3D anatomical model for teaching canine lumbosacral epidural anesthesia

Application of augmented reality models of canine skull in veterinary anatomical education

Veterinary anatomy plays a crucial role in the curriculum for veterinary medicine and surgery. The integration of modern information technology in veterinary education can greatly benefit from innovative tools such as augmented reality (AR) applications. The aim of this study was to develop an accurate and interactive three-dimensional (3D) digital model of an animal skull using AR technology, aiming to enhance the learning of skull anatomy in veterinary anatomy education. In this study, a canine skull specimen was isolated, and the skull bones were scanned using a structured light scanner to create a 3D digital model of the canine skull, which was found to be indistinguishable from the original specimen by measurement of skull proportions. Furthermore, the interactive AR model of the canine skull, displayed using Unity3D, was subjected to testing and evaluation by 60 first-year veterinary medical students attending the gross anatomy of the animal. The students were divided into two groups: the traditional group and AR group. Both groups completed an objective test and a questionnaire. The evaluation of learning effectiveness in the test revealed no significant difference between the traditional group (which learned using textbooks and a canine skull specimen) and AR group (which learned using AR tools). However, in the questionnaire, students displayed high enthusiasm and interest in using the AR tool. Therefore, the application of AR tools can improve students' motivation for learning and enhance the comprehension of anatomical structures in three dimensions. Furthermore, this study exemplifies the use of AR as an auxiliary tool for teaching and learning in veterinary anatomy education.

3D wildlife skull models for wildlife veterinary training

Wildlife veterinarians are necessary for zoonotic diseases and species loss management, and there is a rising interest to enroll at veterinary schools with the wish to work in zoo and wildlife medicine. However, teaching wildlife is challenging due to the difficulty faced by universities to work with wild animal specimens. The aim of the present was to evaluate the understanding efficiency of some anatomical and behavioral aspects using 3D printed models of four wildlife species skulls, the kinkaju (Potos flavus), the white-nosed coati (Nasua narica), the northern anteater (Tamandua mexicana), and the nine-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus). This study was performed on 85 third-year veterinary students, divided into an experimental and a control group, who used and not used 3D printed skulls, respectively. Results show that the experimental group shows higher scores, in three of the four variables evaluated, than the control group. Then, 3D wildlife printed skulls constitute a promising teaching tool for veterinary students. In fact, it may be as good as real skulls, since new 3D printers can print on high endurance and firmness stock with high accuracy at reduced costs. In this context, it is important to encourage its use for the training of new generations and keep professionals up to date.

The Use of Simulators for Teaching Practical Clinical Skills to Veterinary Students - A Review

In the context of veterinary education, simulators are devices or sets of conditions aiming to imitate real patients and enable students to practice skills without the need for live animal use. Simulator use in veterinary education has increased significantly in recent years, allowing consistent practical teaching without reliance on clinical cases. This review examines the available literature regarding the use of simulation and simulators for teaching practical day one competences to veterinary students. Scientific databases were searched and 73 relevant articles were reviewed. The reviewed articles revealed that there are a number of simulators currently available to veterinary educators, that simulators can enhance student skills and provide an alternative learning environment without the need for live animal and/or cadaver use, and that they usually receive positive feedback from the students who use them. There appears to be a bias towards small animal simulators - however, some skills that are developed through the use of small animal or table-top models will be transferrable to other species. The majority of large animal simulators focus on bovine rectal palpation and/or pregnancy diagnosis. Further research is required to increase the repertoire of available simulators for use in veterinary education, in order to improve the practical skills of veterinary students and reduce the use of live animals and cadaver material for teaching purposes.

3D models of nonunion fractures in long bones as education tools

The appearance of fracture complications can present itself as a difficult scenario in a veterinarian's practice, and it can be difficult to diagnose and have a poor prognosis. The recognition of the different types of nonunion fractures can enable quick guidance on the best way to act, thus reducing the cost of treatment and the patient's suffering. The objective of this study was to create 3D models of nonunion fractures in long bones (3D NUFs). The study was carried out in three stages: 1) creating biscuit models from representations of nonunion fractures; 2) scanning the biscuit models of nonunion fractures and 3D modeling; and 3) printing and finishing the 3D models of nonunion fractures (hereafter, 3D NUFs). The creation of biscuit prototypes and the respective digitalization were decisive in producing 3D NUFs, which reproduced the main characteristics of each type of nonunion fracture classification described in the literature. It took 31.1 hours to create and print all 3D NUFs using 95.66 grams of filament (ABS) for a total cost of $3.73. The creation of 3D NUFs from the biscuit dough presented a new way of obtaining didactic models for the teaching of veterinary medicine. The 3D NUFs represent the different forms of low-cost manifestations that characterize this disease, which can be used as a possible teaching-learning tool for veterinary education.