Histological Characterization of Ocular and Adnexal Tissues in Dogs (Canis familiaris) and Wolves (Canis lupus)

  1. Diz López, Abel 3
  2. Torres, Mateo V. 4
  3. Martínez Gómez, Fabio 2
  4. Fraga Abelleira, Silvia Alejandra 1
  5. López-Beceiro, Ana 1
  6. Fidalgo, Luis 1
  7. Sanchez-Quinteiro, Pablo 1
  8. Ortiz-Leal, Irene 1
  1. 1 Department of Anatomy, Animal Production and Clinical Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Santiago de Compostela, 27002 Lugo, Spain
  2. 2 Willows Veterinary Centre and Referral Service, Solihull B90 4NH, UK
  3. 3 Anicura Navia Hospital Veterinario, 36212 Vigo, Spain
  4. 4 Research Center for Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria (IDIS), University of Santiago de Compostela, 15705 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
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Revista:
Anatomia

ISSN: 2813-0545

Ano de publicación: 2025

Volume: 4

Número: 3

Páxinas: 10

Tipo: Artigo

DOI: 10.3390/ANATOMIA4030010 GOOGLE SCHOLAR lock_openAcceso aberto editor

Outras publicacións en: Anatomia

Resumo

Background/Objectives: This study explores the ocular anatomy and glandular components of domestic dogs compared to their ancestor, the wolf, with the aim of identifying evolutionary changes due to domestication and their implications for ocular pathologies. Methods: Utilizing histological and histochemical techniques, including hematoxylin–eosin, Periodic Acid–Schiff, Alcian Blue, and lectins, this research conducts a detailed analysis of the canine and wolf ocular systems, focusing on the eyelids, tarsal glands, and conjunctival tissues. Results: There are marked histological differences between the two species, particularly in the thickness and secretion levels of the conjunctival epithelia and the structure of the tarsal glands. Dogs exhibit a thicker epithelium with greater Periodic Acid–Schiff and Alcian Blue positive secretion, suggesting enhanced ocular protection and lubrication adapted to domestic environments. Conversely, wolves display more concentrated glandular secretions and a predominance of acidic mucopolysaccharides, aligning with their adaptation to natural habitats. Conclusions: Although this study is constrained by the limited number of samples, the use of mixed dog breeds, and the focus on the Iberian wolf, it nonetheless suggests histological and evolutionary differences between domestic dogs and wolves, particularly in structures related to ocular surface protection and lubrication. These differences likely reflect adaptive responses to domestication in dogs and environmental demands in wolves. Importantly, the findings emphasize the clinical and translational potential of using dogs as comparative models for human ocular surface disorders, given their anatomical proximity to humans.

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Financiadores

  • Consello Social da Universidade de Santiago de Compostela
    • 2022-PU004

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