Computed tomographic anatomy of the canine temporal bone.
This study aims to identify and describe structures of the temporal bone in normal dogs that can be depicted using computed tomography (CT). Five normal dogs of different breeds and both sexes ranging from 0.5 to 8 years were used as the study material. CT images of 2 mm thickness without abnormalities in the temporal bone were reviewed and analysed in bone and soft tissue settings. All images were compared with corresponding E 12 plastic-embedded cross sections of 3 mm thickness, which were acquired from anatomic cross sections of frozen beagles. The sections were provided from the Department of Pathobiology (Institute of Anatomy). CT is able to image all relevant bony structures within the temporal bone. Concerning soft tissue structures, CT allows their localization by using bony markers, i.e. the internal acustic meatus for the cranial nerves VII and VIII or the canals for the internal carotid artery and the temporal sinus. The provided reference images are meant to improve orientation within the complex anatomy of the temporal bone. On condition that slice thickness is equal to or smaller than 2 mm and bony setting is supplied, CT is able to visualize all relevant structures within the temporal bone. However, in clinical settings the combined look on air, liquids and bone as well as the contrast enhancement of soft tissues might prefer magnetic resonance imaging to CT.
Probst
A
A
Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Anatomy, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinarplatz 1, A-1210 Vienna, Austria. alexander.probst@vu-wien.ac.at
Kneissl
S
S
D000818:Animals; D004285:Dogs / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D013701:Temporal Bone / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*