Collateral arteries of the aortic arch of the Geoffroy's cat ( Leopardus geoffroyi )

Abstract

The aim of this study was to provide a detailed anatomical description of the aortic arch branches in Geoffroy's cat ( Leopardus geoffroyi ). Fifteen adult and subadult specimens were included in the study, comprising six adult males, three subadult males, two adult females, and four subadult females. Of these, five selected specimens underwent contrast‐enhanced thoracic radiography, including three males (one adult and two subadults) and two females (one adult and one subadult). Latex injection followed by anatomical dissection was performed in five individuals, whereas the remaining 10 underwent direct anatomical dissection without prior injection. In all examined specimens, after the origin of the coronary arteries, the aorta first gave rise to the brachiocephalic trunk (truncus brachiocephalicus), followed by the left subclavian artery. In 13 of the 15 animals (86.7%), a bicarotid trunk originated from the brachiocephalic trunk. The length of the bicarotid trunk ranged from 0.4 to 2.5 cm (mean: 1.3 cm). The right subclavian artery originated as the continuation of the brachiocephalic trunk and gave rise to the internal thoracic, vertebral, costocervical, and superficial cervical arteries. In the remaining two individuals (13.3%), the bicarotid trunk was absent, and the left common carotid artery, right common carotid artery, and right subclavian artery arose directly from the brachiocephalic trunk in a trifurcation pattern. In these specimens, the right subclavian artery originated from the trifurcation and gave rise to the internal thoracic, vertebral, costocervical, and superficial cervical arteries. These branches were present in all individuals, though slight variations were observed in their order of origin and relative spacing. The left subclavian artery exhibited a comparable branching pattern. The combined use of radiographic and dissection techniques allowed precise characterization of the main thoracic arterial pathways. These findings expand the anatomical knowledge of L. geoffroyi and provide relevant information for diagnostic imaging, surgical approaches, and clinical management of Neotropical wild felids.