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Embracing AI in Veterinary Practice: A Balanced Perspective

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The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into various sectors, including veterinary medicine, presents both challenges and opportunities. This article, penned by Dr. Kate Echeverria, delves into how veterinary professionals can thoughtfully adopt and contribute to AI advancements, ensuring technology serves the best interests of animal health and client education. It emphasizes the importance of veterinary input in AI development to prevent misinformation and enhance the efficiency of practice operations and client communication.

Revolutionizing Pet Care: The Veterinary-AI Synergy

The Emergence of AI in Veterinary Medicine: A Vet's Perspective

Artificial intelligence has permeated numerous facets of contemporary existence, and its presence in veterinary science is no exception. This juncture offers veterinarians a pivotal opportunity to influence the direction of technological integration within their professional sphere. Without active participation from veterinary professionals in the development of AI tools and client-facing resources, the narrative and utility of these innovations risk being dictated by consumer technology companies.

Navigating AI Adoption: Overcoming Skepticism and Fostering Trust

Initially, I harbored significant reservations about AI's potential impact on our field. However, maintaining an open mind and delving deeper into its capabilities proved transformative. Through insightful guidance from experienced advisors, I've gained a clearer understanding of how AI can bolster our profession, alongside recognizing areas demanding caution.

A notable shift has been the increasing desire among pet owners to be more informed and engaged in their pets' well-being. While this might seem daunting to some, I view it as a positive development, encouraging more proactive and knowledgeable pet guardianship. The key challenge lies in directing pet owners towards credible information sources.

Many pet owners consult online platforms like ChatGPT and general search engines for symptoms and medication information, often encountering inaccurate or misleading content. It is imperative for veterinarians to guide clients toward resources specifically designed with veterinary oversight, featuring built-in safeguards to monitor information accuracy. I've frequently observed owners becoming unduly alarmed post-online searches, leading to anxious consultations. My aim is to mitigate such incidents by providing reliable, veterinarian-approved resources.

Empowering Vets: Essential Involvement in AI Tool Development

A female veterinarian checks the vitals of a horse.
Image credit: Dr. Echeverria

AI has already brought forth innovative solutions to the veterinary workplace, from transcription services to radiographic analysis tools. It is crucial for us to diligently assess these tools, ensuring their proper development with essential input from veterinary professionals. The comfort level with AI tools in practice is a personal decision, yet many veterinary organizations, including the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM), have established AI task forces. These groups are dedicated to exploring and educating members on the effective and responsible use of AI.

The September 2026 edition of Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice will spotlight Artificial Intelligence in Small Animal Veterinary Medicine, featuring articles on how professionals can evaluate, integrate, and contribute to AI-based solutions. The term 'contribute' is paramount here. Veterinarians must be involved in creating these tools to ensure their efficiency and appropriate application. While the focus is primarily on veterinary use of AI, the client aspect in pet healthcare is equally vital, as pet owners increasingly seek information to play a more active role in their pets' health.

A recent incident illustrated this point. A horse required two medications typically not co-administered, but necessitated by two distinct diagnoses. I thoroughly discussed the treatment plan, potential side effects, and my past successful experiences with the owner, who also consulted with the regular veterinarian, receiving full agreement. Despite this, after administering the medications, the owner panicked, having found conflicting information online suggesting severe adverse reactions. This situation highlighted the pitfalls of unverified online sources. After clarifying the correct guidance, I recommended a veterinarian-informed resource designed with proper safeguards, emphasizing the importance of trusted information.

AI's Role in Streamlining Veterinary Records and Enhancing Owner Engagement

One area ripe for AI assistance in veterinary medicine is the management of pet medical records. Currently, there's no universal "My Chart" system for pets, making comprehensive record access challenging. Owners often struggle to recall vital health information. Pet technology solutions that allow owners or veterinarians to consolidate health records, lab results, and vaccination histories, and then share this data, are invaluable. Such systems would be particularly beneficial in urgent care or emergency situations, offering veterinarians an immediate overview of a pet's health. For competition horses, these AI offerings could provide instant access to health records for new veterinary teams on the road.

Certain AI tools can organize this information efficiently, allowing veterinarians to quickly review essential data without sifting through years of records.

Many pet AI applications also empower owners to log observations and changes in their pets over time, furnishing veterinarians with valuable insights. These tools educate pet owners, enabling them to ask pertinent questions and engage more meaningfully during appointments. The overarching goal isn't to replace veterinarians but to empower pet owners, fostering a stronger link between home care and clinical practice. Informed owners are also more likely to understand the value of diagnostic tests, leading to better compliance.

A female veterinarian examines a horse.
Image credit: Dr. Echeverria

As veterinary professionals, we must proactively educate our clients on which AI resources are reliable and which lack professional endorsement. While determining our individual comfort with new AI tools for daily workflow is important, we also have a responsibility to contribute to their evolution and provide feedback. Veterinary medicine should lead in establishing best practices for AI tools used by both veterinarians and pet owners, a role many organizations like AVMA are already undertaking. Sustained involvement is key.

Ultimately, both veterinarians and pet owners share the common goal of ensuring happy, healthy companion animals. I urge my colleagues to seize this opportunity by exploring available AI tools and resources, helping to establish ethical guidelines, and identifying solutions that align with sound veterinary practice. Most crucially, let us guide our clients toward trustworthy information.

