Research Information System
The Pakistan Veterinary Journal, vol.0, no.0, pp.1-7, 2024 (Peer-Reviewed Journal)
This study aimed to conduct a detailed statistical shape analysis of the thorax across
various dog breeds, focusing on the identification and characterization of shape
variations and asymmetrical features. For this purpose, 3D images of 39 thoracic
samples were collected from various regions across Türkiye, ensuring a diverse
representation of breeds and populations. In the analysis, 136 specific anatomical
landmarks were meticulously identified and marked from a lateral view of the thorax
for each sample. The study revealed that the first principal component explained
28.89% of the total variation in directional asymmetry, suggesting consistent size or
shape differences on one side of the thorax. Additionally, it was found that the first
principal component explained 27.82% of the total variation in fluctuating facet
asymmetry occurs if one region is consistently greater or has a different shape
compared to the opposite and indicates underlying genetic or functional differences.
This study highlights the usefulness of geometric morphometric analysis in
distinguishing thoracic shape differences among various dog breeds, providing
insights into their morphological diversity. Moreover, the findings underscore the
potential of geometric morphometric analysis for taxonomic purposes, enabling more
precise classification and understanding of breed-specific characteristics. This
approach can aid in identifying subtle morphological variations that may be linked to
breed history, function, or environmental adaptation.