Alberto Arencibia

Congenital caudal malformations in domestic animals are traditionally reported as Perosomus elumbis (PE), but the associated spinal cord abnormalities are poorly characterised. This study describes the terminal spinal cord in five pigs with severe caudal malformations, comparing the findings with those of human caudal regression syndrome (CRS). Four formalin-fixed specimens (P1–P4) underwent radiography, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); one specimen (P5) was examined by anatomical dissection. All cases showed terminal spinal cord anomalies. The three pigs with complete lumbosacrococcygeal agenesis (P1–P3) had a high spinal cord termination at T12–T15. This resembled Pang group 1 of human CRS, and was either abrupt (P1) or with a bulbous end (P3), or elongated and rod-shaped (P2). In P2, the spinal cord and dural sac protruded through a vertebral closure defect covered by skin, which is suggestive of tethering. The two pigs that retained lumbar or sacral segments had lesions that were located more caudally: a gradually tapering termination at L3 (P4) and lumbosacral spinal dysraphism (P5). In P3 and P4, caudally projecting structures were interpreted as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-filled sleeves around paired nerve roots. Four pigs exhibited a Buddha-like posture of the pelvic limbs. This is the first MRI-based description of terminal spinal cord anomalies in porcine PE, supporting a comparative neuroanatomical approach to these malformations.

Cross-sectional imaging data for the African white-backed vulture (Gyps africanus) are lacking, and interpretation relies mainly on general avian descriptions and studies in other birds. This preliminary case study evaluated contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) for visualising principal coelom structures and their spatial relationships in an adult male G. africanus. Images were assessed using multiplanar and three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction techniques. Soft-tissue images better depicted parenchymal organs and cardiovascular structures, whereas lung-window images improved visualisation of the respiratory system, air sacs, and pneumatised skeletal regions. Maximum intensity projection (MIP) and 3D volume rendering (VR) provided complementary information on vascular anatomy and spatial relationships. The observed anatomical features were generally consistent with established avian anatomy and previous imaging studies in other species. CT provided useful anatomical information in this individual and may support future comparative and clinical imaging studies in G. africanus. However, because only one bird was examined and no complementary anatomical sectioning or dissection was performed, the findings should be regarded as a preliminary case study rather than species-specific anatomical reference data.

This case study describes a contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) examination of the coelom in a female bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) and presents a structured CT-based workflow for anatomical identification and segmentation. CT images were acquired using standard imaging protocols and subsequently processed on a dedicated DICOM workstation. Multiplanar reconstructions (MPR) were generated in the transverse, sagittal, and dorsal planes to assess anatomical relationships. Maximum-intensity projection (MIP) images were generated from the MPR datasets, whereas three-dimensional volume-rendered (3D VR) images were generated directly from the CT volume. Anatomical segmentation was performed using the resulting MIP and 3D VR datasets. Anatomical structures were identified directly from the imaging data and manually segmented. The resulting segmentations were organised into a layer-based dataset to ensure consistency and traceability across the anatomical regions. This workflow provides a structured framework for the identification and organisation of anatomical structures within CT-derived datasets. An interactive visualisation environment was developed to facilitate the exploration of the segmented data, enable the dynamic display of labelled anatomical structures, and support the interpretation of the segmentation results. This study therefore presents a preliminary CT-based approach to anatomical segmentation in an avian species and may contribute to improved anatomical delineation and image interpretation in similar applications. The methodology may also support the development of analogous segmentation approaches for other avian species and related imaging applications.

The coelomic cavity of sea turtles is affected by congenital, developmental, traumatic, infectious, and organ- or system-specific disorders, making accurate anatomical knowledge essential for veterinary practice. This study presents an open-access, interactive two-dimensional (2D) anatomical atlas of the coelomic cavity of the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta), developed using images obtained from osteology, gross anatomical dissections, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The atlas comprises six osteology images, sixteen anatomical dissection images, eight transverse CT images acquired using bone and soft-tissue windows, six three-dimensional (3D) volume-rendered CT images, and fourteen MRI images (four transverse, five dorsal, and five sagittal), all provided in PNG format. Relevant anatomical structures were segmented and colour-coded for each figure using manual layer-based segmentation software. The Unity 3D platform was employed for image visualisation and assessment, supporting the development of interactive two-dimensional content. This atlas serves as a useful interactive tool for anatomical learning and clinical reference for professionals and students engaged in the conservation of loggerhead sea turtles.

