Ventral Margin Research Articles

A Novel Technique for Partial V-shaped Zygomatic Arch Ostectomy for Excision of Zygomatic Salivary Glands in Dogs

The present study described a novel technique for a partial V-shaped ostectomy of the zygomatic arch (ZA) for surgical excision of the zygomatic salivary glands (ZSG) in dogs and addressed advantages and disadvantages related to this procedure. The study was conducted on 6 clinically healthy mongrel dogs. A 3-4 cm curvilinear transcutaneous incision was performed parallel to the dorsal margin of the ZA. An additional 2 cm vertical incision was performed perpendicular to the former one forming a T-shaped incision over the ZA. The skin, subcutaneous tissue, and periosteum over the ZA were dissected and reflected laterally. At 0.5 cm from the orbital ligament, a V-shaped segment from the ZA was resected using an electrical saw. The base of the V-shaped segment was 1.5 cm wide and its apex was 0.5 cm from the ventral margin of the ZA. A combination of sharp and blunt dissection was used to dissect and excise the ZSG from the surrounding tissues. The periosteal flaps were coaptated in a simple continuous pattern. The subcutaneous tissue and skin were closed as usual. The new approach was a feasible technique for the excision of the ZSGs without considerable postoperative complications in dogs. The novel V-shaped partial ostectomy of the ZA technique is reliable, satisfactory, and relatively less invasive for surgical excision of ZSGs in dogs. Further work should be conducted on clinical cases.

A new cypridopsine genus (Crustacea, Ostracoda) from Thailand

A new cypridopsine genus, Cyprettadopsis gen. nov., described here, is principally characterized by the reduced caudal ramus, the strongly serrated claw G2 of the antenna (A2), the A2 subquadrate terminal segment, the undivided penultimate segment of the second thoracopod (T2), the morphology of the third thoracopod bearing a distinctly separated terminal segment, the complete septa on the posteroventral margin and the incomplete septa on the anterior margin of both valves. Based on a combination of these characters, a new tribe, Cyprettadopsini trib. nov., is created in the subfamily Cypridopsinae Kaufmann, 1900 to accommodate this new genus, and one new species, Cyprettadopsis sutura gen. et sp. nov., is described as the type species. Apart from the above generic characters, the following features are also typical of the new species: the tiny needlepoint-like pores along the anterior and ventral margins of both valves, the remarkably large β-seta on the mandibular palp and the considerably short d2 seta on the T2. The presence of marginal septa in the new genus is a distinctive character and constitutes the first record of this feature within Cypridopsinae. The taxonomically relevant characters in the new taxon and related taxa are briefly discussed.

Morphometry of the mandibular foramen applied to the local anesthetic block to inferior alveolar nerve in boars (Sus scrofa scrofa Linnaeus, 1758)

Boars kept on commercial farms use their canine teeth as a mechanism of defense and attack in order to express their natural instincts, which could result in fractures of the teeth and jaws. Thus, utilizing local desensitization of the inferior alveolar nerve is crucial for executing therapeutic procedures in the oral cavities of those animals. Then, the goal is to carry out the morphometry of the mandibular foramen of that species, correlating it with the mandibular structures, while doing so in the safest manner for the animals. For that purpose, six hemimandibles of young-aged Sus scrofa scrofa were used, from which the proposed measurements were taken. On average, the lateral margin of the condylar process stood 142.43 mm away from the root of the lower medial incisive tooth. The longitudinal axis of the body of the mandible measured 22.3 mm at the level of the diastema that exists between the fourth lower premolar tooth and the first lower molar tooth. The mandibular foramen, from the caudal limit of the ventral margin, would be positioned at26.6 mm from the ventral margin of the angle of the mandible in that level, 34.92 mm away from the medial margin of the condylar process, and 38.63 mm away from the dorsal limit from the caudal margin of the coronoid process. The lack of statistically significant differences, and observing that the osseous accident under scrutiny had been positioned in the ramus of the mandible, indicated that the proposed procedure should be performed from the introduction of the needle in an oblique and rostrodorsal direction for 2.0 cm, and angulated at 60º with the anatomic reference created by the medial demarcation obtained via the support of the thumb on the lateral margin of the ramus of the mandible, ventrally to the zygomatic arch, all while preserving neighboring structures and establishing an unheard-of anesthetic methodology for boars.

More than just the number of denticles: morphometric and limb variability in Neotropical cladoceran Alonella dadayi (Crustacea: Cladocera: Chydoridae).

