The construction of canine distal limb models used in teaching sonography identification of vegetal foreign bodies.

Musculoskeletal ultrasonography is a useful tool to identify radiolucent vegetal foreign bodies (VFBs). However, limited ultrasound experience and unfamiliarity with the normal sonographic appearance of anatomical structures can decrease clinician confidence. This study aimed to design a reusable silicone model that can teach VFB identification within the canine distal limb. Four canine hindlimbs were used to design the silicone models, and 12 canine distal forelimbs were constructed. The model was constructed using cadaver bones, barley grass (Avena fatua) seeds, and silicone to mimic the anatomy of the canine distal limb with a grass seed VFB. Limbs were randomly grouped based on grass seed locations: (1) the interdigital webbing, (2) the palmar surface of the canine forelimb immediately proximal to the metacarpal pad, (3) the dorsal surface of the distal limb immediately proximal to the proximal phalange, or (4) no grass seed (control) placed. Each limb was systematically ultrasounded and compared with cadaver limbs and clinical VFB cases. A comparison of ultrasonographic images validated the construction, revealing that the simulation model replicates the anatomical and echotexture characteristics of the normal canine distal limb. Furthermore, these models also have a likeness to clinical canine distal limb VFB cases and can be utilized as a training tool.

Single Pedicle Advancement Flap Models for Teaching Veterinary Reconstructive Surgical Techniques.

Reconstructive surgical techniques are used in both general and referral veterinary practice to facilitate closure of challenging wound defects. During veterinary studies, there are often limited opportunities for students to practice these techniques on live patients or cadavers. Surgical models, including suture pads and ovariohysterectomy models, have been successfully incorporated into veterinary teaching, providing students with additional practice. Models to simulate veterinary reconstructive surgical techniques are lacking. In the current study, a single pedicle advancement flap model was designed. The design consisted of a silicone model secured by a plate, providing tension. Fifth-year veterinary science students (n = 34) were surveyed to assess the model's impact on surgical technique and confidence. Students were also assessed to determine surgical technique using the models. It was hypothesized that students who had two additional practice sessions using the models (Trial group, n = 17) would show greater improvement in technique than students who had no practice sessions between assessments (Control group, n = 17). Students strongly agreed (median score 5/5) that using the model helped to reinforce the subdermal plexus flap technique and improved their confidence in performing a subdermal plexus flap. Students from both groups performed significantly better in the follow-up assessment compared to the initial assessment. No significantly greater improvement was observed in technique between the control and the trial groups. Results suggest that the students' reconstructive surgical technique improved after a single practice session and that the single pedicle advancement flap model can be used synergistically with other teaching methods.