A Study and Comparative Analysis of Normal Vertebral column in Male and Female Luristan Newt (Neurergus kaiseri) Using Digital Mammography

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of veterinary Clinical Sciences, SR.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.

2 Anatomy Sector, Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.

3 Epidemiology and Zoonosis Division, Department of Food Hygiene, Faculty of Veterinary medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.

10.22075/jvlr.2025.38852.1184

Abstract

The Luristan newt (Neurergus kaiseri) inhabits restricted mountainous habitats in Lorestan Province and northern Khuzestan Province. Specimens were collected from the Korki habitat in Lorestan Province in coordination with the relevant authorities and transferred under appropriate conditions to the Imaging Center of the Social Security Hospital in Khorramabad for radiographic examination. Images were acquired using a digital mammography device in the dorsoventral view, after which morphological and morphometric analyses were performed using Radiant DICOM Viewer software. The vertebral column of the Luristan newt (Neurergus kaiseri) is composed of multiple discrete bony units (vertebrae). The species possesses one cervical vertebra (atlas), 12 trunk vertebrae, one sacral vertebra, 2–3 caudosacral vertebrae, and 28–31 caudal vertebrae. Vertebral counts were consistent between males and females in all regions except the caudal vertebrae. Mean skull length, trunk length, tail length, and total body length were lower in males than in females. Overall, female specimens exhibited larger body sizes compared to males. No specimens were sacrificed in this study, and all individuals were returned alive and in good health to the Department of Environmental Protection of Lorestan Province following the experiments.
 
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References

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Journal of Veterinary Laboratory Research
Volume 17, Issue 2 - Serial Number 28
in processing
October 2025
Pages 171-179

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