Morphometric Analysis of the Mandibular Canal in Van Cats: A Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) Study

This study aimed to determine the morphometric characteristics and sex-dependent variations in the mandibular canal (MC) in Van cats using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT), thereby establishing breed-specific baseline values. CBCT scans of 14 healthy adult Van cats (7 males, 7 females; all aged 4 years old; mean body mass 3.3 ± 0.49 kg) were analyzed. DICOM files were oriented into a standardized head position by aligning the hard palate parallel to the horizontal plane and ensuring the sagittal plane was perpendicular to the reference line, and internal canal dimensions, cortical distances, ventral height (Bh), depth, and total mandibular dimensions were measured across eight standardized transverse planes using Multiplanar Reconstruction (MPR) software (Version 3.10, Carestream Dental LLC). Data were analyzed using Wilcoxon signed-rank and Mann-Whitney U tests. No statistically significant differences were found between right and left mandibles, demonstrating high bilateral symmetry. Similarly, internal canal dimensions also showed no significant differences by sex. However, in males, the canal ran significantly higher from the ventral border (Bh parameter), placing it closer to tooth roots. In both sexes, the MC ran closer to the lingual cortex in the molar region and shifted toward the vestibular cortex in the premolar region. Clinically, this high bilateral symmetry allows the intact side to serve as a reliable surgical reference in trauma cases. Buccal surgical approaches offer wider safety margins than lingual ones. Males Van cats carry a higher iatrogenic risk during dental procedures due to tooth root proximity, whereas female Van cats require a higher needle insertion point for inferior alveolar nerve blocks. In conclusion, this study provides a comprehensive, CBCT-based morphometric baseline of the mandibular canal in Van cats, offering essential data to enhance surgical precision and minimize iatrogenic risks during feline maxillofacial procedures.