Use of Cryodehydratated Animal Anatomical Segments for Veterinary Anatomy Teaching

Abstract

Anatomical education in the Veterinary Schools around the world has been supported by diverse kinds of innovations such as digital resources and applications, being the use of cadaver’s dissections very limited. In the present study, the use of cryodehydrated anatomical pieces of musculoskeletal structures from large and small animals were experimented for five years and the vantages and advances were computed. The material was prepared using a fixation of fresh material with 10% formalin followed by dissections and freezed-unfreezed sequences until completely be dried. Paints were performed to give a natural appearance. The material produced, including complete limbs from large and small animals had a good quality and preservation of the structures such as ligaments, muscle mass, tends and aponeuroses. The topographical relationships were perfectly maintained and revealed to be a reliable material for the practices class of musculoskeletal anatomy. The method used was easy applied, very cheap, of stress-free manipulation and storage and due to its high durability reduced the discharge of biological wastes and chemical products. The students show very friendly to this kind of material what reflected in high coefficient of approval during the practical examinations. The experience of create additional assignment to teaching how to prepare the material was successful and have been a great integration opportunity to students from last years of the course work together and share experiences with the beginners, when they check anatomic contents considering the applicability in clinics and surgical assignments.