Plastination of Major Organs of Miniature Pigs: Alternatives for Educational Purpose

Abstract

Veterinary science have been influenced by the increasing demand for veterinary schools or research facilities in animal welfare. Thus, there have been new approaches to veterinary education based on ‘Three Rs’(3Rs; Replacement, Reduction and Refinement). Plastination, one of the new approaches, is certainly potential method in respect of learning tool for gross anatomy. We performed the plastination of miniature pig's major organs(liver, heart, lung, kidney, and pacreas) for alternative in anatomic instruction. Silicone impregmented method keeps thoroughly dissected specimens from deteriorating and maintained many of the important surrounding structures. After entire process, organs became dry, odorless, and durable specimens that could be handled without gloves and kept without any special storage conditions or care. This study suggests plastinated organs of miniature pig are valuable alternative material of cadaver on anatomic instruction. Furthermore, it is considered that this non-living specimen largely contribute to humane veterinary education and research.