Research

Research foci

The Division of Veterinary Anatomy investigates the functional morphology of organs, tissues, cells and subcellular structures. The group's  goal is to contribute to the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, with the research organized around two main priorities:

1. Cellular mechanisms of normal and artificial skin and blood vessels in different animal species -  under physiological conditions and after exposure to therapeutic substances or pathogens.
2. Interdisciplinary research in collaboration with other sub-disciplines of the Vetsuisse Faculty as well as with other faculties and institutions.

In addition, the division focuses on the development and application of microscopic techniques, including scanning and transmission electron microscopy, wide-field, confocal, and high-throughput microscopy, supplemented by machine learning methods.

The division actively promotes young scientists by supervising master's, doctoral, PhD, and postdoctoral projects.

Adoption of augmented reality (AR) in veterinary anatomy

To provide flexible anatomy study based on defined learning aims, augmented reality teaching units with realistic animal models are developed through continuous user feedback. Learning progress is tracked by self-tests.

AR in der Veterinär-Anatomie

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The team of Veterinary Anatomy, in collaboration with the Institute of Medical Education, develops innovative AR learning units based on original animal CT data, creating a direct link to clinical imaging. The modules are didactically structured, aligned with clearly defined learning objectives, and include self-assessment tests. Student feedback on usability and user experience is continuously collected and directly integrated into ongoing development. Learning outcomes achieved with AR are compared to those from conventional teaching using preserved specimens.

Up to now, practical anatomy teaching in veterinary medicine has mainly relied on preserved animal specimens, whose procurement is labor-intensive and whose availability for students remains limited. Through the systematic integration of innovative AR learning units, a forward-looking, flexible, and sustainable approach is now being established that modernizes practical anatomical training.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Canine Skin: microanatomical analysis across different body regions

This project investigates whether the distribution pattern of canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) is linked to region dependent anatomical variations in healthy canine skin. By performing a systematic, quantitative morphological analysis across multiple body locations, the study explores how regional variations in epidermal and dermal architecture may be associated to barrier dysfunction and susceptibility to inflammation.

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Canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) is a frequent chronic inflammatory skin disease with a well-defined predilection distribution pattern. While immunological and environmental factors are known contributors, growing evidence suggests that the structural properties of the skin barrier itself may play a key role in regional disease expression. However, detailed quantitative reference data on normal canine skin morphology remain limited.

This project aims to establish a comprehensive baseline of healthy canine skin and to examine associations between region-dependent skin characteristics and CAD prevalence. Skin biopsies from clinically healthy dogs have been collected from seven anatomical regions of interest. Using histological morphometric analyses, the study quantifies epidermal thickness, epidermal stratification, dermo-epidermal interface morphology, and dermal vascularization.

We hypothesize that anatomical regions with a high prevalence of CAD display distinct structural features compared to low-prevalence areas, and that these differences may predispose certain sites to impaired barrier function and inflammatory responses.

Publications

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