomalies and expands the limited body of knowledge on feline optic nerve aplasia.

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.