Anwar El-Shafey & Ahmed Sayed-Ahmed

Summary

The use of advanced imaging in diagnostic patient evaluations is increasing as well as the availability of machines for veterinary practices. The purpose of this study was to provide an atlas of synchronized normal computed tomography and cross sectional anatomy of the metacarpus and digits in the one-humped camel and Egyptian water buffalo to provide a basis for diagnosis of their diseases by the aid of CT. One cm contiguous transverse CT images and cross sectional anatomy were obtained and photographed. Clinically applicable anatomic structures were identified and labeled at each level. In both animals, the medullary cavity of the fused third and fourth metacarpal bones was divided internally by a vertical bony septum which was a complete septum in the camel, complete at the proximal and distal extremities in the buffalo and small and incomplete in main part of fused shaft of metacarpal bones in buffalo. The CT of the present study in both camel and buffalo showed the adjacent extensor tendons as transverse narrow strap with undifferentiated outlines on the dorsal aspect of fused metacarpal bones, proximal phalanges and middle phalanges and the adjacent flexor tendons as roughly rounded mass with undifferentiated outlines on the palmar aspect of fused metacarpal bones, proximal phalanges and middle phalanges. The undifferentiated outlines of the adjacent extensor or flexor tendons in CT images is equivalent to cross sectional anatomy without dissection of the intervening fascia, where the outlines didn't appear in the latter also. Therefore, the cross sectional anatomy is superior to CT only when the intervening fascia is dissected. CT images of the current study have the potential to become part of our standard diagnostic investigation for anatomic regions previously difficult to be evaluated in the camel and buffalo.

KEY WORDS: Computed Tomography; Camel; Buffalo; Metacarpus; Digit.

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