Computed tomographic anatomy of the canine temporal bone

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Anatomy
• Diagnostic Imaging
• Comparative Osteology

Background:

• The temporal bone's complex anatomy in dogs presents challenges for imaging interpretation.
• Accurate visualization of temporal bone structures is crucial for diagnosing pathologies.
• Computed tomography (CT) is a widely used imaging modality in veterinary medicine.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and describe normal canine temporal bone structures visible with CT.
• To establish reference images for interpreting canine temporal bone CT scans.
• To compare CT findings with anatomical cross-sections for validation.

Main Methods:

• Review and analysis of CT images (2 mm slice thickness) from five normal dogs.
• Evaluation of CT scans in both bone and soft tissue settings.
• Comparison of CT images with 3 mm thick plastic-embedded cross-sections of canine temporal bones.

Main Results:

• CT successfully visualized all relevant bony structures within the canine temporal bone.
• CT allowed localization of soft tissue structures (nerves VII/VIII, carotid artery, temporal sinus) using bony landmarks.
• Reference images were generated to aid orientation within the complex temporal bone anatomy.

Conclusions:

• CT is a valuable tool for visualizing bony structures of the canine temporal bone, especially with slice thickness ≤ 2 mm and bone settings.
• CT can indirectly assess soft tissues by referencing adjacent bony structures.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be preferred in clinical settings for superior soft tissue contrast and evaluation of air/fluid/bone interfaces.