Abstract / Summary
This study aimed to investigate the anatomical characteristics and to determine the branching architectural pattern of the celiac trunk, cranial mesenteric artery, and caudal mesenteric artery in the domestic cat. In this study, 20 domestic cats of both sexes were examined. After recording body weight and crown-rump length, colored latex was injected into the thoracic aorta via a cannula. Following a one-week preservation period in formalin, the specimens were dissected. The branching patterns of the celiac trunk, and the cranial and caudal mesenteric arteries were evaluated through meticulous dissection and digital documentation. Additionally, the morphometric properties of the vessels were measured and recorded using a digital caliper. Dissection findings revealed that the branching pattern followed a consistent anatomical order in the majority of specimens, and no unusual variations were observed. In all cases, the celiac trunk, with a mean length of 17.43 ± 3.70 mm, divided into three main branches: the hepatic, left gastric, and splenic arteries. The cranial mesenteric artery, with a mean length of 29.08 ± 4.14 mm, formed a network of 11 to 14 jejunal branches after its initial trifurcation. The caudal mesenteric artery, with a mean length of 25.45 ± 3.33 mm, terminated by bifurcating into the left colic and cranial rectal arteries. Based on the results of this study, the domestic cat exhibits a stable and standard vascular pattern in the main branches of the abdominal aorta. Establishing this reference model and determining the precise vertebral positions can serve as a key guide to enhance precision in abdominal surgeries and the interpretation of angiographies in veterinary clinics.