CT and MRI characterization of presumed persistent ossiculum terminale in dogs

Alexandros Bourbos, Conor Rowan, Filippo Cinti, Guido Pisani, Valentina Piola

Study: A retrospective, multi-center, case series study was conducted to describe the CT and MRI features of presumed persistent ossiculum terminale in a group of dogs presented with unrelated medical conditions.

Method: Medical records of dogs that underwent imaging investigation (CT and/or MRI) that included the atlanto-axial junction were reviewed. Data collected included signalment, sex, breed, age, presenting symptoms, and final diagnosis.

Results: Eighteen dogs met the inclusion criteria (2% of MRIs and 2.8% of CTs reviewed). In all cases, the presence of at least one small osseous body on the cranial aspect of the odontoid process compatible with a persistent ossiculum terminale was identified as a possible incidental finding without any overt clinical implications.

Conclusion: Findings indicated that a small osseous body on the cranial aspect of the odontoid process (presumed persistent ossiculum terminale) in CT and MRI studies may be present in dogs with no clinical signs of neurologic disease.

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