The aim of this study is to describe the limb morphology of Alonella dadayi Birge (Cladocera: Chydorida) and this species' morphometric variability regarding the carapace and postabdomen. We report for the first time a population whose individuals do not have denticles on the posteroventral corner of the carapace. Although we have observed intra- and interpopulation variability of the limbs (especially the proportion of Inner Distal Lobe setae), Alonella dadayi can also be differentiated from closely related species by the morphology of the exopodite of the second limb. The morphometric analyses show high variability in the shape of the carapace, when regarding the ventral margin and posterodorsal corner. In the postabdomen, we observed a significant variation in the preanal, anal and postanal margins. Keeping in mind the wide range of the geographic distribution of Alonella dadayi and its high morphological variability, it is possible that this taxon comprises a species complex. Such a chance needs to be tested in future studies.

Cranial anatomy of Allosaurus jimmadseni, a new species from the lower part of the Morrison Formation (Upper Jurassic) of Western North America.

Allosaurus is one of the best known theropod dinosaurs from the Jurassic and a crucial taxon in phylogenetic analyses. On the basis of an in-depth, firsthand study of the bulk of Allosaurus specimens housed in North American institutions, we describe here a new theropod dinosaur from the Upper Jurassic Morrison Formation of Western North America, Allosaurus jimmadseni sp. nov., based upon a remarkably complete articulated skeleton and skull and a second specimen with an articulated skull and associated skeleton. The present study also assigns several other specimens to this new species, Allosaurus jimmadseni, which is characterized by a number of autapomorphies present on the dermal skull roof and additional characters present in the postcrania. In particular, whereas the ventral margin of the jugal of Allosaurus fragilis has pronounced sigmoidal convexity, the ventral margin is virtually straight in Allosaurus jimmadseni. The paired nasals of Allosaurus jimmadseni possess bilateral, blade-like crests along the lateral margin, forming a pronounced nasolacrimal crest that is absent in Allosaurus fragilis.

Two new species of Clypeocaenis (Ephemeroptera: Caenidae) from Western Ghats, Southern India.

Two new species of Clypeocaenis (Ephemeroptera: Caenidae) are described from Gayathripuzha River, Kerala, and Tunga River, Karnataka, Southern India. The species are best distinguished from congeners based on leg and gill characteristics, as follows. Clypeocaenis gayathri sp. nov.: (1) fore tibia with two rows of ventral and lateral filtering setae, femur with bifid spines, middle tibia with trifurcated spines apically; (2) tracheated gill covers with spines and bifurcated ridges on margins, gills III-VI with more numerous fringed bifid fimbriae. Clypeocaenis sharadhae sp. nov.: (1) fore tibia with two rows of long filtering setae on lateral margin and one row on ventral margin arranged vertically, fore tarsus with transverse row of long setae, hind tibia with a row of lanceolate setae on lateral margin; (2) gills III-VI approximately triangular shaped, with fringed bifid fimbriae, gill III with 12 bifurcated and 2 trifurcated fimbriae.

Re-description of Parasabella fullo (Grube, 1878) (Polychaeta: Sabellidae) and diagnostic characteristics for detection in California

The original description of the fan worm Parasabella fullo (Grube, 1878) is brief and mainly focused on the color. This paper provides a redescription based on syntype material from northern Japan kept at Museum für Naturkunde of Berlin and new records in California (USA). Diagnostic characters used in redescribing the species are the shapes of inferior thoracic notochaetae, ventral thoracic shields and dorsal collar margins. Although this Japanese species was collected on vessels’ hulls in California, it is not clear if and where the species is established here, due to past difficulties in identification without well-defined characters. Nevertheless, a resident population appears to exist in the region, given the species occurrence on local recreational vessels. The redescription provides information to distinguish it from the local Californian indigenous species Parasabella pallida Moore, 1923.

Hand X-ray examination in two planes is not required for radiographic assessment of hand osteoarthritis.

