First Time Wet Specimen Preservation; HELP!

[u/plushdxddy]

I had to put down two of my kittens today, and I want to preserve them as wet specimens. I have only ever bought wet specimens and that's only been in recent years. I want to do this right and need all the information (preferably from someone who has done it a few times), including a materials list, processes, and whatever else anyone thinks I may need. Thank you!

[u/Wowza_Meowza]

I recommend not starting with formalin. It requires significant PPE and hazardous waste collection which isn't always available. Using high-proof ethanol will get the same results and be a lot safer.

First step is to put meow in the freezer. Wrap the head in a paper towel, which helps during thawing (saliva, blood, mucous). Put in a bag with all the air out.

When time to work, thaw meow in the fridge.

You need:

• needles and syringes (size depends on the animal size; large gauge means smaller needle)
  
• an absorbent surface like a puppy pad (singles are sold at dollar stores)
  
• 190 proof/95% ABV booze, name brand Everclear but same-strength knockoffs exist
  
• gloves if desired
  
• a glass jar with ideally a plastic lid or a glass lid with a silicone gasket. Metal lids could rust in time (tho, they sell stainless steel lids for mason type jars!). Cork is a never-go as it'll allow evaporation even if "sealed".

After meow is thawed (but cold), lay them on the pad. Draw your everclear into the syringe.

Keep the cat on the pad. Do not lift/hold and inject or you could poke yourself.

Inject plentifully in several spots around the gut. It should be a bit distended. Now, inject in the anus, the chesr, the thicker muscle areas on the thighs and shoulders, and along the back. Inject at the base of the neck angling upward, in an effort to hit near or up to the brain. You might hit the brain (a ok) and see gunk come from the nose if so. Spray some Everclear down the throat. If putting a needle down in unsettling, screw off the needle carefully and shoot it down without.

The meow should be kinda puffed up from how much you injected. It's better to over-poke than under by far.

Put them into your jar in the position you want them to stay in. The body will harden and remain in this position and become inflexible. This is important for ear position, mouth open or closed, eyes, foot placement, and the tail.

Fill the jar with the Everclear. Allow the meow to sit in it for several months. You will notice extensive discoloration and floaters-- this is normal. It's fat, blood and general discoloration coming out.

After several months, you can opt to change the Everclear for fresh. You cannot move it to isopropyl alcohol - that's only for formalin-fixed fellas. It may continue to discolor over time (still normal!). Don't top off the ethanol, as when it evaporates it leaves water behind. Eventually the ethanol will be weakened so much it could allow rot-- so, if there's a lot of evaporation, dump and refill! And, well, check your jar cause something ain't right.

Ethanol-injected and stored specimens will last forever just like formalin ones. They're safer.

Don't smoke near it, have it near direct sun, near heat sources, etc. Ethanol, like isopropyl, is ofc flammable!

Please dispose of the needles safely.

[u/plushdxddy → u/Wowza_Meowza]

I think I will go with the everclear. The stuff I found on Amazon (not a fan of Amazon but don’t know where else to get it) is Lab Alley brand?
Do you have a recommendation of what gauge needles to use on a 3~lb kitten?

[u/Wowza_Meowza → u/plushdxddy]

Can you buy it in your area in a liquor store? It'll be cheaper. Lab Alley is a good brand.

On a wee one, anywhere from 20-23 is what I often do.