Anatomical Variations of the Blood Vascular System in Veterinary Medicine

Abstract

Traditional veterinary anatomical models describe the branches of the caudal gluteal artery as the iliolumbar, cranial gluteal, lateral caudal, satellite of the ischiatic nerve and dorsal perineal arteries. However, some classical veterinary anatomy textbooks often indicate variations the general organization of the arterial tree, without giving any pattern of origin or illustrations of the different branching. The aim of this study was to investigate the presumptive variability of the caudal gluteal artery. Two hundred and thirty-two pelvic halves from 116 adult dogs were examined. Twelve anatomical variations were found, nine occurring in more than 5% of the dogs, and three in <5%. A 'long-type' internal iliac artery, which means short caudal gluteal and internal pudendal arteries, was identified, while a 'perineal trunk' was observed as an interesting arterial variation. If the caudal segment alone is taken into consideration, identical vascular patterns in both hemi-pelvises are found in 17% of the dogs. Significant statistical correlation was found for four different types of anatomic variations and gender, two types of variations and body size, one type of variation for body side and one type of variation for head shape.

Anatomic Variations of the Perineal Arteries and Nerves in the Male and Female Dog and Its Clinical Implications

“…The dorsal perineal artery is said to arise from the caudal gluteal artery within the ischiorectal fossa and supply blood to the skin and adipose tissue of the perineal region, while the ventral perineal artery arises from the internal artery and supplies the ventral part of the perineal region. A wide variety of vascular variations have been described for the IIA of male and female dogs including vascular variations for the perineal arteries [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]. However, detailed information about the corresponding innervation of these arteries is limited.…”

“…However, studies have shown anatomical variations in the caudal gluteal and internal pudendal arteries and their branches [1,2]. To evaluate the presumptive variations of the IIA in dogs, Avedillo et al [1][2][3] established a model of the general organization and distribution of the canine IIA using the guidelines established by the Nomina Anatomica Veterinaria [4]. The model was based on an "official illustration" made by Paul Simoens [5] and was designed to be easily followed.…”

“…The model was based on an "official illustration" made by Paul Simoens [5] and was designed to be easily followed. When the model was compared to their findings, several anatomical variations were described in the caudal gluteal [1] and the internal pudendal [2] arteries and their branches.…”

“…The internal pudendal artery branches are the prostatic/vaginal, ventral perineal, and penile/clitoral arteries, and the caudal gluteal artery branches are the iliolumbar, cranial gluteal, lateral caudal, satellite of the ischiatic nerve, and dorsal perineal arteries. However, studies have shown anatomical variations in the caudal gluteal and internal pudendal arteries and their branches [ 1 , 2 ]. To evaluate the presumptive variations of the IIA in dogs, Avedillo et al [ 1 , 2 , 3 ] established a model of the general organization and distribution of the canine IIA using the guidelines established by the Nomina Anatomica Veterinaria [ 4 ].…”