There is no escaping AI! It certainly feels like AI (artificial intelligence) is everywhere, stirring up mixed feelings. There is no doubt that AI is already influencing how people work, live, and communicate, with concern that AI will ‘take over’, making some human job roles redundant.
In this blog, I’m going to explore AI and its role in the veterinary industry, as well as explore the question ‘Will AI replace your vet?’.
What do we mean by AI?
AI, or artificial intelligence, is a field of computer science that involves computers and machines simulating elements of human thinking. This involves analysing data using algorithms or pattern recognition to produce possible outcomes and predictions. This enables technology to perform tasks that were once considered the domain of human intelligence, such as problem-solving, pattern recognition, decision-making, and (arguably) creativity.
AI can also ‘learn’ from new information given to it, as well as using previous data, to evolve the way it operates. Many AI systems can act independently without the need for human input or intervention, such as the technology being utilised in self-driving cars.
What are the benefits of AI?
There are many benefits to using AI, including:
- Creating automation of tasks that are repetitive – takes care of basic tasks and frees up staff to work on other things, like creative projects.
- Fewer human errors – AI handles a greater quantity of data, which can minimise errors, plus even the best human gets tired, hungry, or makes mistakes!
- A deeper insight and faster processing of data, which can improve decision-making – accurate predictions can be made using a wealth of data, which a human may struggle to process manually.
- 24-hour availability – providing consistency around the clock.
- A reduction in physical risks in certain scenarios – dangerous work like animal control or performing tasks in extreme environments could be handled by AI machinery.
So, on paper, AI sounds great, right? And most people are already using it to varying degrees, sometimes without even realising it. Let’s explore this further by looking at AI in the veterinary world….
How are vets using AI already?
Many vets are starting to use AI tools in their day-to-day work. Examples of AI at a standard veterinary practice may include:
Laboratory analysers
Microscope slides of blood or cells can be assessed by machine, producing results as accurate as those reported by a human pathologist. Some tools may even be able to detect things that are not apparent to the human eye. This can help to speed up diagnostics and reduce costs, as well as freeing up vets and pathologists to do more technically difficult work.
Diagnostic imaging
AI can be used to analyse diagnostic images for abnormalities, including X-rays, ultrasound scans, and MRIs. Many vets like additional support in this area and it can free up time for other work. In fact, technically speaking, all digital radiographs use some form of AI to generate an image for the vet to see in the first place!
Note-taking
Writing accurate notes is an important part of veterinary medicine. However, many vets are time poor, and it can be a struggle to keep on top of everything in a fully booked clinic. Software can be used to record and transcribe notes from a consultation, capturing more accurately the details from that appointment. Mobile vets, or those who work in farm and equine, may find it easier to dictate their notes this way while out on the road.
Health monitoring
AI-powered animal health monitors can generate biometric data such as activity levels, heart rate, respiration and body temperature. While not commonly used at present, these may become more widespread as time goes on, especially with owners wanting to be more proactive about preventive health care. It could also have a place in farm animal medicine, where the monitoring of individual animals within a herd can be more challenging.
Data analysis
AI can be used to handle the large amounts of data generated daily by veterinary practices. This can be used in research studies, allowing vets to treat patients more successfully in the future. Large farms also generate data that needs to be carefully scrutinised, as it could impact breeding strategies, herd health, and profit margins. It can also predict disease outbreak risks.
Customer experience
Some practices are implementing AI into their websites or practice apps. This can give owners the answers to frequently asked questions and provide general information in a chatbot style when a vet is not immediately available. It can also allow them to manage their own appointment bookings through integration with practice software.
Marketing
AI algorithms can make bespoke marketing campaigns through analysis of client data. Some practices also utilise AI to create website content, blogs, or social media posts. This frees up time for vets to focus on their patients.
Note = Of course, as with any new technology, some practices may be quicker or more able to adopt it than others. Not every practice will be using AI in all its various forms yet. The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) has also issued advice around the use of AI for vets to ensure it is used in accordance with the code of professional conduct.
Potential pitfalls of AI and why it should never replace your vet
While AI has its uses, we’ve all felt the frustration of going round in a loop with an AI chatbot or ‘virtual assistant’ at some point. This has left many begging to be passed over to a ‘real person’! So, we all know that AI can have limitations, particularly in its more basic forms.
In my view, the areas where AI really struggles are as follows:
Real-world experience
There is a huge difference between analysing the data and knowing how that might work in real life. Vets know from experience that patients don’t always follow the rule book! Medicine is considered an art as well as a science, due to grey areas and deviations from the norm. Drawing on previous cases and looking at the whole picture (including factors like patient temperament, finances, and the owner’s emotions) gives us an advantage over a computer system. Many of the veterinary AI tools currently in use miss out on these clinical subtilties.
The human touch (empathy)
Computers often provide a very black and white answer and are not quite so good at reading between the lines. Some of this information can only be gathered by physically being in the room with an owner and their animal. Much of our communication is non-verbal. Working with people day in day out means that vets are very good at reading body language (both animal and human!). This helps us to be empathetic when handling conversations and treatment plans. Many owners and their pets form strong relationships with their veterinary team over the years, which is something that AI can’t replace.
A physical presence
While AI can gather information well, it is not the same as being physically present with a patient. Photographs and lab results can only tell us so much. Laying our hands on an animal gives us so much more – like a tactile assessment of how swollen the surrounding area is, whether there’s an odour present, or whether the animal reacts to it being touched. So, if you have ever felt frustrated that your vet can’t just diagnose something over the phone or from an out-of-focus close-up photo, remember that AI will have its limitations too. Remote diagnosis is not always possible or safe.
Practical tasks
AI is currently not at a level where it can replace the practical aspects of being a clinician. While robot surgery appears to be gathering pace in human medicine, it is still in its infancy in the veterinary world. Current technology still relies heavily on a human operator. In the future, AI may be used to guide robotic systems in routine procedures, but I don’t believe it could take over the practical role of a vet altogether. After all it’s hard to imagine a robot that could handle a fractious feline carefully enough for blood sampling or perform a rectal exam on a horse, but who knows what may develop…!
Man vs Machine
From my own personal experience as a vet and writer, some pet care websites initially embraced AI as a way of generating cheap animal-related content, social media posts, and clickbait.
However, many have found that pet owners don’t respond as well to this sort of generic AI information, resulting in their website falling down the list of Google results (due to reduced search engine optimisation). These companies are engaging with vets again to write their content, or to at least provide quotes pieces, to draw on their real-life experience. This injects professional kudos and personality back into their webpages, making for a more credible read. Most pet owners can tell the difference between AI generated text and images vs a piece of content that has been written by a caring, experienced professional.
So, while AI can be a great tool when integrated correctly, I believe its use shouldn’t be relied on. It currently doesn’t have the practical abilities of a trained clinician, and although systems are designed to be as human as possible, there are still elements that are lacking.
In answer to the original question, I don’t think AI will be replacing vets any time soon, but you may find your practice utilising certain elements of it to improve their workflow and enhance their capabilities.
Summary
While I believe that AI can’t replace the role of a vet altogether (a computer isn’t going to be able to clip the ingrown claw on Mrs Smith’s Shih Tzu or take a temperature from Princess the Great Dane!), it definitely has its place in the veterinary world. When used appropriately, AI can help free up clinician time and enhance accuracy. This can only lead to better patient outcomes and an improvement in work management for the veterinary team.
Remember, when looking for information online, make sure that you are getting it from a credible source and never hesitate to contact your vet for information and advice specific to your own pet.
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