Epidemiology and the veterinary oncologist--evaluation and critical appraisal of the scientific oncology literature: how to read the clinical literature

Even in the most specialized areas of veterinary medicine, few clinicians or researchers can keep up with the volumes of scientific literature currently published. Faced with this onslaught, most clinicians would benefit from a systematic approach for selecting articles to read and evaluating their scientific merit.

Tackling the knowledge explosion without overloading the student

Assessment of today's approach to veterinary education reveals a system overloaded with facts and students stressed to memorise and recall medical information. The Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine has chartered a path to reduce the curricular information overload. The innovative incorporation of computers into the curriculum coupled with problem-based learning activities are preparing students to find information and learn on their own.

Development of a teaching model for surgical endodontic access sites in the dog

A dolicocephalic canine skull was used to develop a teaching and study model for surgical endodontic access sites of the maxillary and mandibular canine teeth, the maxillary fourth premolar and the mandibular first molar teeth. Coronal endodontic access sites were created, and endodontic files were inserted through the access preparation into the root canal system. The teeth were radiographed to determine the ideal surgical access points. Barium markers were placed over these points and each tooth was radiographed again to confirm the appropriate location of the marker. Surgical accesses to the apices were created by drilling through the barium markers and underlying bone. Following localization of the apices, apicoectomies were performed, exposing the apical portion of the pulp canal. The maxillary and mandibular canine teeth, the maxillary fourth premolar tooth, and the mandibular first molar tooth and surrounding bone were harvested from a similar dolicocephalic dog following euthanasia. The specimens were embedded in methylmethacrylate, sectioned, and mounted on slides to reveal the structures located around the surgical access sites.

Computer based instruction is effective to teach dairy reproductive management

This paper describes a classroom experiment in a German College of Veterinary Medicine (Tieraerztliche Hochschule Hannover) using an instructional software package designed to increase dairy reproductive problem-solving skills. A pre-test/post-test experimental design demonstrated that learning occurred in an enjoyable environment when 21 4th year veterinary students used the program. Students' perception in respect to content, design, and usability criteria of the program were excellent to good.

Development of a teaching model for coronal access to the canine dentition

A dolichocephalic canine skull was utilized to develop a teaching and study model for coronal access cavity preparation of the dentition. The teeth from the right side of the skull were extracted. Each tooth was radiographed in two planes to localize the "ideal" endodontic access point. Barium markers were placed over these points and each tooth was radiographed again to confirm the appropriate location of the marker. Access was created by drilling through the barium marker. Then, K-files were inserted through the access preparation into the root canal system. The teeth were radiographed with the K-files in place to verify straight pathways to the apices. Straight line access to the apex was obtained in all teeth. Creation of this model provides an opportunity for the veterinary dental student to develop and refine skills used in performing endodontic therapy. The model can be utilized by the veterinary dental practitioner in clinical practice.

A Comparison of Surgical Training with Live Anesthetized Dogs and Cadavers

Cadavers were compared with live anesthetized dogs for their effectiveness as models for surgical training of veterinary medical students. One group of students was trained using cadavers, and a peer group was trained using live anesthetized dogs. Both groups then performed an intestinal anastomosis using a live subject. The time to completion of the procedure was recorded. The anastomoses and celiotomy closures were evaluated. Each anastomosis was isolated and pressure tested. Reviewers blindly scored each surgical team's performance based on actual inspection of the surgical site and on viewing videotapes of the procedure. The participants' attitudes toward the use of live animals in teaching and research were documented before and after training. No statistically significant differences could be detected between the two groups. The results suggest that some substitution of cadavers for live dogs in surgical training might be feasible.

A veterinary digital anatomical database

This paper describes the Veterinary Digital Anatomical Database Project. The purpose of the project is to investigate the construction and use of digitally stored anatomical models. We will be discussing the overall project goals and the results to date. Digital anatomical models are 3 dimensional, solid model representations of normal anatomy. The digital representations are electronically stored and can be manipulated and displayed on a computer graphics workstation. A digital database of anatomical structures can be used in conjunction with gross dissection in teaching normal anatomy to first year students in the professional curriculum. The computer model gives students the opportunity to "discover" relationships between anatomical structures that may have been destroyed or may not be obvious in the gross dissection. By using a digital database, the student will have the ability to view and manipulate anatomical structures in ways that are not available through interactive video disk (IVD). IVD constrains the student to preselected views and sections stored on the disk.

Showcase, a veterinary case authoring and presentation system

Showcase is an instructional authoring and case presentation system for veterinary medicine. It is intended to permit instructors and students to deal with clinical case information in a dynamic and interactive way. The programs are distributed as "adware;" and, it is hoped, the case files will be freely shared and distributed.