Histology RESEARCH
What is histology and how is it useful for invertebrates?
In a nutshell, histology is used to observe the structure of the cells. This process involves making a section of the fixed tissue, embedding this section within wax and then slicing microscopically thin slices of embedded tissue. These slices are then mounted onto a slide and stained with special stains. These stains will highlight different components of the cells.
This process can be helpful for finding out about underlying disease processes occuring within invertebrates. Understanding what diseases are present within a collection or group of animals can be helpful for making husbandry changes and potentially for deciding on treatment options.
This is an image of a stick insect eye!
Want to utilise histology in your invertebrate collection or pet?
Histology can only be performed on an animal that has recently died and been ‘fixed’ very soon after death (less than 12 hours and ideally as soon after death as possible). Benjamin will typically recommend fixation through immersion in high percentage alcohol (70% +), Kahle’s or formalin (10%). Alcohol is prefered as it is safer than formalin and Kahles. Please bear in mind that fixative solutions are often toxic so should be handled with care, please follow manufacturer’s instructions when using fixatives, all responsibility remains with the person undertaking the fixing and not with the veterinarian.
Please look at the article below for more recommendations.
Benjamin does ask for a charge for histology to cover costs. The charge is deliberately set lower than standard histology costs to encourage knowledge and research of invertebrate histology. Please contact Benjamin for more information.
If you want to take advantage of histology in your collection then please contact Benjamin via the contact form:
This is an image of a tarantula head complete with eyes!