CT sialography in the dog - a cadaver study.

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Anatomy
• Diagnostic Imaging
• Radiology

Background:

• Accurate anatomical knowledge of canine salivary glands is crucial for diagnosing and treating related pathologies.
• Computed tomography (CT) offers detailed cross-sectional imaging, but its application in visualizing salivary gland ductal systems requires specific techniques.

Purpose of the Study:

• To document the computed tomographic (CT) topography of salivary glands and their ducts in dogs.
• To evaluate the efficacy of retrograde filling with methylcellulose and iodinated contrast medium for CT sialography in canine cadavers.

Main Methods:

• Retrograde filling of salivary glands and ducts was performed in three canine cadavers using methylcellulose and iodinated contrast medium.
• Computed tomography was utilized to image the contrast-filled structures, allowing for detailed anatomical assessment.
• Landmarks for gland identification included the external acoustic canal, mandibular angle, and pterygopalatine fossa.

Main Results:

• The parotid, mandibular, and zygomatic salivary glands and their respective ducts were successfully demarcated and visualized via CT.
• Sialograms of the parotid, mandibular, and zygomatic ducts were achieved, providing three-dimensional anatomical information.
• The sublingual glands and their ducts could not be contrasted using this method.

Conclusions:

• Retrograde CT sialography is an effective method for visualizing the parotid, mandibular, and zygomatic salivary glands and ducts in dogs.
• This technique provides valuable three-dimensional anatomical data for veterinary diagnostic imaging and surgical planning.
• Further investigation may be needed to optimize contrast visualization of the sublingual glands.