FOETAL EMBALMING IN BUFFALO- AN UMBILICAL APPROACH

An umbilical approach was adopted to embalm and preserve an aborted buffalo fetus. The principle behind the present approach was to follow the natural course of fetal circulation. 10 % neutral buffered formalin was injected into the umbilical vein using a syringe. The umbilical arteries were ligated when the blood and interstitial fluid started to drain out. An incision was then made on the dorsal pedal artery as an exit for circulation. The fetus was tilted upside down to enable the distribution of formalin throughout the body by reaching the extremities due to gravitation. After ensuring complete perfusion of formalin, the umbilical vein and the dorsal pedal artery were ligated and the fetus was kept at room temperature for three days. The left body wall was reflected dorsally after a mid-ventral incision to expose the internal organs. All the organs were normal in color and consistency without any foul odor. The specimen was later stored in a cooler at 4°C, to avoid prolonged storage in formalin. Routine histological examination was also performed to ascertain the effect of fixation in different body organs which revealed normal histoarchitecture. The present approach of embalming ensured adequate fixation of the fetus.