- Dog and cat jugular and leg venipuncture and IV catheter placement
- Horse venipuncture and neck intramuscular injection
- Intramuscular and subcutaneous injection practice pads
- Surgical instrument handling task trainers
- Cow tail for blood draw
- “Mootilda” cow dystocia trainer with two calves
- Equine colic simulator
- Realistic skin practice pads for suturing
- Urinary bladder for cystocentesis (sampling urine through needle)
- Female dog urinary catheter placement model
- Dog endotracheal tube placement model
- Lymph node aspirate
- Cat castration model
- Duo chest tap and pericardial tap model
- Stuffed animal patient used for surgical draping practice
Last month, three life-size simulation models—two equine and one bovine—were delivered to the MSU College of Veterinary Medicine. Professors use these realistic educational tools to provide students with hands-on experience with clinical situations in a low-stakes, low-pressure environment.
Before working with live animals, DVM and veterinary technology students practice procedures and treatments, which may include sutures and different types of physical examinations. The three new models will join “Mootilda,” the College’s life-size model cow that allows students to learn techniques to assist with calf delivery—from routine to difficult presentations.
“Simulation models are key for our students to develop fine motor skills and basic techniques,” said Dr. Jen Roberts, assistant professor in Large Animal Clinical Sciences. “This practice also makes real-life situations and critical thinking more natural and automatic.”
The new equine colic simulator is modeled after a 15-hand quarter horse and will be a tool in teaching the various complications of colic, why they occur, and how they can be solved. The equine theriogenology model will be used to simulate physical exams of the reproductive system. The bovine theriogenology model includes five different interchangeable reproductive tracts—two non-pregnant and three pregnant—to teach students about the different stages of pregnancy.
In addition to providing practice in clinical scenarios, the models increase teaching efficiency because students work independently to develop skills with repeated practice.
“A clinical skills lab offers the students a chance to walk in and practice at convenient times for them,” said Bea Biddinger, licensed veterinary technician, who oversees open hours in the junior surgery lab for clinical skills practice.
The College is known for graduating practice-ready students and is working to provide even more clinical experience to students. Currently, 2nd and 3rd year students practice on the simulation models. Roberts is working with the College’s curriculum reinvention team to put students’ hands on the models earlier in their preclinical veterinary education.
“The sooner we can get our students to learn and practice these simulations, the more prepared they will be,” said Roberts.