Cats & dogs species adaptations

Question 1

Cat key evolutionary adaptations

Answer 1

Fast twitch type II fibres for speed – short burst

Flexibility in joints for posture & manoeuvrability due to high elastin content

Light body frame (wider medullary cavities & thinner cortices)

Long bones – leverage for jumping

Tail for balance

Flexible neck for wide range vision

Ear muscles to locate sounds

Retractable claws to secure prey

Great range of movement in spine – long vertebrae & narrow scapula

Strong masseter muscle

Question 2

Dog key evolutionary adaptations

Answer 2

Fast twitch fibres for speed & slow twitch for endurance

Rely on fat stores for muscle energy

Tail for balance

Flexible joints for manoeuvrability

Long limbs – leverage for jumping

Ear muscles to locate sounds

Flexible neck for wide range vision

Question 3

Compare cat & dog musculoskeletal features

Answer 3

Forelimb:

Triceps brachii
Dogs have 4 heads
Cats have 5 heads

Radius & ulna
Dogs cant supinate as much

Digits
Digit I absent in dogs
Cats have claws (natural position is retracted)

Hindlimb:

Sartorius muscle
Single body in cat, 2 in dogs

Sacrotuberous ligament
Absent in cats

Question 4

Common dog musculoskeletal diseases & predisposing factors

Answer 4

Achondroplasia – bowing of limbs
Bulldogs, Pugs, Shi Tzu, Boston Terriers
Often results in upper airway obstruction

Hypochondroplasia – less severe than achondroplasia
Beagles, Dachshunds, Welsh Corgis, Basset hound

Predisposing factors:
Weight
Genetic conformation
Diet
Trauma
ageing

Question 5

Common cat musculoskeletal diseases & predisposing factors

Answer 5

High rise syndrome – injuries worse if cat falls from less than 6 floors

Traumatic muscles injuries

Cat bites

Fractured pelvis & limb bones

Predisposing factors:
Lifestyle
Diet
Obesity
Trauma
Ageing
Metabolic problems