Page 13 - Animal Care Trust Annual Review 2018-2019

OUR IMPACT ON...EQUINE ANIMAL WELFARE
The RVC Clinical Skills Centre is a world- renowned facility where students begin learning the practical skills that they need before they are faced with real cases of the multiple species that they are likely to come across in practice.
It is vital to the welfare of both students and animals that students receive effective training before they work with live animals. An important part of the learning process is the use of animal models that simulate the live environment so students can practise complex techniques. Newly installed in the centre is a specialist life-sized model horse that is supplied with four sections of inflatable gastrointestinal tract as well as model reproductive organs. The model also has areas on the neck and leg where students can practise injections and will be an excellent model for objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs) which are an essential component of the examination process.
We are also delighted to have a brand-new equine rescue mannequin and associated rescue equipment to train the RVC’s staff and students, as well as the Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, on how to deal with horses in emergency rescue situations.
The UK Fire and Rescue Service responds to at least 5,000 incidents involving large animals each year. In Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Essex, most large animal incidents involve horses, including horse transporters involved in road traffic collisions, horses hit by traffic and horses trapped in mud, rivers and ditches. These incidents require veterinary
attendance to improve the safety of rescue personnel and the welfare of the animal casualty.
The new training equipment will be extremely valuable in training vets to be effective responders to incidents involving large animals alongside the emergency services.
It will also equip them with the skills to respond to incidents in the clinical arena, such as recumbent horses in stables, fields and transport vehicles.
Dr Michael Hewetson, Senior Lecturer
in Equine Medicine:
“The simulator helps students get accustomed to the topographical anatomy of the equine abdomen, prior to practising on live animals.
“We are able to simulate a ‘real life’ situation, asking students to identify the problem and make recommendations on how to resolve the problem. It will allow students to learn in a safer, less stressful and more welfare-friendly environment whilst enabling us to see exactly how well they are doing and help and advise accordingly.”
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The equine colic simulator allows students to practise complex techniques before working on live animals.