Navarrete M, Cisneros J, Sato A, Quevedo M, Ramos M, Jukes N. Implementation of a body donation program and use of software: Replacement in veterinary anatomy in Peru [abstract]. ALTEX. 2011;28(Special Issue):215. Abstract 488.


Abstract

In 2009 the Laboratory of Animal Anatomy and Wild Fauna (LAAFS) of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, National Major University of San Marcos (FMV-UNMSM), Peru implemented the use of ethically sourced animal cadavers in a pilot body donation program. The Department of Animal Anatomy has 55 students per year who use cadavers of different animal species including dogs for dissection and acquisition of manual skills with the use of surgical equipment. InterNICHE donated to the LAAFS the Virtual Canine Anatomy software, enabling the partial replacement of the use of animals for dissection from 60 animals to 12 dogs per year. In a survey, 91.11% (41/45) of students requested to use the software more frequently, and 84.44% (38/45) were able to identify anatomical structures more easily.The 12 dog cadavers are now ethically sourced, as defined by the InterNICHE Policy, and derive from the FMV-San Marcos and other clinics. The majority of the dogs are euthanized due to terminal disease, cancer, poisoning and car accidents. The establishment of the body donation program required an awareness from veterinarians working in the clinics to explain to the companion animal guardians the need for a culture of donation of cadavers. Authorisation for donation is provided by the guardian or witness. The FMV-UNMSM supports administratively the LAAFS with the transportation expenses to collect the cadavers from the clinics and for embalming, and continues to change its educational approach from a conventional to amore humanitarian and effective one using alternative tools and approaches.
 



Author's contacts: miluskabeatriz@gmail.com

Author's keywords: alternatives, replacement, Veterinary anatomy, body donation, ethics



Link to journal: ALTEX - Alternatives to Animal Experimentation