Veterinary care has advanced considerably in the last few decades and it is likely to advance further as newer technologies and innovations find their way into both human and veterinary healthcare. Continue reading to find out how veterinary care has become more high tech as well as the benefits and potential downsides this has for our pets.
Changes in Veterinary care – how has it become more high tech?
Over the last few decades, veterinary care has advanced significantly thank to ongoing research, modern diagnostic equipment, innovative laboratory tests and the development of new medicines. For readers familiar with the James Herriot books, or for those who have been owned pets for many years, the advancement of veterinary treatment is more apparent but what has changed behind the scenes?
During the last 20 years, since I’ve been working in practice, there have been many changes, far too many to list! Even during a short maternity leave, new medicines had become available and new pieces of equipment had been introduced in our practice. Veterinary care is a fast moving field.
Focusing on first opinion, general practice some of the main areas of advancing care include:
Laboratory work
The first practice I worked in didn’t have in-house laboratory machines. Historically some practices may have had basic laboratory equipment but most samples such as blood, urine, faeces, tissues and swabs away to external Veterinary Laboratories for analysis. Today, more advanced, in-house lab machines able to give rapid, almost immediate results have become commonplace and we are continually able to test for and monitor more diseases using both in-house equipment and external laboratories.
Diagnostic imaging
Early x-ray machines were bulky and could be quite a challenge to get the machine and the patient into position for optimum views, x-ray films were developed manually in a dark room. Then came floating tables making patient positioning so much easier and automatic processors speeding up the process of developing films. Now, most general practices have digital x-ray producing high quality images instantly on computer. Specialist dental x-ray equipment is also becoming more commonplace in first opinion practice. Ultrasound technology has improved greatly offering clearer images and although most first opinion practices don’t yet have MRI or CT, pets can be referred for more advanced imaging.
Advanced treatments and higher standards of care
Referral to veterinary specialists or advanced practitioners for treatments such as complex orthopaedic surgery, intensive medical care and second opinions for challenging conditions has also become quite routine, whereas historically options for referral were limited. Some practices now offer the option of minimally invasive (laparoscopic) surgery for pets and many vets in general practice have undergone further training to specialise in certain areas.
Registered Veterinary Nurses have become an essential part of the team, ensuring your pet is getting a high standard of professional nursing care. In the past, many practices used unqualified “lay staff”. Advances in anaesthesia and pain relief along with more advanced anaesthetic monitoring equipment mean that pets are safer undergoing surgery than ever before as well having better pain management and quicker recoveries.
Medical advances
The development of new drugs and/or specialised therapeutic diets for medical conditions including osteoarthritis, heart disease, renal disease, diabetes and allergies mean that long term conditions can be treated and manged more successfully, for longer. Veterinary oncology has progressed with chemotherapy and cancer treatments becoming more widely available.
Digital Practice
Artificial intelligence is making its way into the veterinary industry; being used to assist with diagnostic analysis or transcribing notes during consultations. Pet wearables, such as smart collars are a relatively recent innovation that can monitor activity and health, these may be useful in the management of chronic conditions. Telemedicine which took off during COVID-19 remains a useful avenue of communication and care. IT systems and Practice management software have become more sophisticated and often cloud based for improved accessibility.
What are the benefits of high-tech vet care?
Medical and technological advances mean that it’s possible to diagnose and treat more conditions than ever before. The range of diagnostic tools such as advanced imaging and laboratory testing continues to grow meaning that problems are identified earlier and/or with more accuracy. Long term conditions can be monitored more precisely. Medical and surgical conditions that were once difficult to detect and/or treat can now be diagnosed and managed with confidence.
Ongoing developments in veterinary medicine mean that more conditions can be treated or that treatments are becoming more targeted, more effective with fewer adverse side effects. The range of treatment options and monitoring available means that care can be tailored to each individual pet improving quality of life using the latest technology and specialised equipment and techniques mean that more advanced surgeries and medical procedures are now possible with higher standards of care throughout. Safer, modern anaesthetic drugs and improved monitoring have led to better outcomes, higher survival rates and faster recovery times. Pain management for pets both during and after surgery as well as for ongoing chronic conditions has improved significantly helping keep pets more comfortable.
Are there downsides of high-tech vet care?
As well as diagnostic machines, anaesthetic equipment and monitoring devices, there are a plethora of gadgets and gizmos in today’s veterinary practice, all designed to enhance patient care. Although advances in veterinary medicine have improved the standards of care for pets, this all comes at an increased cost. Investing in this equipment, maintaining it as well as the ongoing staff training required doesn’t come cheap leading to rising costs. Many pet owners have been concerned about the costs of pet ownership and veterinary care. The recent CMA investigation has put the spotlight on veterinary fees.
As well as increased costs, another potential downside of high tech or more advanced treatment involves ethical considerations. Modern medicine can often extend a pet’s life but it’s important to consider their quality of life. Although a treatment may be possible, it can be extremely difficult to decide whether to pursue treatment or when it may be kinder to stop.
In addition to the cost of one-off procedures, managing long term conditions can place a financial burden on pet owners. It’s important to openly discuss all options with your vet making sure that treatment decisions are right for you and your pet.
As with all online and digital based systems there is the potential for problems associated with data security, practice management systems and protocols are designed to help keep your data protected.
Conclusion
Veterinary care has certainly become more high tech and the advantages such as earlier and more accurate diagnoses, safer and more effective medical treatments, improved surgical techniques, higher overall standards of care are clearly beneficial.
However, more advanced options can also come with higher costs and it’s important that decisions are based on what is right for each individual pet’s wellbeing, as well as the owner’s circumstances. Your Vet can help you understand your options available and discuss the benefits and limitations so that the right choice can be made for you and your pet.
Further reading and related articles
Veterinary advanced imaging – why do so many vets have CT and so few have MRI?
Final CMA report into veterinary pricing: What it means for you and your vet practice
Just because we can does it mean we should? How to talk about your ethical standpoint with your vet.
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