As part of the spine, the vertebral canal represents a central structure protecting the spinal cord running within it. Since alterations to the spinal canal and adjacent structures can have a significant impact on the spinal cord, knowledge of the physiological vertebral canal dimensions is essential. Compression of spinal nerves at the lumbosacral junction is the primary cause of cauda equina syndrome (CES). Although CES is common in dogs, it is rarely documented in cats. Given the lack of information on normal vertebral canal dimensions in cats, it is necessary to collect data and verify currently used measurements, to determine if and to what extent comparisons with dogs are valid. In 50 cats, interpedicular (ID) and midsagittal (SD) diameters were examined from the first thoracic (Th1) to the first sacral vertebra (S1). In 28 of these animals, the intervertebral disc width (IVDW) was measured. All data were gathered through gross anatomical dissection of the cats. Significant lumen reduction was evident in all cats from L6 to S1 with the narrowest point at S1. Narrowings were also found in the thoracic spine. The widest points coincide with the spinal cord enlargements. IVDW shows relatively constant values up to Th10–Th11 and peaks at L7–S1 in 95.65% of cats. While distinct similarities to dogs were observed, differences exist. The findings allow conclusions as to whether relations between the parameters and resulting predispositions to pathological changes can be derived. This could help the understanding of the pathogenesis of feline spinal diseases, particularly compressive myelopathies. Further studies are necessary to investigate the impact of age, sex and breed.

The course of spinal nerves and the corresponding cutaneous areas are fundamental for numerous therapeutic approaches used in complementary veterinary medicine. Positive effects of these methods are primarily based on segmental reflex arcs which are associated with the course of the spinal nerves. In this morphological study, the lateral cutaneous branches of the thoracolumbar dorsal branches from Th9 to L7 were examined in cats with special regard to their anatomical course. A four‐layer dissection was carried out to reveal the course of nerves between the intervertebral foramina and their point of entry into the skin, starting in the dorsal midline. Dorsal branch courses and covered distances were documented and measured in each layer. The covered distance was evaluated by the Caudal Shift Index (CSI_n) on both body sides and within each layer. The ‘back region’ was used as relative dimensional unit, describing the distance between the cranial tips of two consecutive spinous processes. Overall, the mean CSI_n for dorsal branches of Th9 to L7 amounted to three back regions from the intervertebral foramen to the skin entry point of a dorsal nerve branch. This provides therapists with clues and should be put into practice, by extending the treatment area up to three segments caudally from the nerve exit point. Furthermore, the results of this study present new data on inferred lumbar dermatomes in cats, data which until now have only been transferred from other species. These results may serve as an anatomical foundation for manual therapies.

Detailed anatomical information on the innervation of the skin by spinal nerve branches is fundamental for numerous integrative therapies, such as acupuncture or manual treatments. In recent years, interest in these therapies has grown, and they have gained increasing importance. Many musculoskeletal disorders in dogs are located in the region of the trunk, but knowledge about the course and branching of the cutaneous branches remains limited. This study presents a morphological analysis of the innervation pattern of the first cutaneous branch of the spinal dorsal nerve branches in 14 dogs. The dissection was performed in four layers to trace the cutaneous branches from the intervertebral foramen to their target area. The distances covered in each layer were measured and described using the Caudal Shift Index (CSI_n). For this purpose, the ‘back region’ was defined as a dimensional unit, representing the distance between the spinous processes of two consecutive vertebrae within the examination area from the ninth thoracic (Th9) to the seventh lumbar (L7) vertebra. The results showed that the cutaneous branches innervating the lumbar region originated, on average, between Th11 and L4. The mean CSI_n‐S was three back regions, indicating a distance equivalent to the length of three vertebral bodies between the nerve's origin at the foramen and the skin entry. In conclusion, these findings demonstrate consistency in the caudal shift of the cutaneous branches between Th9 and L4, with a high degree of symmetry between both sides of the body. These findings should be considered in therapeutic treatments.

The canine sacroiliac joint (CSIJ) is becoming increasingly relevant in the clinical evaluation of lameness and lumbosacral pain syndromes. However, its detailed anatomical characteristics remain poorly understood. This study aimed to characterise the intra‐articular structures of the CSIJ histologically, establish a substantiated joint classification and provide a comprehensive morphometric assessment of all joint surface areas. In 29 dogs without known spinal disorders, the synovial surface area (SSA), extrasynovial surface area (ESA) and total surface area (TSA) were quantified bilaterally using a two‐dimensional measurement approach. Surface areas were proportionally analysed and normalised to crown–rump length (CRL). The intra‐articular structures were predominantly composed of dense connective tissue with fibrocartilaginous components. Based on these findings, the CSIJ represents a combined joint comprising a caudoventral diarthrosis and a craniodorsal symphysis in this population. Morphometric analysis revealed pronounced bilateral symmetry, while iliac surface areas were significantly larger than sacral surface areas ( p < 0.001). In relative terms, the sacral SSA contributed a greater proportion to the TSA. All measured surface areas showed strong correlations with CRL ( R = 0.78–0.86). Sex‐related differences were observed exclusively in SSA, with males exhibiting larger values. In conclusion, this study integrates detailed histological characterisation with comprehensive morphometric analysis to delineate the anatomical properties of the CSIJ.

Toxoplasma gondii, an obligate intracellular protozoan, poses significant risks to public health due to its widespread distribution and potential for severe congenital and neurological complications. The fast-replicating tachyzoite stage is crucial for acute infection and laboratory studies, yet effective inactivation methods remain inadequately explored. This study evaluates various chemical and physical approaches to inactivate T. gondii tachyzoites in vitro. Using a combination of GFP fluorescence and viability assays, we demonstrated the complete inactivation of tachyzoites with ethanol (≥30%), hydrogen peroxide (≥3%), o-hydroxydiphenyl fatty acid eutectic with peracetic acid (≥1%), and heat treatment at 60 °C for 30 min. Our findings highlight the importance of concentration, solvent choice, and exposure time in disinfection efficacy, providing a framework for improving laboratory safety protocols. These results contribute to the refinement of inactivation strategies, supporting safer handling and research on T. gondii in vitro while reducing reliance on animal models.

The vertebral canal plays a critical role in protecting the spinal cord and maintaining biomechanical stability. Although the vertebral canal has been extensively studied in dogs, equivalent analyses in cats are limited. This study provides a comprehensive morphological and morphometric assessment of the feline vertebral canal from atlas (C1) to sacrum (Sc) using computed tomography (CT). In 35 cats, predominantly European Shorthairs, cross-sectional area (CSA) and perimeter (P) were determined at cranial, central, and caudal levels of each vertebra. Vertebral canal circularity (CVC) was calculated to characterize shape and intersegmental angles (ISA) were measured to quantify spinal curvatures. Additionally, sex- and age-related differences were examined. Male cats exhibited significantly larger CSA and P than females, whereas CVC was mostly unaffected by sex. CVC was highest at C3 (cervical), Th6 (thoracic) and L4 (lumbar) and lowest at C1, Th1, Th13/L1 and the sacrum, reflecting shape variations at spinal transition zones. CSA and P were strongly correlated. Cats older than 10 years showed increased CSA and P compared with younger individuals, accompanied by decreased CVC at multiple levels, suggesting age-related remodeling. ISA largely corresponded with physiological spinal curvatures described in the literature. This study presents the first CT-based morphological and morphometric characterization of the feline vertebral canal spanning C1 to Sc. The data provide fundamental reference values for diagnostic imaging and comparative anatomy, suggesting vertebral canal shape, besides its dimensions, as a potential factor in the context of feline spinal pathology.