Osteology and radiographic anatomy of the pelvis and hind limb of healthy ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur catta)

In family Lemuridae, anatomical variations exist. Considering its conservation status (near threatened) and presence of similarities between strepsirrhines and primitive animals, it was thought to be beneficial to describe the gross osteology and radiographic anatomy of the pelvis and hind limb of ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur catta) as a reference for clinical use and species identification. Radiography was performed in 14 captive adult ring-tailed lemurs. The radiographic findings were correlated with bone specimens from two adult animals. Additionally, computed tomography of the hind limbs was performed in one animal. The pelvic bone has a well-developed caudal ventral iliac spine. The patella has a prominent tuberosity on the cranial surface. The first metatarsal bone and digit 1 are markedly stouter than the other metatarsal bones and digits with medial divergence from the rest of the metatarsal bones and digits. Ossicles were seen in the lateral meniscus, inter-phalangeal joint of digit 1 and in the infrapatellar fat pad. Areas of mineral opacity were seen within the external genitalia, which are believed to be the os penis and os clitoris. Variations exist in the normal osteology and radiographic appearance of the pelvis and hind limb of different animal species. The use of only atlases from domestic cats and dogs for interpretative purposes may be misleading.Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSDW), Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), University of Pretoria, Johannesburg (JHB) and Bristol Zoos.http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1111/(ISSN)1439-0264hb201

Thoracic limb morphology of the red panda (Ailurus fulgens) evidenced by osteology and radiography

The red panda (Ailurus fulgens) is distributed primarily in the Himalayas and southern China. It is classified as a vulnerable species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The aim of this study was to describe the normal osteology and radiographic anatomy of the thoracic limb of the red panda. Radiography of the right thoracic limb was performed in seven captive adult red pandas. Radiographic findings were correlated with bone specimens from three adult animals. The scapula was wide craniocaudally and presented with a large area for the origin of the teres major muscle. The square-shaped major tubercle did not extend proximal to the head of the humerus. The medial epicondyle was prominent. A supracondylar foramen was present. The radial tuberosity and sesamoid bone for the abductor digiti I longus were prominent. The accessory carpal bone was directed palmarolaterally. Metacarpal bones were widely spread. The thoracic limb morphology of the red panda evidenced by osteology and radiography indicated flexibility of the thoracic limb joints and well-developed flexor and supinator muscles, which are important in arboreal quadrupedal locomotion. Knowledge gained during this study may prove useful in identifying skeletal material or remains and diagnosing musculoskeletal diseases and injuries of the thoracic limb.http://www.ojvr.orgam201

Computed tomography of the thorax and abdomen of the clinically normal common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus)

The aim of this study was: 1) to describe the computed tomographic thoracic and abdominal anatomy in the clinically normal common marmoset; 2) to describe the normal reference range of Hounsfield units (HU) of major abdominal and thoracic organs; 3) to refine the computed tomography (CT) protocol; 4) to compare abdominal CT to other imaging modalities such as radiography and ultrasound (US). Eight clinically healthy mature common marmosets ranging from 12 to 48 months and 235 to 365 g bodyweight were anesthetised and pre- and post-contrast CT examinations were performed using different CT settings. In 3/8 common marmosets radiography was performed at the same time. Diagnostic quality images could be obtained in the common marmoset despite its small size and high respiration rate using a dual slice CT scanner. Quantitative and qualitative assessments of major thoracic and abdominal structures were obtained. The HU of major abdominal and thoracic organs differed from small animals. Representative cross-sectional images were selected and relevant anatomy was labeled. None of the thoracic lymph nodes were detected and separation of individual lung lobes besides the accessory was only occasionally seen. Identification and delineation of abdominal organs greatly improved with i.v. contrast. A high frequency algorithm with edge enhancement proved to be particularly beneficial for the evaluation of thoracic and to a lesser degree abdominal CT. Due to their size and species specific anatomy (also reflected in their different normal range of HU of individual organs), standard small animal CT protocols need to be critically assessed and adapted for exotics, such as the common marmosets. Imaging findings differed from described anatomic findings (such as positioning of kidneys in relationship to lumbar vertebrae) and could either be due to different study population, imply more mobility of kidneys similar to cats, or emphasize that CT might be better for certain aspects of anatomic descriptions than actual anatomy studies, since it is done in vivo versus the traditional post-mortem approach. This study established normal reference ranges for the thoracic and abdominal computed tomographic anatomy of clinically healthy common marmosets, including adapted CT protocols. This baseline study should facilitate CT examinations of marmosets in a clinical set-up and it is anticipated that diagnostic proficiency will be facilitated. The decision to perform advanced imaging is multi-factorial and highly dependent on patient factors, user experience with the modality and species, emotional value to the owner, availability and accessibility of equipment will be important decision criteria in developing decision strategies in clinical settings. Under ideal circumstances US is recommended as the screening tool of choice for the abdomen in the common marmoset. Radiography still plays an important role as a baseline imaging modality for the abdomen, particularly as whole body radiography in the common marmoset, providing simultaneous information about the thorax and the skeletal system; however its limitations must be considered. In cases where further work-up would be required or in certain clinical presentations, CT should be recommended and should always be combined with i.v. contrast.Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2015.tm2016Anatomy and PhysiologyPhDUnrestricte

Thoracic limb morphology of the red panda (<i>Ailurus fulgens</i>) evidenced by osteology and radiography

The red panda (Ailurus fulgens) is distributed primarily in the Himalayas and southern China. It is classified as a vulnerable species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The aim of this study was to describe the normal osteology and radiographic anatomy of the thoracic limb of the red panda. Radiography of the right thoracic limb was performed in seven captive adult red pandas. Radiographic findings were correlated with bone specimens from three adult animals. The scapula was wide craniocaudally and presented with a large area for the origin of the teres major muscle. The square-shaped major tubercle did not extend proximal to the head of the humerus. The medial epicondyle was prominent. A supracondylar foramen was present. The radial tuberosity and sesamoid bone for the abductor digiti I longus were prominent. The accessory carpal bone was directed palmarolaterally. Metacarpal bones were widely spread. The thoracic limb morphology of the red panda evidenced by osteology and radiography indicated flexibility of the thoracic limb joints and well-developed flexor and supinator muscles, which are important in arboreal quadrupedal locomotion. Knowledge gained during this study may prove useful in identifying skeletal material or remains and diagnosing musculoskeletal diseases and injuries of the thoracic limb