Normal cross-sectional anatomy of the feline thorax and abdomen: comparison of computed tomography and cadaver anatomy.

Computed tomographic images of two adult domestic short-haired cats were obtained with a whole body scanner. Images of the thorax and abdomen were compared with cross-sectional anatomy cadaver specimens from the same two cats. Anatomic structures were first identified on the cadaver specimens with the aid of numerous anatomy texts and references and were then identified and labeled on the computed tomographic images. Results from this project provide an atlas of normal cross-sectional gross and CT anatomy of the feline thorax and abdomen that can be used in the interpretation of any cross-sectional imaging modality.