Bone Abstracts

Considering limited information available on skeletal system properties in foxes, the aim of this study was to determine morphological, geometrical and densitometric parameters of femur obtained from males and females. The study was performed on 1-year old male (n=5) and female (n=6) silver foxes. Right femur was isolated and its weight and length were measured. Using quantitative computed tomography (QCT) technique and Somatom Emotion Siemens apparatus, bone volume (Bvol) and volumetric bone mineral density of the trabecular (Td) and cortical bone (Cd) were determined. Bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) of whole femur were determined using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) method and Norland Excell Plus Densitometer (Fort Atkinson, WI, USA) equipped with Research Scan software. Geometrical parameters of the bones such as cross-sectional area (A), second moment of inertia (Ix), mean relative wall thickness (MRWT) and cortical index (CI) were determined on the basis of vertical and horizontal diameters (both internal and external) at the midshaft. Statistical comparison of the investigated parameters of femur between males and females was performed with a use of non-paired Student’s t-test and P<0.05 was considered as statistically significant. The obtained results showed significantly higher values of length, weight, Td and Cd of femur in males when compared to these parameters determined in females (P<0.05). Similar mean values of A, Ix, MRWT and CI were stated in male and female silver foxes (P>0.05). In conclusion, this study has shown sex-related differences of femur and tibia in silver foxes. Obtained results indicate that silver foxes may serve as an attractive experimental model for further studies on bone metabolism regulation of mammals in response to physiological, pharmacological, nutritional and toxicological factors, being an alternative model for other monogastric animal species such as dogs.