I envision a future where veterinarians, clients, and AI collaborate seamlessly to deliver optimal healthcare for pets.

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2026 "They Ate What?!" X-ray Contest Unveils Remarkable Veterinary Cases

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For two decades, the "They Ate What?!" X-ray Contest has consistently revealed the extraordinary and often perplexing situations encountered in veterinary practice. Each year, it underscores the boundless surprises that keep this field endlessly fascinating, demonstrating that every new patient arrival holds the potential for a truly unique diagnostic challenge. These cases, ranging from animals with peculiar dietary habits to the unwavering commitment of veterinary teams and pet owners, serve as a powerful reminder that the unexpected remains a constant, integral part of their daily work.

Beyond the sheer entertainment these remarkable radiographic images provide, the deeper narrative lies in the subsequent actions taken by dedicated professionals. Behind every astonishing X-ray is a team of veterinarians and support staff who apply meticulous, creative, and expert care. Their collective efforts are focused on accurately diagnosing, effectively treating, and compassionately supporting each patient. It is these innovative methodologies, collaborative spirit, and the positive health outcomes achieved that truly merit recognition and make these compelling cases worthy of broader dissemination.

The discerning panel of judges for this year's contest comprised several distinguished experts in the veterinary field. Dr. Robin Downing, a DVM, MS, DBe, DAAPM, DACVSMR, and hospital director at The Downing Center for Animal Pain Management, brought her extensive knowledge in pain management and physical rehabilitation. Jennifer Serling, CVT, RVT, BVSc, AAS, VTES, an editorial advisory board member for Veterinary Practice News and director of the Appalachian State University Veterinary Technology Program, offered her valuable insights. Dr. Kendra Freeman, DVM, MS, DACVS, an associate surgeon and frequent contributor to Veterinary Practice News, also lent her expertise. Additionally, Dr. Erica Tramuta-Drobnis, VMD, MPH, CPH, CEO and founder of ELTD One Health Consulting, LLC, contributed her public health and emergency veterinary perspectives. Rounding out the panel was Dr. Greg Bishop, DVM, a small animal veterinarian and veterinary technology instructor known for his "Client Speak" column and "The Lighter Side" cartoons.

As you explore the results of this year's competition, prepare to be captivated by the ingenuity and dedication displayed in addressing these extraordinary veterinary challenges. Each entry is a testament to the ongoing advancements and compassionate care that define modern animal health.

The "They Ate What?!" X-ray contest continues to be a highlight, illustrating the perpetual novelty within veterinary medicine. It consistently brings to light unusual instances of foreign object ingestion, emphasizing the necessity for innovative diagnostic approaches and dedicated treatment strategies. The contest not only entertains but also highlights the critical thinking and specialized skills possessed by veterinary professionals who tackle these often bizarre and life-threatening situations, showcasing the extraordinary commitment required to safeguard animal welfare.

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Understanding and Alleviating Canine Flatulence at Home

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Persistent flatulence in dogs, though often a source of humor, can indicate underlying health issues. While occasional gas is normal, frequent occurrences, especially when paired with loose stools, warrant closer inspection. This guide delves into the common culprits behind canine flatulence and outlines effective strategies for at-home management to enhance your dog's digestive well-being. Understanding these factors is key to providing relief and ensuring your furry friend's comfort.

One primary contributor to canine flatulence is diet. Just like humans, dogs can develop sensitivities to certain food ingredients. For example, some dogs might react negatively to specific carbohydrates like potatoes, leading to significant digestive upset and gas. Identifying and eliminating such triggers through a careful dietary assessment can dramatically improve a dog's condition. Furthermore, a dog's eating habits play a crucial role. Rapid ingestion of food, common in fast eaters, often results in the dog gulping down excessive air, which subsequently needs to be expelled. This issue is particularly prevalent in brachycephalic breeds, such as Pugs and Bulldogs, whose unique facial anatomy predisposes them to greater air intake when breathing and eating. Beyond diet and eating speed, lifestyle factors like insufficient exercise and being overweight can also contribute to increased gas production in dogs.

To mitigate gas caused by rapid eating, several home-based solutions are available. Slow feeders, designed to make dogs work harder for their food, can significantly reduce the speed of consumption and thereby minimize air intake. Alternatively, adding large, clean rocks to a standard food bowl can achieve a similar effect, forcing the dog to eat around them, though care must be taken to ensure the rocks are too large to be swallowed. Snuffle mats offer another engaging option for dry food, encouraging dogs to forage for kibble, which naturally slows down their mealtime. For households with multiple dogs, separating them during feeding times can also help, as competition can drive dogs to eat faster. Addressing food sensitivities is another vital step; if certain dairy products or other ingredients are found to cause issues, removing them from the diet is essential. Additionally, considering the introduction of probiotics, such as FortiFlora or Royal Canin's Probiotic, can support a healthy gut microbiome and potentially reduce gas. However, if changes in diet or the use of probiotics do not alleviate the symptoms, or if gas is accompanied by other distressing signs like diarrhea, a consultation with a veterinarian is strongly recommended to rule out more serious health concerns.

Ultimately, managing canine flatulence requires a keen eye for detail and a determined approach to identifying the underlying causes. By observing your dog's eating patterns, analyzing their diet, and making appropriate adjustments, you can often pinpoint and avoid the factors that trigger excessive gas. This proactive strategy not only provides immediate relief for your pet but also contributes to their long-term digestive health and overall comfort.

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