Preview to the Organs Below the Diaphragm.

3/5/15

***= special procedure due to specific circumstances with my cat, Semara.

Focus of Procedure:
-Cut into the stomach of the cat and observe the various organs below the diaphragm.
***Cut into the fallopian tubes and observe the large masses inside them.

Materials:
-scalpel
-tweezers
*** teaser needle
***plastic bag

Procedure:
1) Using your scalpel, cut vertically down the stomach of the cat (top to bottom).
2) Observe all the organs; locate the diaphragm, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, stomach, spleen, kidneys, small intestines, large intestines and rectum. Look for any defects or abnormalities in/on each organ.
3) Take pictures of the all the organs as a whole, then even organ individually.

***Special Procedure:
Semara is female, so locating and observing the ovaries and fallopian tubes was necessary. My lab partner and I found two large masses in Semara's fallopian tubes (one mass in each tube). The following procedure was done to determine if this cat was either pregnant or had cancerous tumors.

1) Take pictures of the abnormalities in the fallopian tubes before removing them.
2) After observing the abnormal masses in the fallopian tubes, use your scalpel to cut through the fallopian tubes to remove both masses. Be careful not to cut into the masses.
3) Once the masses are removed, delicately use a teaser needle to open up the inside of each mass. Only cut around the outside of the masses, do not cut directly through the masses.
4) Take a picture of your findings after you have opened up each mass.

Data and Observations:

All of Semara's organs in her digestive system were in great condition, except her small intestine and stomach. As previously stated, Semara had a bowel obstruction, which was most likely her cause of death. Her reproductive system was also very abnormal. Her fallopian tubes both contained a large mass, which unfortunately were cancerous tumors. After discovering Semara had cancer and a bowel obstruction it is safe to say she was a very unhealthy, sick cat.

Conclusion:

Cutting into the stomach and finally getting to observe the digestive system was very exciting! I have been waiting all year to study the digestive system and have always wanted to know what each organ looked like. Identifying each organ was extremely easy for me and this procedure was very easy. At first my lab partner and I believe the masses in Semara's fallopian tubes were baby kittens. We were excited to observe the baby kittens, but the large masses turned out to be cancerous tumors, which was unfortunate.