Search

Simple Summary: The six-banded armadillo (Euphractus sexcintus) is included in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as being of the least concern, mainly due to its wide distribution and large population. Nonetheless, in recent years, its population is deploying in specific areas as a consequence of human activities. The scarce literature regarding the anatomy of this species leads us to investigate the normal six-banded armadillo sinuses and nasal passages using modern imaging techniques such as computed tomography (CT) combined with anatomical cross-sectioning to acquire helpful information on the structures that comprise this region. This research aimed to study the rostral part of the head of the six-banded armadillo, applying advanced imaging techniques such as CT. Furthermore, by combining the images obtained through this technique with anatomical cross-sections, an adequate description of the structures that constitute the rostral part of the head of this species is presented. This anatomical information could provide a valuable diagnostic tool for the clinical evaluation of different disorders in the six-banded armadillo's nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Cory's Shearwater (Calonectris borealis) is a fascinating subject to explore the life and complexities of marine birds. Hence, we believe that knowledge of its coelomic cavity could provide essential information for biologists, veterinarians, and researchers. In this paper, we describe its coelomic cavity using anatomical cross-sections combined with computed tomography images to better understand the complex organization that encloses the different components of this cavity. Birds play a crucial role in ecosystems, engaging in key functions such as pollination, pest control, and seed dispersal. The anatomical understanding of these species is essential to addressing emerging challenges, including climate change and habitat loss, which directly impact their survival. Detailed knowledge of avian anatomy is fundamental for research across various disciplines, ranging from ornithology to veterinary medicine. Therefore, this study aims to disseminate the understanding of avian anatomy and the application of computed tomography (CT) for visualizing the coelomic cavity in Cory's Shearwater (Calonectris borealis). Recent advances in comprehending the anatomical structures of this region in avian species are highlighted, with a specific focus on Cory's Shearwater as a study model. Various anatomical cross-sections and transverse CT images were described and analyzed in detail, offering a comprehensive insight into the coelomic cavity from different perspectives. The correlation between anatomical cross-sections and CT images is emphasized as crucial for a profound understanding of avian anatomy. This research contributes to the broader knowledge of avian anatomy, with potential implications for conservation efforts and veterinary practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: In this study, we described the anatomy of the central nervous system (CNS) and associated structures of the puffin using anatomical cross-sections and advanced imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first description of the head in the Atlantic puffin. The results obtained in this study could contribute to future anatomical and pathological studies on related species. The Atlantic puffin is a medium-sized seabird with black and white plumage and orange feet. It is distributed mainly along the northern Atlantic Ocean, and due, among other reasons, to human activities, it is in a threatened situation and classified as a vulnerable species according to the International Union of Conservation of Nature (IUCN). In this study, we used a total of 20 carcasses of juvenile Atlantic puffins to perform MRI, as well as anatomical cross-sections. Thus, an adequate description of the head was made, providing valuable information that could be helpful as a diagnostic tool for veterinary clinicians, who increasingly treat these birds in zoos, rehabilitation centers, and even in the wild. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Birds constitute an important group within the new companion animals. Since their popularity has been increasing, it is more common to find them in homes, zoos and wildlife centres around the world, evidencing the need for clinicians, biologists and researchers to have a deep knowledge of their anatomy, pathology and physiology to provide adequate medical care. In birds, unlike mammals, there is no complete separation between the thoracic and abdominal cavities. Instead, they have the coelomic cavity where most main organs are found. Therefore, an adequate knowledge of the anatomy of the coelomic cavity is of great importance for veterinarians, biologists and the scientific community. This study aimed to evaluate the coelomic cavity anatomy in the Atlantic puffin (Fratercula arctica) using anatomical sections and computed tomography images. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Advanced imaging diagnostic techniques, such as magnetic resonance imaging with anatomical sections, were used to evaluate the head of the crested porcupine (Hystrix cristata). These techniques were very helpful to delineate the main formations that compose the central nervous system (CNS), as well as its associated structures. To the authors' knowledge, the present study is the first to describe this area using anatomical sections and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in crested porcupines. This paper aimed to describe an atlas of the crested porcupine (Hystrix cristata) head by applying advanced imaging techniques such as MRI. Furthermore, by combining the images acquired through these techniques with anatomical sections, we obtained an adequate description of the structures that form the CNS and associated structures of this species. This anatomical information could serve as a valuable diagnostic tool for the clinical evaluation of different pathological processes in porcupines, such as abscesses, skull malformations, fractures, and neoplasia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Advanced diagnostic imaging techniques, such as CT, can provide helpful information on the specific structures of the head, such as the ocular bulb, due to their high spatial resolution, avoidance of overlapping structures, and fast imaging acquisition. An adequate knowledge of the eye bird anatomy is essential for clinicians, biologists, and researchers to understand many aspects concerning its biology. Imaging diagnosis plays a fundamental role in avian medicine. However, there are few publications regarding its use in ophthalmology. Seabirds, in particular, present a peculiar ecology since their lives take place in very diverse environments: the aquatic, the terrestrial, and the aerial. This fact implies a series of adaptations at a visual level that are necessary for adequate interaction with the environment. Therefore, knowledge of eye particularities is of great importance for the scientific community since it allows us to deepen our understanding of the ocular anatomy and biology of these animals, which are increasingly present in veterinary and wildlife centers. In our study, we performed a morphometric analysis of the ocular bulb and its internal structures in the puffin (Fratercula arctica) using advanced imaging techniques such as CT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Due to the growing interest in reptiles and the fact that variation in reptile skull anatomy remains poorly documented, we compared the heads