Teaching Transrectal Palpation of the Internal Genital Organs in Cattle

Abstract

In this article, a simulation model for rectal palpation teaching in cows, Breed'n Betsy, is evaluated. Furthermore, the learning process of rectal palpation is depicted during a training period in live cows. In experiment 1, eight students were trained in live cows (group A) and nine students were trained using Breed'n Betsy (group B). After 25 palpations, their ability to localize and evaluate structures was evaluated in practical tests in live cows. Group A had higher results than group B (p<0.001) and were more skilled at localizing the uterus and localizing and evaluating the ovaries (p<0.05). Group B was better at pregnancy diagnosis (nonsignificant). Results suggest that Breed'n Betsy cannot fully replace training in live cows, but may be a valuable addition to the classical teaching method. Suggestions for future improvement are made. In experiment 2, 10 students were intensely trained in live cows throughout the year and evaluated in practical tests at three time points (September, January, and March). Results were analyzed as a function of time point and the category of experience (1: 0-50 cows; 2: 50-100 cows; 3: 100-150 cows; 4: 150-200 cows; 5: >200 cows). Results increased in time (p<0.05) and were higher in categories 3, 4, and 5 than in category 1 (p<0.05). Although all of the students in the higher categories successfully localized the cervix, uterus, and ovaries, they had difficulties in interpreting these structures, suggesting that palpation of 200 cows is insufficient to reach a consistent level of expertise.

Trans-rectal palpation in cows: An appraisal of its teaching in selected veterinary schools in Southern Nigeria

“…The association of frequency of palpation with live animal and confidence of using the technique postgraduation is understandable since frequent practice cultivates perfection and instils confidence of making diagnosis. This is at par with a previous study where practice and expertise of using TRP for clinical diagnosis reportedly required higher frequency of palpation as much as 200 cows (Bossaert et al, 2009). The adverse effects of using live animal for teaching of rectal palpation are possible rupture of corpus luteum and associated pregnancy loss in pregnant cows, induction of stress as well as bleeding especially when it is done by inexperience examiner without a guiding instructor (Thompson et al, 1994).…”

Etablierung eines Skills Labs in der Tiermedizin in Deutschland

“…Not all models and simulators provide sufficient feedback to allow them to replace conventional classes. Clinical training on patients and the interrelation between complex clinical processes cannot be taught in a skills lab or by using simulators alone [34], [35]. On the other hand, the use of models in structured learning concepts for the acquisition of practical competences is highly suited for incorporation in skills lab training.…”

Modern techniques of teaching bovine rectal palpation: opportunities, benefits and disadvantages of new educational devices

“…The results improved over time, and were significantly better in categories 3, 4 and 5, than in category 1. Although all the students who had examined between 100 and 200 cows had no difficulty with locating the cervix, uterus and ovaries, they had problems with interpreting the changes diagnosed within the examined organs, which suggests that even examining 200 cows is not enough to reach the full level of specialist skills (9). Field observations indicate that diagnoses made by veterinarians with vast experience quite possibly -in relation to a selected ovarian structure -carries a high risk of error (17,19,25).…”

“…The benefits of such a teaching model based on a simulation of real-life conditions were described by Baille et al (4,5). Broader research on using the Breed'nBetsy simulation package was conducted by Bossaert et al (9). In the first experiment, palpation skills of eight students were practiced on live animals (group A), while the skills of nine students were practiced with the use of a Breed'sBetsy simulation package (group B).…”

“…The obtained findings have confirmed that a virtual model may serve as a useful tool in teaching transrectal palpation (34). In another study (9), a group of students had the opportunity to participate in a training course in rectal palpation using live cows in combination with a simulation model. The students achieved much better results in in vivo palpation than students who had only trained on live cows.…”