Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a distant concept reserved for the future—it’s here, and it’s shaping veterinary medicine in ways that are both exciting and transformative. From improving client communication to aiding in diagnostic accuracy, AI is becoming a valuable tool that is being embraced in veterinary practices around the world. But, like any new technology, AI comes with its own set of challenges and questions.
Veterinary software is advancing faster than a Labrador racing toward a dropped French fry. Gone are the days of “Is it in the cloud?” confusion. The most significant shift has been the migration of patient information management systems (PIMS) and electronic medical records (EMR) to the cloud, making data more accessible and easier to manage.
Alongside that, client-centered apps are drastically improving communication and engagement between clinics and clients, while AI is providing decision support for complex diagnoses.
Now we have:
Let’s start with a simple but powerful example: Imagine you’re trying to explain a complex condition like Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) to a client, and it’s clear the medical jargon is just not landing. A veterinarian named Dr. Kate McDaniel shared her story of using ChatGPT to create a basketball analogy for a client who struggled to understand his cat’s DKA diagnosis. Using AI, Dr. McDaniel was able to bridge the communication gap, helping the client grasp the condition through terms they were familiar with.
This is the beauty of AI—it doesn’t replace the veterinarian but rather enhances communication, improves understanding, and strengthens the client relationship.
AI isn’t about replacing the veterinarian’s expertise (don’t worry, that degree and mountain of student debt wasn’t all for nothing). It’s about freeing up your time.
AI Use Cases:
Scribe and Automated SOAP → AI-driven modules that convert spoken consultations into text, cutting down on manual note-taking.
Summarize patient records → Tools that compile details from multiple visits into concise overviews, saving time during case reviews.
Differentials Support → Suggests potential diagnoses based on clinical signs and data, assisting veterinarians in quickly narrowing down complex cases.
Intake Assistance → Automated workflows that gather essential client and patient information before appointments, reducing front-desk workload.
Analyze documents and images → Automated parsing that extracts key insights from research papers, lab reports, or imaging, simplifying interpretation.
Radiology Assistance → AI-powered systems like Radimal or SignalPet can analyze radiographs to aid veterinarians in reading X-rays, freeing up more time for the vet to focus on patient care.
Client Discharge Summaries → Quickly generating clear, understandable summaries of treatment plans for clients.
Client Education Resources → AI can draft educational materials on common conditions tailored to specific client demographics.
Wearables & Monitoring → Continuous data collection from smart collars or activity trackers, alerting veterinarians to subtle changes in health or behavior.
Telehealth Triage → Chatbots and symptom checkers that guide clients in determining whether urgent care is needed, easing call volumes.
Inventory Management → Predictive algorithms that track supply levels and reorder items proactively, minimizing stockouts and wasted products.
Histology, Parasitology → Intelligent image recognition systems that help detect and classify microscopic structures for faster, more accurate diagnostics.
AI in veterinary medicine isn’t a magic fix; it comes with its own set of challenges. A recent survey found that vets are most concerned about accuracy, data security, and lack of proper training. Makes sense. In an industry where human expertise is everything, no one wants to rely on a technology that might miss the mark.
One of AI’s biggest hurdles? Hallucinations and confabulations. Basically, it sometimes makes things up. Sounds confident, looks legit, but can be totally wrong. While AI is getting smarter every day, this is still a reason for skepticism.
AI has potential, but it’s not perfect—and that’s exactly why training, oversight, and smart adoption matter.
Not all AI tools are created equal, and not all are suitable for every practice. It’s important to evaluate AI solutions carefully before integrating them into your clinic. Here are some key questions to ask when considering an AI tool:
Being informed about the tool’s capabilities and limitations will help you make better decisions on whether it’s the right fit for your practice.to existential dread, you’re already ahead of the curve.
AI in veterinary medicine isn’t a pipe dream; it’s more like that friend who shows up at your party and ends up DJ-ing. We’re seeing AI move from a “nice-to-have” technology to an essential tool in the modern veterinary practice. As AI technology continues to evolve, we can expect more advanced tools that improve efficiency, enhance diagnostics, and, most importantly, save time for veterinary professionals.
A few exciting areas of growth include:
For example, companies like Furbo and Maven are already creating AI-powered tools that allow pet owners to monitor their pets at home. These tools are evolving from simple treat dispensers to sophisticated early screening devices that alert owners (and veterinarians) to potential issues like increased urination or behavioral changes.
AI-Powered Pain Detection for Cats → Sylvester.ai uses facial recognition technology to assess feline pain levels in real time. By analyzing subtle facial cues, it helps both pet owners and veterinarians catch health issues early and improve care quality.
With automated scheduling and AI-powered diagnostics, the tools being developed today are shaping the future of vet med. The clinics that lean into AI now? They’ll be the ones setting the standard for efficiency, accuracy, and better patient care down the line.
AI in vet med is about empowerment, not about handing over your stethoscope to a digital overlord. It sharpens communication, lifts the burden of repetitive tasks, and keeps clients from being lost in translation. You’re still the hero in the white coat; the machine just helps you avoid drowning in the paperwork.
If you’re curious about how AI can fit into your practice without throwing you into a sci-fi meltdown, schedule a demo with Digitail. We’ll prove AI can be your veterinary intelligence partner and new best friend (or at least a reliable sidekick) for better communication, improved patient care, and fewer headaches.
(No humans were harmed—or replaced—during the making of this blog.)
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