Aims:Radiographic imaging is essential in the diagnosis of hand osteoarthritis (HOA); however, it is unknown whether a multiplanar examination would add essential information to dorso-palmar (dp) views alone. This study evaluated whether an additional radiographic view would aid clinicians in the diagnostic process of HOA.Methods:The dp radiographs of both hands from 159 HOA patients were assessed according to the scores described by Kellgren and Lawrence (K/L). In oblique view images, structures similar to classic ostophytes (OPs) were found, namely bony proliferations on the dorsal and/or ventral margins of joints, and were documented as dorsal/ventral OPs (dvOPs). Function and pain were assessed by applying standardised read-out systems. Logistic regression analysis and Mann–Whitney tests were implemented.Results:The presence of dvOPs was associated with the degree of joint damage; however, dp views were sufficient to estimate radiographic changes. Only a few joints showed dvOPs as the only structural alteration; nevertheless, in almost all cases, classical radiographic OA changes were found in dp views of other joints of the same or the contralateral hand. The presence of dvOPs did not affect joint function or pain according to established scores, but was associated with radiographic progression in distal interphalangeal joints.Conclusion:This is the first study to confirm that additional radiographic planes, oblique/lateral views, are not necessary in the diagnostic process in HOA in daily clinical practice. Nevertheless, the presence of dvOPs reflect more severe joint damage and is associated with radiographic progression in HOA; hence, oblique/lateral views could be a useful tool for academic purposes.

Triceratops with a kink: Co-ossification of five distal caudal vertebrae from the Hell Creek Formation of North Dakota

Paleopathologies present an unusual but direct source of information on dinosaur ecology, as they are often the immediate result of feeding or locomotory behaviors, social interaction, or predation. Here we present a series of five pathologically co-ossified caudal vertebrae from the Hell Creek Formation of North Dakota, which are part of an associated skeleton, NDGS 1715, of Triceratops (Dinosauria: Ceratopsidae). Comparisons to published ceratopsid tails demonstrate that the co-ossified mass probably represents caudal vertebrae 26–30, positioned approximately three-quarters of the way along the tail. The pathology takes the form of complete co-ossification of centrum faces, with the centra swollen by additional bone growth on the lateral and ventral margins. The co-ossified mass shows a gentle right lateral curvature through caudal centra 26–29. The posteriormost centrum, 30, continues the right lateral curvature, but at a higher angle, exhibiting a ~30° deflection at the contact with the face of the fourth centrum. The posterior face of centrum 30 is either damaged or very strongly distorted by the pathology as it is oriented at approximately 80° relative to the anterior face of the first centrum. No caudal vertebrae more posterior than number 30 were found associated with the specimen. Thus, either the tail was bent, exhibiting a prominent 100° kink at approximately three quarters of its length, or it was truncated, immediately at the posterior end of the co-ossified mass. Similar pathologically co-ossified caudal vertebrae have been figured for other ceratopsids (TMP 1989.097.001 and TMP 87.55.102), possibly indicating a similar causal mechanism. Etiology of the pathology is however, difficult to determine, with possible causes including lateral crushing by conspecifics (trampling), collision with conspecifics or environmental structures, truncation via predation, or disease.

New information on the skull roof ofProtoichthyosaurus(Reptilia: Ichthyosauria) and intraspecific variation in some dermal skull elements

AbstractA previously unrecognized specimen ofProtoichthyosaurus prostaxalis, LEICT G142.1991, from the Lower Jurassic of Barrow-upon-Soar, Leicestershire, UK, includes an almost complete three-dimensional skull that provides new information on the configuration of the skull roof. The position of the pineal foramen (between the frontals and the parietals) and an elongated internasal foramen in a depression along the midline of the nasals are clearly shown. The maxilla makes up a significant portion of the external naris ventral margin, an unusual character for the genus/species. This reflects intraspecific variation, not evidence of a new taxon. The specimen enables comparisons of skull roof morphology withIchthyosaurusandStenopterygius, two common Early Jurassic taxa. In particular, the position of the pineal foramen is similar toStenopterygius, but distinguishesProtoichthyosaurusfromIchthyosaurus. The lack of a frontal–prefrontal contact and the posteriorly wide nasals distinguishesProtoichthyosaurusfromStenopterygius. We also present a revised reconstruction of the skull roof morphology ofIchthyosaurus. Three additional specimens ofProtoichthyosaurusare referred to the genus: another partial skull, referred toP. prostaxalis, and two isolated forefins, identified by their unique morphology.

