Teachers at the Royal Veterinary College in London, England, recently developed a new study aid to help early-stage equine veterinary students better learn and memorize horse anatomy. The new study aid also provided fun and entertainment for the students. .

"Veterinary students are taught anatomy early in their education, but by the time the students reach the latter (clinical) years of their education, it is clear that their anatomy knowledge is often inadequate," explained Renate Weller, DVM, PhD, MSc, Vet Ed, MRCVS, a senior lecturer in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences.

Although the exact way that veterinary students learn anatomy varies from school to school, common techniques involve gross anatomy with cadavers, text books, and lectures. Considering the health, ethical, and monetary issues associated with cadaveric dissections, the use of cadavers has decreased, leaving a void in 3-D learning.

"The ‘best’ way to teach and learn anatomy is not obvious, and a thorough knowledge of surface anatomy is extremely important to any clinician when performing a physical examination," said Weller