This study aimed to characterize the computed tomographic (CT) dimensions and contrast attenuation properties of the equine eye. CT scans from 21 horses without ocular abnormalities were analyzed to obtain detailed ocular measurements and attenuation values. In addition, cranial measurements, such as nasal–occipital length and zygomatic width, were incorporated to explore potential anatomical relationships between the skull and intraocular structures. Although most correlations between cranial and ocular parameters were weak, statistically significant associations—particularly those involving lens dimensions and anterior chamber measurements—suggest that skull morphology may exert a subtle influence on ocular anatomy.

Understanding the anatomy of the avian nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses is essential for diagnosing respiratory diseases and interpreting imaging findings. However, detailed tomographic descriptions of these structures are scarce in seabirds. This study aimed to provide an anatomical and radiological characterization of the nasal cavity and associated sinuses of the yellow-legged gull (Larus michahellis atlantis). Computed tomography (CT) was performed on eight cadaveric specimens using a 16-slice helical scanner with bone and pulmonary window settings. Anatomical cross-sections of the same heads were subsequently obtained to correlate and validate CT findings. CT imaging clearly delineated major nasal structures, including the rostral, middle, and caudal nasal conchae, the nasal septum, and the infraorbital sinus, as well as their connections to adjacent cranial bones. The integration of CT and anatomical cross-sections provided detailed spatial relationships and accurate visualization of the internal nasal architecture. This study demonstrates the value of CT for examining avian cranial anatomy and provides a morphological reference framework that may aid in diagnosing nasal and sinus pathologies in seabirds.

This study aimed to describe the computed tomographic (CT) dimensions and contrast attenuation characteristics of the eye in cross-breed horses. CT images from 20 horses without ocular abnormalities were analyzed to assess ocular measurements and attenuation values. The incorporation of cranial measurements, such as nasal-occipital length and zygomatic width, provided a novel insight into the anatomical relationship between the skull and intraocular structures. While most correlations between cranial and ocular parameters were weak, statistically significant associations—particularly involving lens dimensions and anterior chamber measurements—suggest that skull morphology may exert a subtle influence on ocular anatomy.

This work aims to evaluate students’ opinions on the materials normally used in anatomy practical classes (fixed and plastinated) compared to 3D anatomical prints. For this purpose, students of anatomy enrolled in the Degree in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Murcia filled out a satisfaction survey about both kinds of material. The students rated the fixed material with a satisfaction percentage close to 100% and the plastinated material with a percentage higher than 75%. Regarding the 3D prints, the percentage obtained was consistently higher than 50% except for two issues: the identification of the vascular structures of the dolphin’s head and the usefulness for surgery of the viscera and vascular structures of the cat, both of which scored less than 50%. This could be related to the lesser knowledge of dolphins of the veterinary students as well as the complexity of these structures. However, the other questions, such as usefulness for learning and exam preparation, the quality of the anatomical piece, the identification of the feline spleen and kidneys, etc. obtained a satisfaction percentage between 58 and 90.40%. This reflects the good acceptance by students of the 3D prints and may allow for a reduction in the number of cadavers used.

This study utilized CT imaging to investigate the rostral part of the head of the crested porcupine’s head. By combining CT images with anatomical cross-sections, we have provided a detailed description of the structures in this area. This information could be useful for diagnosing disorders and improving their treatment in the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses of crested porcupines.

This study aims to develop three-dimensional printing models of the bony nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses of big and domestic cats using reconstructed computed tomographic images. This work included an exhaustive study of the osseous nasal anatomy of the domestic cat carried out through dissections, bone trepanations and sectional anatomy. With the use of OsiriX viewer, the DICOM images were postprocessed to obtaining maximum-intensity projection and volume-rendering reconstructions, which allowed for the visualization of the nasal cavity structures and the paranasal sinuses, providing an improvement in the future anatomical studies and diagnosis of pathologies. DICOM images were also processed with AMIRA software to obtain three-dimensional images using semiautomatic segmentation application. These images were then exported using 3D Slicer software for three-dimensional printing. Molds were printed with the Stratasys 3D printer. In human medicine, three-dimensional printing is already of great importance in the clinical field; however, it has not yet been implemented in veterinary medicine and is a technique that will, in the future, in addition to facilitating the anatomical study and diagnosis of diseases, allow for the development of implants that will improve the treatment of pathologies and the survival of big felids.