Three-Dimensional Morphometric Analysis of the Metatarsal and Phalangeal Bones in Van Cats

The aim of this study was to perform three-dimensional reconstruction of the metatarsal and phalangeal bones using computed tomography, to obtain osteometric data and to determine biometric differences in terms of sexual dimorphism in the obtained measurements in Van cats, an endemic species living in the Van province region of eastern Türkiye and named after this region. Computed tomography images of a total of 16 adult and healthy Van cats, eight females and eight males, were used in the study. Three-dimensional modelling of the images and osteometric measurements were obtained using MIMICS 20.1 software. When the osteometric data of the bones were analysed, it was observed that all of the morphometric measurements of metatarsal, phalanx media, phalanx distalis and phalanx proximalis bones, except the greatest breadth of the distal end of the phanax proximalis-III, the greatest breadth of the proximal end of the right phalanx proximalis-II, left phalanx proximalis-IV and left phalanx proximalis-V, were higher in male cats than females. The length order of the metatarsal bones in Van cats was found as IV, III, V and II, respectively. It was determined that there were positive and significant correlations between the osteometric measurement parameters of metatarsal and phalangeal bones with age and body weight. In conclusion, basic morphological images and osteometric data of the metatarsal and phalangeal bones in Van cats were obtained. These findings will be valuable for studying anatomy, aiding veterinary medicine students in clinical practice and contributing to the fields of zooarchaeology and veterinary forensic anthropology.