New South American genus of Iassinae (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) and additional morphological characters for two Neotropical species of Neobalinae and Nioniinae

AbstractThe new iassine leafhopper genus Ana gen. nov is described, based on the type species Ana doctrix sp. nov. from Argentina, and placed in the tribe Hyalojassini. The new genus is distinguished from other Neotropical Hyalojassini genera by setose forewings, submarginal vein evanescent apically and appendix narrower than first apical cell, male pygofer with a triangular expansion turned mesad on ventral margin, lacking hooks, styles bifid basally, and female sternite VII short, with posterior margin concave. The subfamilies Neobalinae and Nioniinae are recorded for the first time from Argentina. New female morphological characters of Calliscarta fasciata (Osborn) (Neobalinae) and the male terminalia of Nionia major (Osborn) (Nioniinae) are provided. An updated key to the 12 subfamilies of Cicadellidae present in Argentina is provided.

Macroevolutionary trends in the genus Torvoneustes (Crocodylomorpha: Metriorhynchidae) and discovery of a giant specimen from the Late Jurassic of Kimmeridge, UK

AbstractThe metriorhynchid crocodylomorph fauna of the Late Jurassic Kimmeridge Clay Formation (KCF) of the UK was highly diverse. One genus from this Formation, Torvoneustes, was unique in evolving dentition similar to known chelonivorous crocodylomorphs and enlarged attachment sites for the pterygoideus adductor musculature. Here we report the largest known Torvoneustes specimen, the occipital region of a large cranium that was discovered on the shore of Brandy Bay, Dorset, UK (KCF). We also report three tooth crowns discovered during the 19th century from Oxfordshire that can also be referred to Torvoneustes. The partial braincase is unique in having: verticalized basioccipital tuberosities that have thickened ventral margins, the notch between the basioccipital tuberosities is a narrow inverted ‘U’-shape and a subrectangular-shaped carotid canal foramina. The presence of ‘occipital fossae’ (deep concavities with the hypoglossal foramina in their dorsomedial corners) and carotid foramina with raised rims relative to the basioccipital posterior surface, allow us to refer it to Torvoneustes. Although incomplete, the exceptional size of the specimen demonstrates that Torvoneustes attained larger body lengths than previously supposed (3.7–4.7 m). Comparing the dimensions of this specimen to other metriorhynchids suggests that at least some Torvoneustes specimens rivalled Plesiosuchus manselii in body length.

Lumbar Epidural Contrast Spread Patterns for the Interlaminar Approach: Three-Dimensional Analysis Using Antero-Posterior, Lateral, and Contralateral Oblique Views.

To describe and analyze lumbar epidural contrast spread patterns in antero-posterior (AP), lateral, and contralateral oblique (CLO) views. Lumbar epidural contrast spread patterns after interlaminar injection were prospectively collected in AP, lateral, and several CLO views and analyzed for multiple variables; three-dimensional mapping was also performed. Epidural contrast patterns were prospectively analyzed in 28 subjects. The median volume of contrast injected was 2 mL; the AP view was more sensitive than the lateral view to detect foraminal uptake (13/28, 46%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 27-66%, vs 7/28, 25%, 95% CI = 11-45% subjects). CLO view demonstrated the most consistent location for epidural contrast spread, with contrast contacting the ventral laminar margin in 28/28 (100%, 95% CI = 87-100%) patients. The most common location of contrast spread in the lateral view was at the facet joint lucency, with only 8/28 (29%, 95% CI = 13%-49%) subjects showing contrast contacting the spinolaminar junction. Lateral view was more sensitive than the CLO view in ventral epidural contrast spread detection. The extent and distribution of the spread did not bear any relationship to the volume injected or to the needle location in AP view. CLO view provides the most consistent landmark for lumbar epidural contrast spread, and lateral view is most suited to confirming ventral epidural spread. The AP view may be the most optimal for determining target access when considering access to the dorsal root ganglia; in an individual patient, the volume injected and needle location in AP view do not reliably predict target access. The volume to be injected and the need to re-access or obtain multisite access must be prospectively determined, based upon observation of the spread.

A new carcharodontosaurian theropod (Dinosauria: Saurischia) from the Lower Cretaceous of Thailand.

