Veterinary and Comparative Biomedical Research

Veterinary and Comparative Biomedical Research

Anatomic Reference of Nasal Cavity and Paranasal Sinuses in the Wild Goat (Capra aegagrus) Using Computed Tomography

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
1 Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
2 Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
3 Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
Abstract
The wild goat (Capra aegagrus) is a Near Threatened species and a key progenitor of the domestic goat. Despite its conservation value, anatomical knowledge of its craniofacial features is still restricted. Although computed tomography (CT) is widely used in veterinary medicine, there is a notable gap in the literature regarding the detailed sinus structures of C. aegagrus. The purpose of this study was to employ CT to document the normal morphology of the paranasal sinuses in C. aegagrus, establishing a species-specific anatomical baseline. Four clinically healthy adult wild goats were put under general anesthesia and subjected to CT imaging using a helical CT scanner. Transverse images with a slice thickness of 1 mm were acquired and assessed in both soft tissue and bone windows. CT images were matched to cross-sections of two domestic goats to confirm identification of the sinuses. The frontal, maxillary, palatine, lacrimal, and conchal sinuses were inspected for size, shape, and position. All principal paranasal sinuses were identified in Capra aegagrus. The frontal sinus was the largest, occupying a significant part of the cranial vault. The palatine sinus was well-developed and connected to the maxillary sinus by a clearly defined opening, whereas the maxillary sinus was clearly separated into distinct lateral and medial compartments. Despite its small size, the lacrimal sinus was consistently identified in all specimens. Along with the nasal turbinates, the conchal sinuses were clearly visible. These findings resembled those of domestic goats; however, wild goats had a more consistent and pronounced palatine sinus. This study presents a detailed CT-based atlas of paranasal sinus anatomy in Capra aegagrus, serving as an essential reference for veterinary diagnostics, surgery, and conservation medicine. Further studies utilizing 3D reconstruction and larger sample sizes will augment anatomical and clinical comprehension.
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