The characterization of the rabbit mammary pheromone, which is sensed by the main olfactory system, has made this species a unique model for the study of pheromonal communication in mammals. This discovery has brought attention to the global understanding of chemosensory communication in this species. Chemocommunication is mediated by two distinct organs located in the nasal cavity, the main olfactory epithelium and the vomeronasal organ (VNO). However, there is a lack of knowledge about the vomeronasal system in rabbits. To understand the role of this system, an exhaustive anatomical and histological study of the rabbit VNO was performed. The rabbit VNO was studied macroscopically by light microscopy, and by histochemical and immunohistochemical techniques. We employed specific histological staining techniques (periodic acid‐Schiff, Alcian blue, Gallego's trichrome), confocal autofluorescence, histochemical labelling with the lectin Ulex europaeus agglutinin (UEA‐I), and immunohistochemical studies of the expression of the Gαi2 and Gαo proteins and olfactory marker protein. The opening of the vomeronasal duct into the nasal cavity and its indirect communication with the oral cavity through a functional nasopalatine duct was demonstrated by classical dissection and microdissection. In a series of transverse histological sections, special attention was paid to the general distribution of the various soft‐tissue components of this organ (duct, glands, connective tissue, blood vessels and nerves) and to the nature of the capsule of the organ. Among the main morphological features that distinguish the rabbit VNO, the presence of a double envelope, which is bony externally and cartilaginous internally, and highly developed venous sinuses stand out. This observation indicates the crucial role played in this species by the pumping mechanism that introduces chemical signals into the vomeronasal duct. The functional properties of the organ are also confirmed by the presence of a well‐developed neuroepithelium and profuse glandular tissue that is positive for neutral mucopolysaccharides. The role of glycoconjugates was assessed by the identification of the α1‐2 fucose glycan system in the neuroepithelium of the VNO employing UEA‐I lectin. The pattern of labelling, which was concentrated around the commissures of the sensory epithelium and more diffuse in the central segments, is different from that found in most mammals studied. According to the expression of G‐proteins, two pathways have been described in the VNOs of mammals: neuroreceptor cells expressing the Gαi2 protein (associated with vomeronasal receptor type 1); and cells expressing Gαo (associated with vomeronasal receptor type 2). The latter pathway is absent in most mammals studied. The expression of both G‐protein families in the rabbit VNO places Lagomorpha together with rodents and insectivores in a small group of mammals belonging to the two‐path model. These findings support the notion that the rabbit possesses a highly developed VNO, with many spe...

The dorsal region of the canine carpus is anatomically complex and its normal ultrasonographic characteristics have not been published. The aims of this prospective, descriptive, anatomic study were (a) to describe the normal ultrasonographic appearance of the dorsal carpal structures in medium to large breed dogs, and (b) to describe a standardized protocol for evaluations. The final study, based on the methodology developed in a pilot study performed in twenty-two carpi, comprised two phases: (a) identification phase, in which a correlation between ultrasound and dissection and anatomic slices was performed in forty-eight cadaver carpi and the ultrasonographic protocol was developed; and (b) descriptive phase, in which the ultrasonographic characteristics of the examined structures in 23 carpi of 12 alive adult and healthy dogs were recorded. The tendons of the abductor pollicis longus and the extensor muscles of the carpus and digits, the dorsal ligaments of the carpus -including the medial and lateral collateral ligaments -the extensor retinaculum, a distal radioulnar fibrocartilage and the regional osseous surfaces were ultrasonographically identified and described.Findings from the current study can be used as a reference for ultrasonographic examinations in dogs with injuries or other diseases affecting the dorsal region of the carpus.

The palmar region of the canine carpus is anatomically complex, and the information found in the literature about its anatomy is inconsistent. The aims of this prospective, descriptive, anatomic study were (1) the clarification and (2) the description of the precise anatomic composition of the palmar region of the canine carpus, with special reference to the canalis carpi. For this study, 92 cadaveric specimens were obtained from 46 dogs that had died for reasons unrelated to this study. Of these, 43 medium-to-large-breed dogs were randomly selected for the dissection of transverse slices of the carpus. Samples of the flexor retinaculum and flexor carpi radialis tendon and surrounding tissues were taken for complementary histology. For additional histology of the palmar structures in their anatomical position, three small breed dogs were randomly selected for obtaining transverse slices. The anatomic characteristics of the components of the palmar region of the canine carpus were qualitatively described, with special attention to the following structures: flexor retinaculum, flexor carpi radialis muscle, arteria and vena mediana, nervus medianus, interflexorius muscle, flexor digitorum profundus muscle, canalis carpi, and arteria and nervus ulnaris. The findings from this study provide reference information about the anatomy of the palmar region of the canine carpus.

The palmar region of the canine carpus may be injured by traumatic, inflammatory, infectious, neoplastic, and degenerative disorders. The normal ultrasonographic anatomic features of the dorsal region of the canine carpus have been published, however information regarding the palmar region is currently lacking. The aims of this prospective, descriptive, anatomic study were (1) to describe the normal ultrasonographic characteristics of the palmar carpal structures in medium to large‐breed dogs, and (2) to establish a standardized ultrasonographic protocol for evaluating them. As in the previously published study, the current study consisted of two phases: (1) identification phase, in which the palmar structures of the carpus were identified ultrasonographically in fifty‐four cadaveric specimens and an ultrasonographic protocol to examine them was developed; and (2) descriptive phase, in which the ultrasonographic characteristics of the main palmar structures in twenty‐five carpi of thirteen living healthy adult dogs were documented. The tendons of the flexor muscles of the carpus and digits, the superficial and deep parts of the retinaculum flexorum, the carpal canal and the median and ulnar neurovascular structures were ultrasonographically identified and described. Findings from the current study can serve as a reference for evaluating dogs with suspected injury involving the palmar carpal region using ultrasonography.

In the original publication [...]