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- CT in cockatiel
Seyedmehran Kazemi, Mehdi Rezaei, Siamak Alizadeh, Mohammadreza Hosseinchi
Background
Computed tomography (CT) is a valuable imaging technique for evaluating avian anatomy, particularly in exotic species such as the cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus). Despite its widespread use in veterinary diagnostics, detailed CT-based anatomical studies on cockatiels are limited. This study aimed to describe the normal anatomical features of the cockatiel's head using CT imaging, providing a reference for clinical diagnostics and anatomical education.
Methods
A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on six adult cockatiel carcasses (three males, three females) aged 1–3 years and weighing 75–110 g. The birds were scanned using a helical multi-slice CT scanner in sagittal, transverse, and dorsal planes. Image reconstruction and 3D modeling were performed to evaluate skeletal structures, soft tissues, sinuses, and other anatomical features. Gross anatomical dissection was conducted for validation.
Results
CT imaging successfully identified key anatomical structures, including the parietal, occipital, maxillary, premaxillary, palatine, pterygoid, quadrate, and temporal bones, as well as the external ear canal, bony labyrinth, and infraorbital sinuses. The study also detailed the structure of the brain hemispheres, ocular components, nasal conchae, and the tongue. The CT images correlated well with gross anatomical findings, confirming the reliability of CT in avian anatomical studies. Some structures, such as the columella ossicle and tympanic membrane, were not visible in standard CT imaging.
Limitations
The study was limited by the small sample size and the use of frozen carcasses, which may not fully replicate in vivo anatomical conditions. The absence of histological analysis restricted the ability to correlate CT findings with microscopic anatomical details. Certain fine structures, particularly soft tissues of the inner ear and small neurovascular components, were not well-resolved.
Conclusions
CT imaging provides a detailed and reliable method for evaluating cockatiel head anatomy, with potential applications in clinical diagnosis, surgical planning, and anatomical education. The study establishes a reference atlas for cockatiel head anatomy, facilitating better interpretation of imaging studies in veterinary practice. Further research is needed to refine imaging techniques for improved visualization of smaller anatomical structures.
(a–n) Transverse computed tomography reconstruction images in the lateral plane of the normal skull of the cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus) from the rostrum to the caudal extremity of the nasal cavity. (1) Rostral diverticulum septum, (2) premaxillary bone, (3) rostral diverticulum, (4) paraglossum, (5) bony part of nasal septum, (6) mandible bone (pneumonized), (7) palate bone opening, (8) rostral nasal concha, (9) transverse canal, (10) maxillary process of palatal bone, (11) tongue, (12) middle nasal turbinate, (13) basal layer of middle nasal turbinate, (14) nasal cavity, (15) cartilaginous part of nasal septum, (16) nasopharyngeal airway, (17) lateral border of palatine bone, (18) periorbital process of infraorbital sinus, (19) jugal part of infraorbital sinus, (20) jugal arch, (21) glottis, (22) laryngeal protrusion, (23) arytenoid cartilages, (24) bronchial horn, (25) trachea, (26) choana of palatal bone, (27) ethmomandibular muscle, (28) periorbital part of the infraorbital sinus, (29) caudal nasal turbinate, (30) infraorbital sinus foramen, (31) infraorbital part of the infraorbital sinus, (32) eyeball, (33) epithelial membrane, (34) tracheal cartilage ring, (35) infraorbital septum, (36) cricoid cartilage, (37) procricoid cartilage, (38) scleral ossicles, (39) suborbital arch, (40) frontal bone (pneumonized), (41) pterygoid and quadrate muscles, (42) larynx, (43) zygomatic process of the squamosal bone, (44) quadrate bone (pneumatized), (45) quadrature part of infraorbital sinus, (46) postorbital part of infraorbital sinus, (47) external acoustic meatus, (48) cervicocephalic diverticulum, (49) brain stem, (50) bony labyrinth. L, left; R, right.
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