Abstract

An interactive, user-friendly training program has been developed to provide computer-based instruction in fish anatomy and necropsy techniques. The techniques illustrated are appropriate as adjunct tools in aquatic pathologic and toxicologic research, as well as fisheries management. This software program, FishGuts^TM, is authored in Macromedia Director and is intended for students and professionals who need to review fish anatomy and standard necropsy protocols. Rainbow trout and channel catfish are used as necropsy models to illustrate basic internal and external anatomy. Additional species are included to show interspecies variation. The program is interactive and contains digitized sound, narration, color photographs, micrographs and full motion movies. Users can observe all aspects of a diagnostic examination including case history, gross necropsy, examination of digitized glass slides and preparation of final reports. Aspects of software production will be discussed, and FishGuts version 1.0 will be demonstrated. This project has been supported, in part, by an award from the Designated Research Initiative Fund (DRIF), Office of the President, University of Maryland at Baltimore, The Office of Program Development, Department of Pathology, University of Maryland at Baltimore, and a Program Development Award from Maryland Sea Grant.

Background

Emphasis at the University of Maryland's Aquatic Pathobiology Center is on aquatic pathology and toxicology as it relates to Chesapeake Bay and the environment. Our efforts focus on the effects of physicochemical parameters and xenobiotic stressors, aquaculture, fish and amphibian health, and fish as models of human disease. Over the years, our laboratory has seen hundreds of diagnostic cases, with animals (mostly fish) from public aquaria, state fish hatcheries, ornamental fish breeders, hobbyists, pet shops and other research laboratories. Because of this vast breadth of clients, we have seen a great diversity of diagnostic cases. It became apparent that a multimedia training module would be an excellent vehicle to present a "hands-on" introduction to fish anatomy and the art of necropsy science, and that our database would serve as appropriate subject matter for storyboard development. As a training tool, this program could instruct off-site fish health managers, new interns, technicians, and graduate and veterinary students, and reduce the learning curve for doing first-time necropsies.

The Fishguts Program

Use of a multimedia application like FishGuts cannot substitute for gaining actual necropsy experience. However, the software does offer a good (fun) review of general fish anatomy and standard fish necropsy protocols. The screen layouts and banjo music help keep the user going through several hours of the program (less time if you choose not to read all the screens or venture into the "information buttons"). The FishGuts software is divided up into five navigable sections, each with separate subsections. These sections include:

Section 1: About FishGuts

 How to use the program (an animated narrative) Program credits and resources (including bibliography)

Section 2: Anatomy

 Differences worth knowing (special sense organs, poisonous and dangerous fish, intraspecific differences)

 External anatomy (channel catfish model)

 Internal anatomy (rainbow trout, bluegill and channel catfish models)

Section 3: Necropsy

 External examination (non-lethal methods to examine a fish including anesthesia, general observations, skin scrape, gill biopsy, blood sampling, hematocrit and plasma protein, and gill function animations)

 Internal examination (sacrifice, systematic methods to dissect all organ systems and take samples for preservation and histopathology)

Section 4: Taking a case history

 This section deals with taking an organized case history specifically regarding fish.

Section 5: Sample Cases

 Weedy Sea Dragon

 Channel catfish

 Toadfish

Users learn how to use the program in the first section, and may utilize bibliographic information on fish anatomy, physiology and pathology. Once basic navigation skiffs are developed, the user moves on to learn about fish anatomy. The use of interactive "rollovers"' becomes apparent in the "Anatomy" section. By rolling the mouse cursor over the external and internal characteristics, users may identify the different anatomical features (Figure 1). A magnifying glass tool provides a close-up view of internal anatomical features. The section "Taking a Case History" reviews the collection of pertinent information to keep in mind while taking a relevant account of an animals' recent background (including water quality and animal- and tank-specific observations). The next section, "Necropsy," is comprised of over 50 QuickTime movies which allow the user to view an actual necropsy of a rainbow trout. QuickTime movies permit the user full viewing control over movies, including stop action, frame advance, fast forward and rewind. Internal and external necropsy subsections systematically go through sampling procedures for all organ systems. After the first four sections, the informed user can proceed to go through several different sample cases. The sample cases are presented with a case history and results of examination procedures. Results include skin scrapes, gill biopsies and gut scrapes for parasites, histopathology, bacteriology, and parasitology (there is a movie of each of the parasites found, with information on parasite taxonomy and the ecological relationship with the host). A final diagnosis is presented for the user to compare their observations with.

System requirements for running the FishGuts software (as with many multimedia applications) include access to a Macintosh or Intel-based computer (running Microsoft Windows with a CD-ROM drive, 8 MB RAM QuickTime (software to run the movies), and a 14" color monitor (640 x 480 pixels or greater). Most Macintosh computers with a CD-ROM drive are probably already "multimedia smart," and ready to use. For IBM-like computers, a sound board and video card are required to take advantage of the audio and movie portions of the program. In general, as with all multimedia CD-ROMS, more RAM and faster clock speeds offer smoother program operation (particularly the movies).

At the time of this account, the FishGuts program, version 1.0, has been mastered and a cross platform (i.e., hybrid disk for both Macintosh and Windows) version should be available for distribution at the time of this 1997 meeting of the IAAAM (estimated cost $179 US). For additional information send email to: akane@umabnet.ab.umd.edu or contact Andrew Kane at the University of Maryland's Aquatic Pathobiology Center (410) 706-7230.

Figure 1. An interactive rollover screen from the "Internal Anatomy" subsection of FishGuts. Rolling the mouse cursor over the different organs reveals the anatomical features in an information box. By clicking and holding down with the mouse cursor, a movable magnifying tool (not shown) enlarges the view.

Acknowledgements

Collaborators on the FishGuts project included Sarah Poynton (parasitology), Robert Gray and Susan Zahorcak (multimedia design and programming), Bruce Molsky "old-time" banjo), John Seebode and Victor Martin (video), David Carter and Steve Barkley (multimedia consulting) and David Cone, Howard Evans, John Gratzek, George Graul, Eric May, and Robert Reinert (additional media contributions and support). FishGuts was supported, in part, by a Presidential DRIF Award (University of Maryland at Baltimore), Benjamin Trump and The Office of Program Development (Department of Pathology, University of Maryland School of Medicine), The Office of Medical Education (University of Maryland School of Medicine), and a Program Development Award from Maryland Sea Grant.