What is artificial intelligence (AI)? What companies are using it in medicine? Can dogs and cats benefit too?
AI or artificial intelligence has become the buzz as chatGPT was released to the public. Now many people are aware of AI and the multiple different uses for it. The Internet is full of people claiming how AI will change our life for the better, and others have fears of disaster. It is important to remember there are many different types of AI and many different uses.
AI use in medicine
The AI used in medicine is focusing on trying to shorten or get rid of long burdensome tasks so staff and doctors can spend more time on other important things such as determining the best diagnostics, making treatment plans, and talking with clients. AI can also bring to light options which were not previously considered.
Veterinary companies using AI
SignalPET
SignalPET is a company which uses AI to read radiographs in real-time to deliver the report right away. Reports will highlight any abnormalities seen. There is also an option to speak with the radiologist. SignalPet reports their technology can evaluate multiple different types of x-rays. A consultation with the company is needed to determine the best use of this service in your practice and to set up the system.
vetscan IMAGYST
vetscan IMAGYST uses AI to evaluate blood smears, as well as dermatology smears, and even fecal analysis. This is offered by Zoetis. It makes real-time reports using AI. They also offer digital cytology, and an option to consult with a specialists about the results. You can contact the company to learn more about using and setting up IMAGYST in your clinic.
Imprimed
Imprimed evaluates an individual dog’s lymphoma with the use of powerful AI algorithms. It predicts how that dog’s lymphoma/leukemia could respond to CHOP chemotherapy regime as well as prediction of chemotherapy drug responses. Imprimed AI uses real world clinical outcomes to continuously improve their algorithm. You can contact the company to learn more about their services and obtain their special media to submit samples.
Future of AI in veterinary medicine
It is exciting to think how AI has, and can advance veterinary medicine. AI can help aid in diagnosis and treatment options which allows the veterinarian to practice a higher standard of care and medicine. There are ethical questions that do arise from veterinary use of AI. It is important to determine best cases for AI and understand the limitations. We need to determine how the different AI company models were developed and benchmarks for validating the data.
Human medicine is already using AI from Chatbots, AI based radiology reporting, and even COVID-19 tracking. Veterinarians will need to be trained and educated on AI technology to fully understand what, when, and how to use AI technology.
Veterinary Oncology
What about pets with cancer? Can they benefit from AI? Pet Cancer Care Consulting is always seeking the best technologies and uses. Many of these new advances can be used when a pet is diagnosed with cancer. Our oncologists are happy to guide veterinarians and pet owners on emerging technologies. They are happy to share their knowledge and experiences with any products. Learn more about Pet Cancer Care Consulting and see how they can help your clinic or pet. You can message them directly.
*Disclaimer* Dr. Rachel Venable with Pet Cancer Care Consulting does consulting for Imprimed
References
New horizons: Artificial intelligence in veterinary medicine. Cornell Univ. College of Veterinary Medicine. January 6, 2023; https://www.vet.cornell.edu/news/20230106/new-horizons-artificial-intelligence-veterinary-medicine