No abstract

Indian Muntjac is a short deer variety of Nilgiri-Wayand biosphere. Salient distinguishing features for morphological identification of bones of different species in vetero-legal cases is very important. Morphology of pectoral limb bones from adult Indian Muntjac (n=3), goat (n=6), sheep (n=3) and cross bred cattle (n=6) were carried out. Scapula presented a cranially-placed spine, prominent supraglenoid tubercle and extensive subscapular fossa in Indian Muntjac. Breadth to length ratio of scapula in Indian Muntjac is 0.56:1 whereas in small ruminants the values ranged from 0.41:1 to 0.44:1. Width ratio of supraspinatous to infraspinatous fossae ratio in Indian Muntjac, goat, sheep and cross bred cattle were1:4.1, 1:2.8, 1:2.9 and 1:2.5 respectively. Angle created by acromian, junction of caudal end of scapular spine to lateral surface of scapula and long axis of scapula passing through spine was a major criterion of distinction and this angle in Indian Muntjac, goat, sheep and cross bred cattle were 520, 1400, 1300 and 1100 respectively. Though crest of the humerus was ill-defined, deltoid tuberosity was prominent in Indian Muntjac. Blunt summit of cranial part of lateral tuberosity of humerus projected above head and markedly curved over the intertuberal groove. Radial tuberosity was more distinct in cattle and sheep than in Indian Muntjac and goat. The grooves for extensor tendons on distal extremity of radius were well profiled in Indian Muntjac compared to cattle, goat and sheep. Olecranon of ulna was grooved in Indian Muntjac which was lacking in other animals. Distinct dorsal longitudinal groove on entire shaft and prominent medial and lateral borders were characteristic features in Indian Muntjac. Small metacarpal bone of Indian Muntjac and sheep had the form of a very thin rod. The morphological features revealed more resemblance to that of goat, sheep and spotted deer.

Background and Aim: Leopard (Panthera pardus), leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis) Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris), and golden jackal (Canis aureus) are carnivores. Leopard and Bengal tiger are listed in the red list as vulnerable species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural resources. Leopard cat and golden jackal are grouped under animals of least concern. A wide variation exists in the structure of the skin and pattern of hair follicles among domestic and wild mammals. Thus, the study aims to create a baseline data on the skin of leopard, leopard cat, Bengal tiger, and golden jackal and the data so obtained may form an indispensable tool in wildlife forensics. Materials and Methods: Skin samples of leopard (n=3), leopard cat (n=4), Bengal tiger (n=3), and golden jackal (n=4) were collected from the Department of Pathology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pookode. The samples were processed for paraffin embedding. Horizontal and vertical sections of 5 μm thickness were used for histological staining techniques. Observations on the layers and features of epidermis, hair follicle pattern and glands, namely, sweat and sebaceous were recorded. Results: Skin comprised an outer epidermis and an inner dermis. Keratinized stratified squamous epithelium made up the epidermis. Stratum basale, stratum spinosum, stratum granulosum, and stratum corneum were discernible in leopard, Bengal tiger, and golden jackal. In leopard cat, stratum basale, stratum spinosum, and stratum corneum were present. Compound hair follicles were a characteristic feature of all species. However, the pattern varied. In leopard, leopard cat and Bengal tiger, a single large primary guard hair was encircled by compound follicles. The number of surrounding compound follicles ranged between five to seven in leopard, two to five in leopard cat, and three to seven in Bengal tiger. Each compound follicle, in turn contained, one to two coarse primary hair follicles and several fine secondary hair follicles. Compound follicles arranged as clusters of three were a salient attribute in jackal. The central follicle was comparatively larger than the lateral ones. Each compound follicle comprised a single long, primary hair, and six to eight smaller secondary hairs. Conclusion: Histological variation in the skin of the leopard, leopard cat, Bengal tiger, and golden jackal was established. The data form a valuable basis for comparative histology of wild carnivores. Further, the data may be of value in the identification of the unknown skin samples of wild carnivores.

Presence of minor salivary glands in the oral mucosa and its potential use as an autograft for treating dry eye disease has been widely reported in humans. But there is a paucity of literature regarding the histological evidence for the presence of minor salivary glands in the oral mucosa of dogs. The present pilot study histologically identified and topographically described the minor salivary glands in the oral mucosa of two dogs, as a potential autograft for keratoconjunctivitis sicca. The samples were collected from different sites of the upper and lower lips and the commissures. Samples were processed for routine paraffin embedding; 5 μm sections were taken and were stained using Hematoxyline and Eosin staining. Histological examination revealed exocrine, compound, tubulo-acinar glands and the secretion was mixed type.