Murdoch Veterinary Students Use VR Tools for Equine Care
By integrating immersive virtual reality (VR) into its curriculum, Murdoch University is revolutionizing how veterinary students acquire high-risk clinical skills. This new VR tool allows students to master equine radiography safely, bypassing the traditional risks associated with live animals and radiation exposure.
The Challenge of Equine Care
Lameness, often caused by musculoskeletal pain in the joints or tendons, is a frequent issue in veterinary practice. Diagnosing it requires precise radiographs of a horse’s legs—a process that’s notoriously difficult to teach. Traditionally, students have had limited hands-on opportunities because of strict radiation safety laws and the unpredictable nature of working with large animals.
A Safe, Virtual Solution
Developed through a collaboration between the School of Veterinary Medicine and the School of Information Technology, the VR environment addresses these hurdles directly. Dr. Annett Annandale, a lecturer in clinical skills, notes that traditional training carries risks of injury or poor imaging, which leads to unnecessary radiation exposure. The VR simulation offers several key benefits:
Risk-Free Practice – Students can refine their techniques without the danger of being stepped on or kicked by a 500-kilogram horse.
Immediate Feedback – The system includes practice and assessment modes to build confidence.
Realistic Consequences – To teach situational awareness, the virtual horse will actually kick if a student stands in a dangerous zone.
Student-Led Innovation
The technology was largely built by third-year IT students as part of their capstone projects. Under the guidance of Lecturer Robert Herne, the teams used Unity and Meta Quest headsets to create a sophisticated, gamified educational experience. This initiative was further supported by the Immersive Learning Technologies team, which specializes in integrating extended reality (XR) into university classrooms.
Looking Ahead
Set for a full rollout in 2026 for fourth-year veterinary students, this project highlights Murdoch University’s commitment to experiential learning. It serves as a flagship example of how spatial computing and interactive design can solve complex training challenges in healthcare and science.
About the Murdoch Veterinary Program
As a Murdoch veterinary student, you’ll learn real-world skills in state-of-the-art facilities that include veterinary teaching hospitals, clinics, and a working farm—all located on the Perth campus. You’ll extend your experience with all species of animals by completing placements with animal shelters, the Perth Zoo, and a wide range of farms and veterinary practices, both in Australia and internationally, including training in wildlife, exotic pet and conservation medicine.
Program: Bachelor of Science / Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Location: Perth, Western Australia
Semester intake: February
Duration: 4 – 5 years*
Application deadline: Candidates are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible.
*Applicants with prior university study in a relevant field may be eligible for advanced standing, with up to 1 year of credit toward entry into second year. This pathway allows completion of the veterinary degree in 4 – 4.5 years. Please reach out to vet@oztrekk.com to learn more about this option.
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