Objective: To predict readiness for laparoscopic ovariectomy of live dogs on the basis of performance on a high-fidelity laparoscopic abdominal simulator and to determine interrater reliability of the assessment.Study design: Experimental study. Sample population: Seventeen fourth-year veterinary students.Methods: After a standardized laparoscopic training course, each participant performed a laparoscopic ovariectomy with a simulator. This performance was scored in real time by two evaluators using a rubric. Participants achieving a score of 112 of 160 performed a laparoscopic ovariectomy in a live dog, supervised by an instructor in the room. Two evaluators scored video recordings of each procedure using the rubric. Participants' opinions about the simulator were collected with a survey.Results: All participants scored above the threshold (range, 126-151) and successfully completed laparoscopic ovariectomy in a live dog, with an average of 10 of 17 participants requiring verbal guidance and 5 of 17 participants requiring intervention from the instructor. Interrater concordance was excellent for the rubrics used to score performance on the simulator (R = 0.91) and in vivo (R = 0.81). All participants agreed that the simulator should be used to assess trainee readiness prior to surgery in a live dog. Conclusion:Participants achieving a score of at least 126 of 160 on the simulator were able to perform a laparoscopic ovariectomy in a live dog under supervision. The scoring system for the simulator had excellent interrater concordance. Clinical significance: This simulator and scoring system can be used in laparoscopic training programs to assess readiness for progression to the operative setting.

Summary Whole body vibration (WBV) has been used as an adjunctive therapy to improve the strength and size of paraspinal muscles as well as postural control in people with lower back pain. It has been proposed that activation of the m. multifidus plays a key role. As the function and anatomy of the m. multifidus in the horse is comparable to that in man, the authors investigated whether WBV might also be a valuable physiotherapeutic modality in horses. The effects of WBV on the cross‐sectional area (CSA) and left to right symmetry of the m. multifidus at various locations of the thoracolumbar spine of the horse was evaluated in a single‐subject quasi‐experimental time‐series design with repeated measure. Nine horses were subject to WBV, 30 min, twice daily, 5 days a week, for 60 days in addition to their regular exercise routine. The CSA of the left and right m. multifidus was measured ultrasonographically at four levels (T15–T16, T16–T17, T18–L1 and L1–L2) along the thoracolumbar spine at Days −30, 0, 30 and 60 of the study. Changes in the CSA and CSA symmetry (left to right) of the m. multifidus were analysed using nonparametric, repeated measures, comparison of mean ranks with post‐hoc analysis as necessary. A significant increase (P<0.05) in m. multifidus CSA was found at all spinal levels after 30 and 60 days of WBV and a statistically significant improvement in m. multifidus symmetry (becoming more symmetrical) was found after 60 days of WBV, indicating that WBV may be a valuable alternative to dynamic mobilisation exercises when an increase in size and improvement in left to right symmetry of the m. multifidus is sought.

With the recognition of shelter medicine as a sub-discipline of veterinary medicine, many veterinary programs are including clinical shelter experiences in their curricula. A concurrent mixed-methods study was designed with the aim to determine the effectiveness of a 4-week clinical shelter medicine program on students’ perception of canine and feline surgical proficiency and shelter medicine knowledge as well as gain information on student attitudes toward shelter medicine and interest in pursuing this career path. Year 4 veterinary students at Western University of Health Sciences who were enrolled in a shelter medicine externship from 2014 to 2016 were invited to complete pre- and post-course online surveys. Of the 168 enrolled students, 77.4% were invited to participate, and 114 completed the survey. There was no statistically significant difference in student veterinary career interest before and after completing the externship. There was an overall increase in student rating of their ability to perform six shelter medicine tasks as well as ovariohysterectomy/ovariectomy (OVH/OE) and castration surgeries after completing their externship; all were statistically significant ( p < .001). There was a statistically significant difference in the proportion of students who were familiar with the Asilomar Accords and the Association of Shelter Veterinarians (ASV) Guidelines for Standards of Care in Animal Shelters after completion of their externship ( p < .001). Students largely supported pediatric spay and neuter, stating it was an effective means of population control. Based on the themes that emerged from the qualitative analysis, it appeared most students had an accurate understanding of the term no-kill.