The isolated fossil remains of an allosauroid theropod from the Lower Cretaceous Khok Kruat Formation of Khorat, Thailand, are described in this study. Detailed observations support the establishment of a new allosauroid, Siamraptor suwati gen. et sp. nov. This new taxon is based on a composite cranial and postcranial skeleton comprising premaxilla, maxilla, jugal, surangular, prearticular, articular, vertebrae, manual ungual, ischium, tibia, and pedal phalanx. It is distinguished from other allosauroids by characters such as a jugal with straight ventral margin and dorsoventrally deep anterior process below the orbit, a surangular with a deep oval concavity at the posterior end of the lateral shelf and four posterior surangular foramina, a long and narrow groove along the suture between the surangular and the prearticular, an articular with a foramen at the notch of the suture with the prearticular, an anterior cervical vertebra with a pneumatic foramen (so-called ‘pleurocoel’) excavating parapophysis, and cervical and posterior dorsal vertebrae penetrated by a pair of small foramina bilaterally at the base of the neural spine. The presence of a huge number of camerae and pneumatopores in cranial and axial elements reveals a remarkable skeletal pneumatic system in this new taxon. Moreover, the phylogenetic analyses revealed that Siamraptor is a basal taxon of Carcharodontosauria, involving a new sight of the paleobiogeographical context of this group. Siamraptor is the best preserved carcharodontosaurian theropod in Southeast Asia, and it sheds new light on the early evolutionary history of Carcharodontosauria.

A new onychodont (Osteichthyes; Sarcopterygii) from the Middle Devonian of Morocco and its bearing on early osteichthyan evolution

A new onychodont sarcopterygian is described from the Middle Devonian (Eifelian) of Morocco. Selenodus aquesbiae gen. et sp. nov. is characterized by a unique suite of traits among onychodonts such as a large maxilla with a rounded posterior expansion and a straight ventral margin, the presence of a single supraorbital, and a reduced opercular series. It also displays certain features commonly found in onychodontids and early sarcopterygians, like a lateral rostral contacting the orbit through a narrow posterodorsal projection, numerous sclerotic plates surrounding the orbit, the occurrence of an accessory row of small denticles labially lining the single row of teeth from the upper and lower jaws, a prearticular ornamented with small rounded tubercules, the postotic lateral line canal passing through the supratemporal, tabular and lateral extrascapular bones of the skull roof, and dermal bones and rounded scales ornamented by small dentine tubercules capped with enamel. All the fossil remains belong to a single individual representing a relatively large fish (around 1 m of estimated length based on the skull dimensions) for which the snout, cheek, and skull roof have been partially reconstructed. The well-preserved material comprises mainly the dermocranium but two branchial elements are known, adding to our knowledge of early osteichthyan endoskeleton. A phylogenetic analysis places Selenodus in an unresolved polytomy among onychodonts and coelacanths, enabling discussion of evolutionary scenarios and character combinations among early osteichthyans. The close relationship between onychodonts and actinistians is firmly established and suggests that all onychodont taxa are stem coelacanths. Selenodus represents the first occurrence of onychodonts from Africa and furnishes key information not only on onychodont morphology and interrelationships but also on their palaeobiogeographical distribution and Devonian faunal affinities between Euramerica and Gondwana.http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:3FEB765B-E203-4015-BB48-20B108509F3B

Radiographic, computed tomographic and CT myelographic findings of an extensive cervical osteochondroma resulting in spinal cord compression at the atlanto‐occipital junction

SummaryA 13‐year‐old, crossbred grey mare was referred for examination of a left‐sided head tilt and neck stiffness which had been noted for several months. Radiographic examination of the head revealed severe periarticular bone formation surrounding the dorsal and ventral margins of the atlanto‐occipital joint and a large multilobular bony mass encroaching on the guttural pouch. Computed tomographic examination confirmed a multiloculated bony mass invading the vertebral canal and causing marked spinal cord compression and displacement. Histologically, this was identified to be an osteochondroma and the horse was conservatively managed.

Insights into architecture, growth dynamics, and biomineralization from pulsed Sr-labelled <i>Katelysia rhytiphora</i> shells (Mollusca, Bivalvia)

