Radiographic and gross anatomy of the nasolacrimal duct of the horse.

The study involved a detailed investigation of the anatomy of the nasolacrimal duct in horses using barium contrast dacryocystorhinography, radiographic contrast studies, and gross dissections.

Methods Used

• The research involved conducting radiographic contrast studies on four specimens and gross dissections on six specimens.
• To examine the nasolacrimal duct, the researchers used an imaging technique called barium contrast dacryocystorhinography, which involves the use of barium sulfate to provide radiographic contrast, thereby making the anatomy of the duct visible under X-ray imaging.
• The ducts were also examined non-invasively using gross dissection, a method in which the anatomical structures are studied manually and visually without the necessity for magnification.

Findings and Conclusion

• The radiographic method accurately traced the course of the nasolacrimal duct, which was validated through gross dissection. This means the route of the duct examined under the contrast study matched the actual anatomical path of the duct as observed under manual dissection.
• The use of a 60% barium sulfate suspension resulted in good radiographic contrast that enabled a detailed and critical assessment of the anatomical features of the nasolacrimal duct.
• In conclusion, a combination of barium contrast dacryocystorhinography and gross dissection proved to be effective in studying the gross and radiographic anatomy of the horse’s nasolacrimal duct.

Significance of the Study

• The elaborate study of the anatomy of the nasolacrimal duct in horses enables a better understanding for veterinary medicine, especially for diagnosing and treating diseases relating to this region in horses.
• The successful demonstration of the effectiveness of barium contrast dacryocystorhinography further expands its potential application to other related areas of veterinary anatomical study.