Non-animal methods are often associated with high-tech solutions, but it’s not always the case. ATLA is running a special collection on Humane Teaching Approaches, and our authors are showing how vision and imagination can trump high-tech or costly solutions when it comes to animal replacement.

Making use of what we already have

Simulator training is widespread and a good learning tool — training can be standardised and optimised to the specific needs of the students and the skills they’re developing. In the case of veterinary training skills, simulators of varying complexity already exist, but their high cost is prohibitive for institutions in many countries.

This is where knowledge of the skills to be learnt and creativity can play a huge role. Mattheus Cruz and his team from Brazil described how they constructed a simulator with easily sourced components, such as different types of rubber, cold porcelain clay, surgical drains, slime and fabric, so that veterinary students could practice standard urinary system veterinary procedures on the simulator rather than on animal cadavers.¹

Cruz shared that simulators often have “unfeasible costs for many realities around the world. So, this simulator was developed with more accessible materials, like conventional drains and silicones that are simple to use to make it possible to be made for a wide range of learning institutes.”

Another example of a low-cost simulator was provided by a team from Mexico, who developed a textile-based simulator where veterinary students could practice skills necessary for a spaying procedure. This simulator was mostly built with latex sheets, fabric and wool yarn.²

Innovation vs money

Student feedback was positive in both cases, as simulators can give them the confidence they need before conducting veterinary work on an animal.

These examples illustrate that animal replacement can be achieved independently of technological advances and costly tools.

References:

1. Cruz MBG, et al. An accessible nephrectomy and cystotomy simulator for small animal surgical teaching. Altern Lab Anim. 2024 Jul; 52(4): 214-223.
2. García González M, et al. Assessment of a low-cost canine uterine simulator as a tool for teaching the ovariohysterectomy technique to veterinary students. Altern Lab Anim. 2024 Nov; 52(6): 316-325.