Polyester Resin Embedding for the Study of the Osteology of the Canine Front Paw

Abstract The creation of anatomical models of high didactic value, which are durable, simple, and inexpensive to maintain for the study of the appendicular skeleton of canines is a challenge, due to the size of the bones composing the base bones of the paw. As the topographic study progresses distally, this material’s quality, integrity, and longevity becomes considerably more difficult. Osteotechnics is a tool that has made it possible to obtain the material for the study of bones that make up the skeleton of domestic animals. However, in the case of the anatomy of the canine paw, pieces of bone are easily lost. Using 10 paws from canine cadavers donated by the Canine Control Centers for use in Veterinary Anatomy dissection practices, pieces encapsulated in polyester resin were obtained, allowing anatomical models to be made in order to enable the study of bone structures and their relationships between the bones that make up the skeleton of the canine paw, providing a self-taught support material for students. Including small bones in polyester resin represents a conservation technique of high didactic value with the additional benefits of long life, easy storage, and zero toxicity, without the risk of losing small bone pieces.