Murdoch University is transforming how future veterinarians learn high-risk clinical skills with a new equine radiography immersive virtual reality (VR) tool which allows students to safely master complex radiography procedures in a safe environment.
Lameness is one of the most common issues in equine practice, where horses present abnormal posture or movement while walking, trotting or cantering. It is often caused by musculoskeletal pain—in their bones, joints, tendons and muscles.
To treat the condition, veterinarians need to be competent in performing a full lameness examination, which can involve the complex process of radiographing horses’ legs.
Becoming competent in this procedure requires repeated practice, however, students traditionally face limited opportunities to test these skills due to radiation safety regulatory constraints and limitations on access to live horses.
These challenges drove the development of the new VR technology, a collaborative project from the School of Veterinary Medicine and the School of Information Technology.
“Students often don’t get enough hands-on practice before entering real clinical settings,” said Dr Josie Faulkner, senior lecturer in the School of Veterinary Medicine, and specialist veterinary radiologist.
“Horses are large and can be reactive animals, and so safe procedures need to be followed to minimise the risk of injuries for students, staff, and the horse itself.
“Poor technique can also result in poor quality images and unnecessary radiation exposure, which not only compromise diagnostic accuracy but require repeat imaging—increasing stress and danger for everyone involved.
“This VR environment lets students refine these skills safely, repeatedly and without the risks associated with working around a 500kilogram live horse.”
The Equine Radiography VR features both practice and assessment modes, providing immediate feedback to help students build confidence and proficiency before handling real horses.
“The VR horse even kicks out if user is in the danger zone directly behind the horse, which will help students learn the necessary safety precautions involved in the procedure,” Dr Faulkner said.
