Abstract
Background: In the field of Veterinary anatomy in the Philippines, the traditional method of using embalmed specimens in teaching anatomy is still widely used, as plastination requires intensive labor, high costs, and a lengthy process. Given current research exploring alternative plastination techniques that use locally available resources, this study compared acetone and ethyl alcohol as dehydration solutions for room-temperature and passive plastination. Methodology: Using the modified Elnady technique of plastination, one (1) piglet and one (1) kid were subjected to acetone as a dehydration solution (Treatment 1), while one (1) piglet and one (1) kid were subjected to ethyl alcohol dehydration (Treatment 2). The plastination procedure lasted for approximately 25 weeks. The weight and color of the specimens were recorded pre- and post-plastination and were analyzed descriptively. Results: Preliminary results show that there is a 29.21% (Kid) and 23.81% (Piglet) decrease in the weight of specimens dehydrated with acetone (Treatment 1), while 35.19% (Kid) and 33.85% (Piglet) decrease in the weight of specimens dehydrated with ethyl alcohol series. The color of the organs was slightly darker after the impregnation, but lightened after the curing process. Although a significant weight reduction was noted, the morphological features of the specimens were well-preserved and identifiable; also, the specimens exhibited flexibility, firmness, no odor, and a natural appearance, with some color variations observed between the two dehydration methods. Conclusion: The preliminary results suggest that ethyl alcohol can serve as an alternative dehydration solution, yielding preserved specimens that can serve as useful models as a supplement to dissection studies.
Keywords
Alternative plastination, Ethyl alcohol dehydration, Room-temperature plastination, Elnady technique