The vomeronasal system of the wolf (Canis lupus signatus): The singularities of a wild canid.

Wolves, akin to their fellow canids, extensively employ chemical signals for various aspects of communication, including territory maintenance, reproductive synchronisation and social hierarchy signalling. Pheromone-mediated chemical communication operates unconsciously among individuals, serving as an innate sensory modality that regulates both their physiology and behaviour. Despite its crucial role in the life of the wolf, there is a lacuna in comprehensive research on the neuroanatomical and physiological underpinnings of chemical communication within this species. This study investigates the vomeronasal system (VNS) of the Iberian wolf, simultaneously probing potential alterations brought about by dog domestication. Our findings demonstrate the presence of a fully functional VNS, vital for pheromone-mediated communication, in the Iberian wolf. While macroscopic similarities between the VNS of the wolf and the domestic dog are discernible, notable microscopic differences emerge. These distinctions include the presence of neuronal clusters associated with the sensory epithelium of the vomeronasal organ (VNO) and a heightened degree of differentiation of the accessory olfactory bulb (AOB). Immunohistochemical analyses reveal the expression of the two primary families of vomeronasal receptors (V1R and V2R) within the VNO. However, only the V1R family is expressed in the AOB. These findings not only yield profound insights into the VNS of the wolf but also hint at how domestication might have altered neural configurations that underpin species-specific behaviours. This understanding holds implications for the development of innovative strategies, such as the application of semiochemicals for wolf population management, aligning with contemporary conservation goals.

Oesophageal pneumatosis: computed tomographic characteristics in three dogs (2018-2021).

BACKGROUND: Oesophageal pneumatosis (OP) is defined as the presence of gas within the oesophageal wall. The description of this condition in veterinary medicine is currently lacking. The pathogenesis of alimentary tract pneumatosis remains unclear. Current literature describes that access of gas into the oesophageal wall may occur by one or a combination of the following mechanisms: mucosal disruption, increased intra or extra-luminal pressure or dissection of gas from an extra-oesophageal source. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this multi-centric case series was to describe the computed tomography (CT) findings of OP in dogs. METHODS: Three adult dogs were included. One dog presented with gastrointestinal signs and general malaise while the other two presented with spontaneous facial and cervical subcutaneous emphysema. RESULTS: CT revealed different degrees of intramural gas along the oesophageal wall in all cases. The first dog was diagnosed with emphysematous gastritis based on the presence of gastric pneumatosis paired with compatible clinicopathological and endoscopic findings. This dog was successfully treated with antibiotics. The remaining two dogs were diagnosed with spontaneous pneumomediastinum and required no surgical or medical treatment. CONCLUSIONS: In all cases with OP, there was concurrent gastric pneumatosis. Gas extensively and circumferentially distributed with a banded shape along the oesophageal wall was present in patients with presumed mural gas dissection because of pneumomediastinum. Conversely, a focal and mild amount of mural gas with a tubular shape was identified in the distal segment of the oesophagus in the patient with emphysematous gastritis.

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In collaboration with the American College of Veterinary Radiology.