Production and use of plastinated anatomical specimens as teaching and learning tools in veterinary gross anatomy in the Caribbean

Reda Mohamed,Roger John

doi:10.5455/javar.2018.e245

Abstract

Objective: Veterinary Anatomy is considered as the backbone subject in the veterinary medicine program. Formalized specimens were not very much accepted by the veterinary students due to their wetness, bad smell and potential harmful effects. Plastination has evolved as a new technique for prolonged preservation of specimens by replacing the water and fat by a curable plastic polymer. Material and methods: The process of plastination involved fixation, dehydration, impregnation and curing. The plastinated specimens were used for teaching and learning of veterinary gross anatomy courses for veterinary students. Results: Plastinated specimens were appreciated by the staff and students as they were odorless, non-toxic and durable, needed less space for storage and they were used in teaching the veterinary anatomy courses. Plastinated specimens were used for studying not only in the dissection hall but also in the lecture room, both individually and in groups. Conclusion: The plastinated specimens were excellent for demonstration but they could not completely replace the traditional dissection because students learn best by exploratory and hands-on dissection. Moreover, the wet specimens provided a more accurate visual representation of the body parts and skills to aid in dealing with actual clinical cases in the future. Therefore, the plastinated and wet specimens were used simultaneously depending on the topic being taught at the time. http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2018.e245

Highlights

The animal cadaver and its organs are an integral part of learning veterinary anatomy in the DVM programme
The thoracic and abdominal cavities and limbs of the dog were demonstrated in relation to their various structures of muscles, organs, nerves and blood vessels. These specimens were used as new anatomical models for teaching and studying veterinary gross anatomy courses
Plastinated specimens have replaced some of the formalin preserved specimens

Summary

Introduction

The animal cadaver and its organs are an integral part of learning veterinary anatomy in the DVM programme. The specimens used in teaching may be fresh or preserved (Ameko et al, 2012), decaying of the fresh specimens in a short time is one disadvantage. Specimens can be preserved to stay for a prolonged period by both traditional methods such as mummification and embalming or by modern methods such as plastination (Amin and Yesmin, 2015; Menaka and Chaurasia, 2015). Non-plastinated specimens fixed with formaldehyde are toxic, allergenic and possibly carcinogenic. Concentrations of the formaldehyde above 0.1 ppm in air can irritate the mucous membrane and eye causing watery eye. Inhalation of formaldehyde at the same concentration may cause difficult breathing, burning sensation in the throat, headache and may even lead to asthma. Non-plastinated specimens do not facilitate close interaction and manipulation of specimens and there is deterioration over time (De Jong and Henry, 2007)

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Results

Discussion

Conclusion