A Technical Note of Improvement of the Elnady Technique for Tissue Preservation in Veterinary Anatomy

SIMPLE SUMMARY: The Elnday technique is a method to preserve anatomical specimens. The aim of this study was to monitor different biological specimens after modifications to the Elnady technique. For the study, an equine heart, a canine heart, two Chilean frogs, and one canine specimen with thoracic and abdominal viscera were used. Results showed and good preservation of the organs and reactivation of the natural color of the specimens. ABSTRACT: Teaching veterinary anatomy has been subjected to changes and restrictions that have promoted the development of new techniques for preserving organs and cadavers. The Elnady technique is a recent method for the conservation of tissues. Specimens produced with this technique are realistic, durable, soft, and flexible, but an undesirable feature is the discoloration of tissues. In the present study, we describe modifications of the Elnady technique for organ and tissue preservation. Specimens were prepared on the theoretical basis of the Elnady technique, but at low temperatures and with longer durations for the fixation, dehydration, glycerin impregnation and curing processes. Furthermore, the tissues were pigmented with a red vegetable pigment before dehydration or in the glycerin impregnation process. The results show high-quality specimens with minimal shrinkage and natural color aspects. The modified Elnady technique is adequate for producing specimens of better contrast for education purposes.