Evolution of Veterinary Anatomy Education: A Paradigm Shift from Dissection to Digitalization via 3D Visualizations, 3D Reconstructions, and 3D Models

Veterinary anatomy education is crucial in shaping the future of budding veterinary professionals. It has evolved significantly in terms of its teaching pedagogies with a shift from routine traditional methods to a new era of teaching. This has been possible with the upsurge of technological interventions in anatomy, especially in virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). The inclusion of AR and VR has transformed the teaching and learning in veterinary anatomy into an era of hybrid education. The intervention and application of these innovative technologies have enabled learners to visualize and perform dissections via the virtual interface, thereby substituting actual dissections with digital dissections. These technologies provide an alternative to animal dissections and thus safeguard ethical considerations. Due to the scarcity of animals to be euthanized for dissection and the associated ethical considerations, cadaveric dissections are being supplemented or replaced with alternative methods of three-dimensional (3D) visualizations such as computed tomography (CT) or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). These images can be utilized to reconstruct a complete 3D virtual model of anatomical parts and structures, including the less accessible ones. These 3D reconstructions from 3D visualizations have been made possible by the use of various software programs with the expansion of the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in anatomy. The use of the digital interface in anatomy and its amalgamation with 3D printing technology has revolutionized veterinary anatomy teaching and learning. 3D printing technology is a boon for learners in this era as it can convert any organ or bone structure into its replica 3D model. By utilizing 3D reconstruction data, a 3D model of any anatomical structure can be developed from a live animal without actually euthanizing the animal for studying anatomy. Veterinary anatomy teaching has also evolved in terms of fixative-free cadaver dissections using various methods such as plastination and the glycerin method of preservation. The integration of clay modeling in veterinary anatomy is being increasingly explored as a novel way to enhance creativity, critical skills, and the hand-on learning experience by students.