Histomorphometry and μCT scan analysis of osteoporosis in spayed female dogs

Abstract

Background: Both humans and small animals suffer from similar metabolic and structural diseases that impact the musculoskeletal system; however, instead of studying animal disease in its own right, animals are more often used as models for research into various human ailments, such as osteoporosis. There are few studies indicating that animals may suffer from osteoporosis, which raises the question of why small animals, which we believe to be equally susceptible, receive so little attention. With this research, we hope to draw the attention of researchers to the fact that the examination of animals for this disease is just as important as the examination of humans; human osteoporosis research receives a great deal of attention, while animals and their health are neglected. Aims: We aimed to analyse the bone volume fraction (BV/TV) and thickness of first (L1) and second (L2) lumbar vertebrae samples from five cadavers using histomorphometric analysis. In addition, we aimed to investigate one cadaver using microcomputed tomography (micro-CT) imaging. Methods: The L1 and L2 vertebrae from five dog carcasses were used to evaluate the BV/TV and the trabecular thicknesses. We used precise sampling criteria, and also developed a methodological approach to the study of the vertebrae. Using semi-automated methods, we performed histomorphometric analysis and microcomputed tomography data analysis. Results: We used five dog cadavers in this research. During the histomorphometry study, we observed that the lowest L1 BV/TV ratio was 7.88% and the highest was 23.08%. The L2 vertebrae BV/TV ranged from 11.58 to 23.7%. The L1 and L2 lumbar trabeculae thicknesses were also measured. L1's smallest trabecula was 17.34 microns and its largest was 31.88. The L2 vertebrae trabecula thickness was 18.76 to 30.75 microns. BV/TV and trabecular thickness were positively correlated (and vice versa). The two-tailed P value was less than 0.00001. This difference is statistically significant. After microcomputed tomography analysis, we discovered regions in the vertebral body with low porosity; these cavities are usually filled with connective tissue. The bone tissue in these areas is more vulnerable, meaning fracture risk has increased. Conclusions: Animals should not just be considered as models for osteoporosis in humans, but also as potential patients. A single test, such as histomorphometry, may not be sufficient; more advanced technology, such as microcomputed tomography, is required, since it reveals the pores that make the vertebral column more brittle and susceptible to fracture.

Finite Element Model of Canine-Specific Vertebrae Incorporating Biomechanical Tissue Nonlinearity

“…In our study, we carefully followed the requirements for the selection of the dogs, which are described in detail in Table 1. The selection criteria were based on the strict parameters established in our previously published paper [20], thus ensuring a high degree of consistency in our methodology. Given the difficulty of obtaining suitable subjects meeting these criteria, our study was conducted using a single dog.…”

Machine Learning in Assessing Canine Bone Fracture Risk: A Retrospective and Predictive Approach

“…These findings may be attributed to variations in behavior, as male canines may exhibit a greater propensity for participating in behaviors that heighten the likelihood of fractures, such as engaging in more aggressive play, wandering, and fighting, in comparison to their female counterparts. In our previously published research, it was discovered that female canines have a potential susceptibility to osteoporosis, which also needs to be assessed [25]. This study serves as an applicative case study focused on Jakov's Veterinary Centre in Vilnius, showcasing the practical implementation of machine learning in predicting canine bone fractures.…”

Canis lupus familiaris kaulinio audinio mechaninių savybių ir lūžio rizikos modeliavimas osteoporozės kontekste

“…Disertacijos tema publikuoti keturi moksliniai straipsniai mokslo žurnaluose, įtrauktuose į Clarivate Analytics Web of Science sąrašą Kostenko et al, 2023;…”

“…Papildomai naudinga atlikti kiekybinę kompiuterinę tomografiją (QCT), kurios atlikimo metu atskirai vertinamas kortikalinis ir trabekulinis kaulinis audinys, gaunami atskiri ir nepriklausomi matavimai, padedantys sukurti tikslesnius baigtinių elementų modelius (Engelke et al, 2013). Tyrimo metu, atlikus mikrokompiuterinę tomografiją, šunų juosmens stuburo slanksteliuose nustatytos didelės poros, o tai yra požymis, liudijantis, kad šunys gali sirgti osteoporoze (Kostenko et al, 2023).…”

“…Šios metodikos loginė struktūra ir paprastas medžiagos pateikimas padeda geriau suprasti ir įvertinti atliktų tyrimų metodiką ir jų tarpusavio sąsajas šiame skyriuje ir visoje disertacijoje. Išsamiai šie tyrimai aprašomi publikuotuose recenzuojamuose moksliniuose straipsniuose Kostenko et al, 2023;.…”