Sabreen M. Al-Janabi, Jafar ghazi Abbas Al-jebori
Abstract
The anatomy of the adult dog’s skull is a critical component of skeletal system providing shape, support and protection of brain. Its form and size exhibit significant breed and individual variations, which are influenced by the dog’s evolutionary history and selective breeding practices. The skull's structure plays an important role in distinguishing dog breeds, with phenotypic differences, especially during the initial phases of dog breeding. The structure of the skull is central to breed standards, often utilized in clinical practices, where understanding the regional anatomy can aid in diagnosis and surgical interventions where the skull of local dog, with its distinct features like a narrow, elongated cranium and well-developed frontal sinuses, showcases notable differences from other breeds. use terms of radiological anatomy, computed tomography good idea for internal structure analysis of skull, although despite its limitations. As a result, radiography remains the most common method of skull examination in many medical cases. This study investigates the anatomical and radiological characteristics of the adult Husky dog’s skull, focusing on the neurocranium and facial skeleton. Notable features include the bones of the frontal, parietal, occipital, and temporal regions that provide protection the brain, and the facial skeleton consisting of the mandible, maxilla, and zygomatic bones. Further, the research explores the variation in skull morphology, with particular reference to the unique characteristics of the Iraqi local dog breed. The findings emphasize the role of skull shape in breed differentiation and provide a basis for understanding the radiological implications in veterinary practice.