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Ashtari M S, Veshkini A, Masoudifard M, Gilanpour H, Bahonar A. Morphological Evaluation of Levator Ani Muscle Using Computed Tomography in a Healthy Dog. J Altern Vet Med 2024; 7 (21) :1226-1233
URL: http://joavm.kazerun.iau.ir/article-1-160-en.html

Background and aim: The levator ani muscle is one of the two main muscles forming the pelvic diaphragm, playing a significant anatomical role in conditions such as perineal hernia. Additionally, a condition known as levator ani syndrome is characterized by pelvic and rectal pain. Studying the natural shape, size, and positioning of this muscle using computed tomography (CT) could provide a foundation for future research on its disorders through other imaging modalities like ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Materials and Methods: CT scans of the levator ani muscle were performed on 10 clinically healthy male and 10 clinically healthy female mixed-breed dogs weighing between 15 and 20 kilograms. The muscle’s shape and dimensions were evaluated from its origin to its insertion, and the measurements were statistically analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test and Fisher’s exact test.
Results: The levator ani muscle was symmetrically located on both sides of the rectum at the level of the hip joint and extended from the axis of the ilium to the hemal process of the fourth caudal vertebra. The average length of the levator ani muscle was 4.9 cm in male dogs and 4.5 cm in female dogs (p<0.05).
Conclusion: This study demonstrated that the levator ani muscle in dogs has a symmetrical structure with minor length differences between males and females. These findings can serve as a reference for future research on disorders involving this muscle and for improving imaging techniques such as ultrasonography and MRI.