A Comparative CT Analysis of Paranasal Sinuses in Wild Goat (Capra aegagrus) and Domestic Goat (Capra hircus)

The wild goat (Capra aegagrus) is a key species in the evolutionary history of domestic animals, recognized as the direct ancestor of the domestic goat (Capra hircus). Despite its importance, C. aegagrus faces increasing threats, which have led to a steady decline in wild populations. Although the anatomy of domestic goats has been well documented, the paranasal sinuses of wild caprine species remain largely undocumented. Understanding their anatomy is not only relevant to conservation strategies and comparative morphology but also essential for accurate clinical diagnosis and surgical planning in veterinary practice. This study provides a detailed comparative analysis of the paranasal sinus anatomy of Capra aegagrus using computed tomography (CT). High-resolution CT scans were obtained from the cranial and nasal regions of four adult wild goats, aged ۲-۴ years and weighing ۲۰-۴۵ kg, following standardized anesthesia protocols and proper positioning. The findings were then compared with corresponding anatomical sections from domestic goat specimens to verify sinus identification and spatial relationships. All major paranasal sinuses-including the frontal, maxillary, palatine, lacrimal, and conchal sinuses-were consistently identified in both species, confirming a shared fundamental anatomical blueprint. The frontal sinus was the largest cavity in both wild and domestic goats, dominating the dorsal cranial vault and displaying characteristic compartmentalization. However, notable interspecies differences were observed. In wild goats, the palatine sinus was consistently present, well-developed, and exhibited a clear communication with the maxillary sinus, whereas this sinus was often reduced or even absent in some domestic breeds. The lacrimal sinus, though small, was consistently present in wild goats but variably developed or vestigial in domestic animals. These findings establish a valuable anatomical reference for comparative cranial morphology, veterinary diagnostics, and conservation of Capra aegagrus.

کلیدواژه ها:

Computed Tomography ، Comparative Anatomy ، Capra aegagrus ، Capra hircus ، Paranasal sinus