CT Anatomy of the Skull in Alborz Wild Sheep (O. o. arkali and O. o. vigneii)

Understanding the anatomical structures of endangered wildlife species is a real help for veterinarians in this field. The aim of this study was to determine the anatomy of the skull of this sheep, which is phenotypically similar to deer. In this study, the skulls of 6 male Alborz wild sheep, all alive, were examined. The examinations were performed using computed tomographic (CT) scans and radiographic images. It also processed and named the extracted images using RadiAnt and Photoshop software. Morphometric studies performed on the skull of this breed showed that the length, width, and height of the skull of wild Alborz rams were 25.28 ± 0.99, 12.34 ± 1.00, and 13.30 ± 0.63 cm, respectively. Measuring the volume of the head and nasal cavity in this sheep shows a volume of 1636.33 ± 73.34 and 177.08 ± 10.46 cm3. Also, the volume of the frontal and lacrimal sinuses, which were the largest and smallest sinuses in the skull of this breed, respectively, were 219.90 ± 8.92 and 4.37 ± 0.66 cm3. Frontal, maxillary, and lacrimal sinuses were observed like other ruminants. Contrary to the Egyptian sheep, Saanen, and Markhoz goat, palatine and sphenoid sinuses were also observed in this wildlife. Also, unlike Egyptian sheep and like Sanan goats, Markhoz goats, and Ile de France sheep, ventral conchal sinus was observed in this breed. Due to the study, CT scan and radiographic anatomy are important to investigate the characteristic features of the paranasal sinuses as well as their relations and communications with the other cavities in the head region of the Alborz wild sheep. Also, these features were very important prerequisites for diagnosing pathological conditions and clinical interference in the head region.