Effectiveness of the Anatomage Table Vet Prior to Cadaveric Dissection of Dog’s Thoracic Limb Muscles: A Preliminary Assessment and Student Learning Outcomes

The Anatomage Table Vet (ATV) is a digital tool that may facilitate the understanding of complex structures and improve visuospatial skills. This study evaluated the effectiveness of the ATV as a review method prior to cadaveric dissection and collected students’ feedback. During a sport-medicine seminar, consisting of an oral presentation and a practical anatomy review session, a small sample of veterinary students voluntarily participated in this trial. A pre-test assessed baseline knowledge on muscle identification, muscle insertions and origins and biomechanics. Twenty-nine students were divided into two groups, ATV (A) and traditional lecture (C), to review canine anatomy of the caninethoracic limb and cingulum, before compiling a post-test, represented by muscle identification on five cadaveric specimens. A feedback questionnaire was administered afterwards. Mean post-test scores were significantly higher in both groups in all subsections and total score (A pre = 2.40; A post = 6.60; C pre = 2.43; C post = 6.57). No significant difference was observed in improvement between groups. Student feedback was generally positive. From the results limited to this preliminary assessment, the ATV seems well-received by students. Further research with a larger sample size is needed to clarify its educational impact.