The feasibility and image quality of using soft embalming cadaver dogs and cats for radiographic and ultrasonographic training

Abstract

Diagnostic imaging techniques, especially radiography and ultrasonography, have been applied as routine diagnostic tools in clinical practice of both human and veterinary medicine. Soft embalmed cadavers by Thiel’s method is a new method for preserving dead bodies that has been increasingly used in medical education especially in diagnostic imaging fields. The aims of this study were, first, to examine the feasibility of using canine and feline soft cadavers in radiographic and ultrasonographic study and training. Second, to evaluate the procedure score and image quality score of radiography and ultrasonography using the soft cadaver dogs and cats as the model. All results were evaluated using questionnaires answered by veterinary graduate students in the major of diagnostic imaging. Six of each canine and feline soft embalming cadavers were used. Our results demonstrated that all students gave a highly satisfied score in all procedures of radiographic positioning. For the radiographic image quality, the thorax part in both canine and feline soft embalming cadavers was lowest compared to those of other parts. Moreover, all students gave a highly satisfied in all procedures of radiographic positioning. For abdominal ultrasound, all students preferred the image quality because the image quality was similar to live animals in almost all abdominal organs. However, vessels and lymph nodes were lowest scored in both species. In conclusion, soft embalming cadavers of dogs and cats by Thiel’s embalming method is an efficient modality for teaching, learning and training in radiography and ultrasonography. This preserved method is very useful in veterinary anatomical education.