Abstract

Background:
The anatomical preservation of reptile cadavers for teaching presents specific challenges because of their keratinized integument and distinctive tissue composition. Formaldehyde, a traditional fixative agent, poses significant health risks due to its carcinogenic properties and causes irritating vapors that restrict its safe use in academic settings.

Aim:
To develop and evaluate a modified formalin-free preservation technique based on ethyl alcohol and propylene glycol, specifically adapted for teaching veterinary anatomy to reptile cadavers.

Methods:
Four cadavers of Pogona vitticeps and Chamaeleo calyptratus were processed using a two-phase protocol: an initial fixation phase in saturated sodium chloride solution, followed by immersion in 96% ethyl alcohol with apple cider vinegar in a 1:1 ratio, and an impregnation phase in 90% propylene glycol with 10% commercial vinegar. The evaluation included macroscopic assessment, histological processing of the liver, heart, and kidney with hematoxylin and eosin staining, conventional radiographic study, and a structured Likert-scale questionnaire administered to 11 veterinary anatomy faculty members. Specimens were monitored for 12 months after processing.

Results:
Macroscopic morphological integrity, tissue flexibility, and visceral differentiation were maintained in specimens. Histological analysis revealed preservation of the basic tissue architecture with mild desiccation-compatible changes. Radiographic projections confirmed adequate anatomical alignment and structural collapse. No visible fungal or bacterial growth was observed during the 12-month follow-up. The overall assessment of the preserved specimens yielded a mean score of 4.8 ± 0.4 out of 5.

Conclusion:
The modified alcohol–propylene glycol technique is an effective, reproducible, and low-toxicity alternative to formalin-based preservation for reptile cadavers. This method eliminates exposure to carcinogenic substances, extends specimen lifespan, and provides material suitable for veterinary medicine training, addressing a documented methodological gap in formalin-free preservation for this taxonomic group.

Key words: Alcohol–propylene glycol; Anatomical preservation; Formalin-free; Reptiles; Veterinary morphology teaching.