30th Annual Student Research Conference
The Recovery and Reassembly of a 39 Day Old Equus caballus Skeleton.
Morgan K. Poisson* and Gregory N. Trende
Dr. Kelly Walter, Faculty Mentor
The skeleton of Equus caballus plays an essential role in the physiological, anatomical, and athletic capabilities of the species. Theodore, a 39 day old foal, was humanely euthanized under the guidance of a veterinarian at the Truman State University Farm due to severe colic on May 1st, 2016. A necropsy performed on May 4th, 2016 revealed a volvulus that resulted in an obstruction in the small intestine. All contents of the ventral cavity were removed, and the carcass was placed in a field under a wire enclosure. The carcass was allowed to decompose, and the skeletal remains were recovered on October 28th, 2016. Techniques to clean the bones, including water, bleach, soap, and tissue dissolving powder are being investigated to determine the best cleaning method. The goal of preserving the skeleton is to create a full scale 39 day old Equus caballus model that can be used for educational purposes.
Keywords: Equus caballus, skeleton, foal, recovery, reassembly, colic, decomposition
Topic(s):Agricultural Science
Biology
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 205-5
Location: MG 2001
Time: 10:30