• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.111-113
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• 2018

A three-month-old female African buffalo born at Seoul Zoo showed signs of abdominal distension, bulging of the perineal skin, and small stool volume compared to feed intake. Upon physical examination, atresia ani with rectovaginal fistula was diagnosed. This case was subjected to surgery under inhalation anesthesia after injecting a sedative. Surgery was performed in two steps: anal reconstruction and closing the rectovaginal fistula. First, a circular skin incision was made at the end of the rectal pouch to create an anus, and then the skin of the anus and the mucous membrane of the rectum were brought into apposition by simple interrupted sutures. Second, the rectovaginal fistula was ligated on both vulval and anal side. Antibiotics were administered on every alternate day and the sutures were removed at ten days surgery under sedation. The rectovaginal communication was closed and the calf was able to urinate and defecate normally. The animal grew to become a normal adult without any complications. This is the first case report of atresia ani with rectovaginal fistula in an African buffalo, that was successfully treated by surgical intervention.

• Conservation Science in Museum
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• v.25
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• pp.51-62
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• 2021

The Belt with Rhinoceros-Horn Ornaments(known as a seodae in Korean) from the family of Princess Deokon's descendants housed in the National Hangeul Museum underwent emergency treatment for a special exhibition in 2019 upon the request of the National Hangeul Museum. Priority was given to the restoration of the original form of the severely damaged belt and the repair of its detached horn ornaments. Prior to the conservation treatment, researchers conducted a theoretical study of the belt with rhinoceros-horn adornments to learn the names of its structural components and the changes in form that the type experienced by period, thereby establishing a plan for conservation treatment and setting a direction. Among the belts worn by officials from the Joseon dynasty, rhinoceros-horn ornaments were attached to those of officials of the first rank and were considered the most precious behind the king's belt with its jade ornaments. The rhinoceros horn adorning the belt is classified into three categories according to quality. This belt has horn adornments of the highest quality, falling under the "grape design" category with dark brown dots concentrated in the center. The belt has a rectangular shape and lacks a buckle, reflecting a popular form from the nineteenth century. The structure of the belt was identified over the process of conservation treatment, offering information about its method of production. In addition, comparison of the relic with belts with rhinoceros-horn ornaments depicted in Joseon-period portraits of officials allowed the identification of changes in formal features and the detailed structures of belts with rhinoceros-horn ornaments by period. It confirmed that the belt subject to conservation treatment shows the features of belts with rhinoceros-horn ornaments produced in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.