Morphology of the transverse ligament of the atlas and the alar ligaments in the silver fox (Vulpes vulpes var)

Background Recent new anatomical and histological features of craniocervical junction in dogs and cats were described providing evidence of differences between the carnivore species. No information on these structures in foxes exists. Results Two parts of the alar ligaments were found. A longer one aroused from dens of axis to the internal (medial) surface of the occipital condyles and was called apical part. A shorter part originated from the entire length of the lateral edge of the dens of axis and terminated on the internal wall of the vertebral foramen of atlas and thus was called the lateral part. The transverse ligament of the atlas was widened in the mid region, above the dens of axis, and thickened at enthesis. Periosteal fibrocartilage was detected in the transverse ligament of the atlas at the enthesis, and sesamoid fibrocartilage was present on periphery in the middle of the ligament. Conclusions The craniocervical junction in foxes differs in part from other carnivores such as dogs and cats but resembles that of mesaticephalic dogs. The sesamoid and periosteal fibrocartilage supports the transverse ligament of the atlas whereas the alar ligaments have no cartilage

Rostral cranial fossa as a site for cerebrospinal fluid drainage – volumetric studies in dog breeds of different size and morphotype

Abstract Background Hydrocephalus is a multifactorial condition, whose aetiology is not fully understood. Congenital hydrocephalus frequently occurs in small and brachycephalic dog breeds. Although it is widely accepted that the cribriform plate located in the rostral cranial fossa (RCF) is a site of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage, the RCF has not been studied extensively. Literature reports indicate that a decreased caudal cranial fossa (CCF) volume in the course of the Chiari-like malformation may obstruct CSF circulation. We hypothesised that morphological diversity among different breeds in the volume of the RCF may affect CSF circulation. The aim of the study was to carry out a volumetric analysis of the RCF and the cranial cavity and to determine the ratio between them in dog breeds of different size and morphotype. We performed computed tomography (CT) morphometric analysis of the RCF compartment by obtaining volume measurements from the transverse and reformatted sagittal and dorsal planes. Results The rostral cranial fossa percentage – volume of the rostral cranial fossa/volume of cranial cavity × 100 (volRCF/volCC × 100) was lower in small and brachycephalic dog breeds than in the other dogs. Conclusions A reduced RCF volume was detected in small and brachycephalic dog breeds, some of which are predisposed to congenital hydrocephalus. This may lead to overcrowding of brain parenchyma in the RCF and may impede CSF circulation. Our observations may be useful for future studies focusing on the causes and new therapies to treat conditions such as hydrocephalus and syringomyelia

Morphology and morphometry of ramification of the aortic arch in domestic shorthair cats in the clinical aspect

The aim of the study was to investigate the morphology and morphometry of ramifications of the aortic arch in domestic shorthair cats in relation to the sex of the animals. The morphological study was performed on 61 hearts of adult domestic shorthair cats of both sexes, preserved in the 10% solution of formalin. Measurements of the area of openings of basic branches and distances between them were performed. In cats we can observe a double type of direct ramification of the aortic arch: the brachiocephalic trunk and the left subclavian artery. In all studied cases, the surface area of the ostium of the brachiocephalic trunk (SABT) was greater 4.94 ± 1.35 mm2 than the surface area of the ostium of the left subclavian artery (SALSA) 2.38 ± 0.88 mm2. The average difference between the opening area of the above vessels (r) amounted to 2.56 mm2. In the studied group of cats, the distance between the openings (d) varied between 0.5 and 4.37 mm. In the post hoc comparison of the mean values no statistically significant differences were found between the population of males and females. Fundamental changes in the structure of openings were found in two females. The first one concerned a secondary division of the brachiocephalic trunk opening and the second one – a secondary division of the opening of the left subclavian artery in the area of their parting from the aortic arch. CT angiography or MRI angiography is the method of choice for diagnosis of vascular disorders or malformations. The knowledge of the aortic arch morphology in various species of animals is a prerequisite for a correct assessment of the results of imaging tests.</jats:p

Additional file 1: of Rostral cranial fossa as a site for cerebrospinal fluid drainage – volumetric studies in dog breeds of different size and morphotype

Individuals value of AP, ZyZy, volRCF, volCC and volRCF/volCC ratio (RCF/CC). (XLS 20 kb