Abstract. The intertidal bivalve Katelysia rhytiphora, endemic to south Australia and Tasmania, is used here for pulsed Sr-labelling experiments in aquaculture experiments to visualize shell growth at the micro- to nanoscale. The ventral margin area of the outer shell layer composed of (i) an outermost outer shell layer (oOSL) with compound composite prismatic architecture with three hierarchical orders of prisms and (ii) an innermost outer shell layer (iOSL) with crossed-acicular architecture consisting of intersecting lamellae bundles. All structural orders in both layers are enveloped by an organic sheath and the smallest mineralized units are nano-granules. Electron backscatter diffraction reveals a strong preferred orientation of the aragonite c axes perpendicular to the growth layers, while the a and b axes are scattered within a plane normal to the local growth direction and >46 % twin grain boundaries are detected. The Young's modulus shows a girdle-like maximum of elastically stiffer orientations for the shell following the inner shell surface. For 6 d, the bivalves were subjected twice to seawater with an increased Sr concentration of 18× mean ocean water by dissolving 144 µg g−1 Sr (159.88 Sr∕Ca mmol ∕ mol) in seawater. The pulse labelling intervals in the shell are 17× (oOSL) and 12× (iOSL) enriched in Sr relative to the Sr-spiked seawater. All architectural units in the shell are transected by the Sr label, demonstrating shell growth to progress homogeneously instead of forming one individual architectural unit after the other. Distribution coefficients, DSr ∕ Ca, for labelled and unlabelled shells are similar to shell proportions formed in the wild (0.12 to 0.15). All DSr ∕ Ca values are lower than values for equilibrium partitioning of Sr in synthetic aragonite.

Branchiostegus biendong, a New Tilefish from Vietnam (Perciformes: Branchiostegidae).

A new tilefish, Branchiostegus biendong, is described on the basis of three specimens (181-209 mm in standard length [SL]) collected from a local fish market of Quy Nhon on the South China Sea coast of central Vietnam. It can be distinguished from 17 congeners in having the following combination of characters: six diagonal scale rows exposed on cheek; cheek scales moderately large (diameter 2.2-2.5% SL); predorsal ridge black; cheek almost silver with an oval-shaped, yellow blotch along ventral margin of eye; dorsal fin translucent yellowish with narrow black margin overlapping stronger yellowish coloration dorsally; upper lobe of caudal fin with 5-6 yellow stripes and tip with black blotch; and lower lobe of caudal fin navy blue. A key to five species of Branchiostegus from Vietnamese waters is provided.

A new species of the sharpshooter genus Dasmeusa (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Cicadellini) from Central Amazon

A new species of the genus Dasmeusa Melichar, 1926 is described and illustrated from specimens collected in the State of Amazonas, Northern Brazil. Dasmeusa imperialis sp. nov. can be distinguished from the five known species of the genus, as well as from those of closely related genera, by the following combination of features: dorsum yellow with orange, preapical transverse irregular stripe on forewing; male pygofer moderately produced posteriorly, with posterior margin broadly rounded; style without preapical lobe, narrow and truncate apically; aedeagus with robust apical process directed ventrally, ventral margin of this process dentate; paraphyses with pair of dorsal dentiform projections on stalk, rami slender and directed posterodorsally; posterior margin of female sternite VII with small quadrate lobe; first ovipositor valvula with dentiform apex; second ovipositor valvula with apical third directed ventrally. This paper includes the first detailed description and illustrations of the female terminalia of a Dasmeusa species. In addition, the known geographic distribution of the genus is presented; D. pauperata (Fabricius, 1803) is newly recorded from the Brazilian states of Roraima, Amazonas, Pará, Sergipe, and Bahia; the records from the last two states are interesting because they are from areas of Atlantic Forest. Previously, the genus was known only from the Amazon Forest.

Longitudinal Radiographic Study of Cranial Bone Growth in Young Cheetah.

Focal palatitis (also known as focal palatine erosion) is thought to be a developmental disease, specifically of cheetah in captivity raised on a commercial diet. The lack of chewing is thought to cause the mandibular molar to change angulation, contacting the palate and causing the lesions. We followed the development of five captive cheetah cubs, born within 2 weeks of each other, at the same facility. This longitudinal study followed the cubs cephalometrically from 7-months-old to 25-months-old. Of each cub we made a lateral and dorsoventral radiograph at 7, 13, 20, and 25-months-old. For each radiograph at each age, a predefined series of measurements were made including the angle of the molar. The latter was measured as the angle of the bisecting line running through the apex of the caudal molar root intersecting with a line drawn at the ventral margin of the mandible. The results confirmed that the cheetah skull and neurocranium follows the same neural growth pattern as has been described for other mammalians. Similarly the maxillofacial component follows the same somatic growth as seen in all mammalians excluding humans and non-human primates, where a pubertal growth spurt is present. Finally the angle of the mandibular molar at 7 months differed significantly from the angle at the other ages, however there were no statistical difference in the angulation of the molar after eruption (13 months and older ages). In these five cheetah the lack of chewing (as seen in captivity with a commercial or meat only based diet) did not alter the angulation of the mandibular molar, nor did the mandibular molars super erupt in these patients at 25-months-of-age.