From Atlas to Sacrum: Morphological and Morphometric Characterization of the Feline Vertebral Canal Using Computed Tomography.

CT-derived vertebral canal reference values established for diagnostic feline spinal pathology evaluation.

This comprehensive CT-based study characterizes the feline vertebral canal from atlas to sacrum in 35 predominantly European Shorthair cats. Researchers measured cross-sectional area (CSA), perimeter (P), vertebral canal circularity (CVC), and intersegmental angles (ISA) at cranial, central, and caudal levels of each vertebra. Male cats demonstrated significantly larger CSA and P than females, while CVC remained largely unaffected by sex. CVC peaked at C3, Th6, and L4, with lowest values at C1, Th1, Th13/L1, and sacrum, indicating shape variations at spinal transition zones. Strong correlation existed between CSA and P. Cats older than 10 years exhibited increased CSA and P with decreased CVC at multiple levels, suggesting age-related vertebral remodeling. ISA measurements corresponded with known physiological spinal curvatures. This study establishes the first comprehensive CT-based reference values for feline vertebral canal morphometry spanning the entire spine, providing essential diagnostic imaging standards and comparative anatomical data applicable to evaluating feline spinal pathology.

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