Computed tomography and cross sectional anatomy of the metacarpus and digits of the small ruminants [electronic resource].

Includes references.

The purpose of this study was not to compare between sheep and goat, but to provide an atlas of synchronized normal computed tomography and cross sectional anatomy of the metacarpus and digits in the native breed of sheep and goat in Egypt, to outstand a basis for diagnosis of their diseases by the aid of CT. One em contiguous transverse CT images and cross sectional anatomy were obtained and photographed. Clinically relevant anatomic structures were identified and labeled at each level in the corresponding images (CT and anatom'ic slices). In both species, the medullary cavity of the fused third and fourth metacarpal bones was divided internally by a vertical bony septum at the proximal and distal extremities. On the dorsal aspect of the fnsed third and fourth metacarpal bones and proximal and middle phalanges,in both species, the digital extensor tendons were differentiated in the cross sectional anatomy, only when the fascia dorsalis manus was dissected. These tendons appeared in the CT images but the outline of each tendon was undifferentiated. In both species, on the palmar aspect of the fused third and fourth metacarpal bones and proximal and middle phalanges, the superficial and deep digital flexor tendons were differentiated in the cross sectional anatomy, only when the fascia palmaris was dissected. These tendons appeared in the CT images but the outline of each tendon was undifferentiated. CT images of the current study are presented as a reference for normal anatomy and clinical imaging studies of the sheep and goat metacarpus and digits.

Summary in Arabic.

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