of two reptile species using computed tomography reconstructive procedures, such as maximum intensity projections (MIP) and volume rendering (VR). The resulting images demonstrated that these procedures are suitable for performing comparative anatomical studies as they provide adequate information about the different bones that comprise the head while avoiding the overlapping of other structures. A detailed description of the morphology of the head and associated structures could expand the knowledge of clinicians for the diagnosis of traumatic lesions with small or large fractures, skull malformations, and osteodystrophy secondary to nutrition imbalances or neoplasms. The growing interest in reptiles has posed a challenge to veterinary clinicians due to the lack of a standardized system to perform anatomical studies similar to those used for dogs and cats. In this paper, we have attempted to describe, employing computed tomography and subsequent three-dimensional reconstructions, the normal anatomical features that comprise the skulls of two species of reptiles: the loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) and the green iguana (Iguana iguana). Computed tomography (CT) and subsequent image processing allowed the identification of the bony structures that comprise the head of these species. As a result, and based on previous articles, we propose the most significant anatomical differences and similarities between these species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Cetaceans are marine mammals whose tissues have undergone an evolutionary process to adapt to life in the aquatic medium. In addition, depending on the species, the adaptations will have developed differently. However, some features of the bones of these animals are still poorly studied, and a good technique for analysing this tissue is computed tomography. With this, it is possible to measure bone density, compare bone density between distinct species, and then relate it with the ecophysiological aspects of the animal. For this reason, this study aimed to create a protocol to measure the bone radiodensity of the humerus of cetaceans through computer tomography. The purpose was to be able to make comparisons between different species to advance the understanding of this cetacean tissue. This project considered two species with different characteristics and behaviours: the Atlantic spotted dolphin (Stenella frontalis) and the pygmy sperm whale (Kogia breviceps). The main results observed were significant differences in bone density between different types of bone (trabecular and cortical bone) and various portions of the humerus within a given species. Such differences were also observed between species with varying habits of diving (shallow divers and deep divers) and distinct swimming habits (swimming style with low-medium energy expenditure and swimming style that requires medium-high energy consumption rates). These results allow us to consider the unique adaptations of this tissue to adapt to varying lifestyles of these animals in the aquatic ecosystem. Therefore, this technique will allow for comparisons to distinguish different characteristics related to species, age, diving behaviour, and swimming style. Cetaceans are mammals that underwent a series of evolutionary adaptations to live in the aquatic environment, including morphological modifications of various anatomical structures of the skeleton and their bone mineral density (BMD); there are few studies on the latter. BMD is related to the radiodensity measured through computed tomography (CT) in Hounsfield units (HU). This work aimed to test and validate the usefulness of studying humeral bone radiodensity by CT of two cetacean species (the Atlantic spotted dolphin and the pygmy sperm whale) with different swimming and diving habits. The radiodensity was analysed at certain levels following a new protocol based on a review of previous studies. Humeral radiodensity values were related to four aspects: species, diving behaviour, swimming activity level, and age. We observed that the consistent differences in the radiodensity of the cortical bone of the distal epiphysis between animals of different life-history categories suggest that this bone portion could be particularly useful for future ontogenetic studies. Hence, this technique may be helpful in studying and comparing species with different ecophysiologies, particularly distinguishing between swimming and diving habits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: We investigated the head of Komodo dragons using CT imaging. Cross-sections show that all cranial bones can be delineated, while soft tissue structures are evident but not clearly identifiable without an anatomical atlas. Additional three-dimensional reconstructed and maximum intensity projection images of the head were presented to depict bony structures. The anatomical structures identified on the CT images could help further assess the head of the Komodo dragon. This study aimed to describe the anatomic features of the normal head of the Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis) identified by computed tomography. CT images were obtained in two dragons using a helical CT scanner. All sections were displayed with a bone and soft tissue windows setting. Head reconstructed, and maximum intensity projection images were obtained to enhance bony structures. After CT imaging, the images were compared with other studies and reptile anatomy textbooks to facilitate the interpretation of the CT images. Anatomic details of the head of the Komodo dragon were identified according to the CT density characteristics of the different organic tissues. This information is intended to be a useful initial anatomic reference in interpreting clinical CT imaging studies of the head and associated structures in live Komodo dragons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: We present a report describing the normal elbow joint anatomy in a Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and gross dissections of this region. Anatomical findings detected using MRI of the different bony and soft tissues were evaluated according to the characteristics of signal intensity and compared with the corresponding gross anatomical dissections. The main anatomical structures were labelled and identified. This study provides a valuable resource for veterinarians, biologists, and researchers involved in Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) conservation. The objective of our research was to describe the normal appearance of the bony and soft tissue structures of the elbow joint in a cadaver of a male mature Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) scanned via MRI. Using a 0.2 Tesla magnet, Spin-echo (SE) T1-weighting, and Gradient-echo short tau inversion recovery (GE-STIR), T2-weighting pulse sequences were selected to generate sagittal, transverse, and dorsal planes. In addition, gross dissections of the forelimb and its elbow joint were made. On anatomic dissections, all bony, articular, and muscular structures could be identified. The MRI images allowed us to observe the bony and many soft tissues of the tiger elbow joint. The SE T1-weighted MR images provided good anatomic detail of this joint, whereas the GE-STIR T2-weighted MR pulse sequence was best for synovial cavities. Detailed information is provided that may be used as initial anatomic reference for interpretation of MR images of the Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) elbow joint and in the diagnosis of disorders of this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]