At the College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM), first- and second-year students are gaining practical experience with the help of volunteer dogs. These dogs, owned by CVM faculty, staff, or students, serve as live subjects for students to practice their clinical skills. Under the guidance of clinical faculty, residents, and interns, students perform comprehensive physical exams on the dogs.
To prepare for this, students attend lectures on dog handling and behavior, study dog physiology and anatomy, and review videos on conducting a physical exam. First-year student Sophie Ramirez believes that this program will enhance her readiness for future clinical work. She says it boosts confidence and provides valuable practice.
Students follow laminated checklists during the physical exams. One visual aid, for instance, shows how to assess a dog’s body condition and muscle condition by comparing it to photos of dogs at an ideal weight. Instructor Steve Friedenberg, an associate professor in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences (VCS), reviews techniques for conducting the comprehensive exam.