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Updated: Jul 7, 2026
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Synchronous Triplanar Reconstruction Integrated with Color Doppler Mapping for Precise and Rapid Localization of Thyroid Lesions
Published on: February 9, 2024
Computed tomographic features of the normal canine thyroid gland
Olivier Taeymans1, Tobias Schwarz, Luc Duchateau
1Department of Medical Imaging, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium. Olivier.Taeymans@UGent.be
Summary
Computed tomography (CT) reveals normal canine thyroid gland features, including size and location. This imaging technique aids in distinguishing thyroid masses and staging thyroid cancer in dogs.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Radiology
- Comparative Anatomy
Background:
- Normal canine thyroid gland anatomy and CT characteristics are not well-defined.
- Accurate CT assessment is crucial for diagnosing thyroid conditions in dogs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish baseline computed tomographic (CT) features of the normal canine thyroid gland.
- To evaluate the utility of CT in differentiating thyroidal from nonthyroidal neck masses and staging thyroid carcinomas.
Main Methods:
- CT scans were performed on 25 healthy dogs.
- Pre- and postcontrast attenuation values and gland volume were measured.
- Thyroid lobe shape, location, and relationship to tracheal rings were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Normal thyroid lobes were homogeneous on CT.
- Mean pre- and postcontrast attenuation values were 107.5 and 169.0 HU.
- Thyroid gland spanned tracheal rings 1-8; lobes were ovoid and dorsolateral to the trachea in most dogs.
Conclusions:
- CT provides excellent visualization of the normal canine thyroid gland.
- CT is valuable for differentiating thyroid masses and staging thyroid cancer.
- Parathyroid glands and isthmus were rarely identified on CT.
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