Canine thoracic cavity - student dissection project (Anatomy). In anatomy we dissected animals that had died naturally or been euthanased in the Murdoch clinic, and abattoir body parts. Most of all, however, we dissected greyhounds donated to the vet school due to poor racing performance. These were then euthanased.
Andrew Knight with dog head preserved in formalin. Humane alternatives include computer simulations, videos, models, permanently preserved body parts, self-experimentation and a variety of supervised clinical experiences. For example, specimens can be preserved within a solution of formalin plus other chemicals such as those that retain colour.
Coloured casts of airways and blood vessels, etc., are made by pumping a dyed acrylic material into the vessels. The surrounding tissues are then eaten away by mild acid over several months.
Sheep abdominal organs and student (Anatomy class). Most of the cadavers used in anatomy were obtained from animals killed for reasons unrelated to teaching. This sheep was an exception.
Andrew Knight with plasticised cat. Plastination permanently preserves body parts by replacing all the water within them by an epoxy resin, giving the tissue a "plasticy" feel. The process is complex involving several chemical steps and evacuation and takes several months.
Facial nerves of the horse. Student dissection project (Anatomy).
Perth animal rights activist Gaye Godfrey demonstrates 'Jerry' at the Australian Veterinary Association Annual Conference in Perth in June 2000. The 'Rescue Critters' combine veterinary expertise with Hollywood special effects artistry. They are CPR and clinical skills training mannequins. Both canine and feline models are available. Jerry has an artificial pulse and can also be used for mouth-to-snout resuscitation.
Andrew Knight with computer simulation of a horse's head dissection. Computer simulations don't require feeding, housing, transportation, veterinary care, experimental anaesthesia, euthanasia and disposal, year after year, which can result in substantial cost savings. They don't
require preparation or cleanup time and they offer an unlimited number of "virtual animals" to experiment on. These factors allow students to investigate a greater number of variables and combinations of variables than those using real animals. Students are also more able to work at their own pace and can repeat experiments where necessary for understanding. Finally, with little difficulty computer labs can be made available around the clock, allowing students to work at times that suit them, or even, via the internet, from home. Enter the 21st century!
Student with pig intestines from the abattoir (Anatomy class).
Andrew Knight with cast of dog head blood vessels.
Partially dissected greyhounds (Anatomy coolroom). In Anatomy groups of 4-5 students are each given a greyhound which they dissect piecemeal over approximately 6 weeks. Between lab classes the greyhounds are kept in the anatomy coolroom.
Greyhound hind leg. Student dissection project (Anatomy).
Andrew Knight with computer simulation of mammilian neck dissection showing the thyroid glands.
Andrew Knight demonstrates the 'K-9 Inlubation Trainer.' This Rescue Critter is designed to allow students to practise endotracheal intubation. This essential veterinary skill involves the placement of a tube down the airway to allow maintenance of anaesthesia.
Cast of canine kidney vessels.
Partially dissected greyhounds - anatomy coolroom.
Cast of dog head blood vessels.
Andrew Knight with plasticised greyhound hearts.
Partially dissected greyhounds - anatomy coolroom.
Cast of canine kidney blood vessels.
Andrew Knight with horse head sections preserved in formalin.
Gaye Godfrey demonstrates the 'K-9 IV Trainer' at the Australian Veterinary Association Annual Conference in Perth in June 2000. This is a canine forearm with artificial blood vessels that can be filled with - you guessed it - artificial blood. The latter comes in powdered form and is mixed with water. This Rescue Critter is designed to allow veterinary students to practise taking blood samples and giving injections
without making a pincushion out of a live animal!
Student (left) assisting with beneficial surgery on a real patient (dog). Most alternative veterinary surgical courses are comprised of a number of stages. In the beginning students learn basic psychomotor skills such as suturing and instrument handling using knot tying boards, simulated organs, and other models. They then progress to simulated surgery on ethically-sourced cadavers obtained from animals that have died naturally or in accidents or been euthanased for medical reasons. Finally students observe, assist with, and then perform necessary surgery under close supervision on real patients that actually benefit from the surgery, as distinct from on healthy animals that are later killed. Here a 4th year student (left) assists a surgeon performing spinal surgery on a canine patient.
Click here
to make a donation or send a cheque/money order to;
The Thylazine Foundation Pty Ltd
GPO Box 1480, Darwin, Northern Territory, 0801, Australia.
| 
