VNJ Volume 40 (6) December 2025 | Page 15

Briefcas EMPLOYMENT
How can AI be helpful?
Technological tools powered by AI can already assist in many aspects of veterinary practice, with further promising advancements on the horizon.
Diagnostics, health monitoring and treatment
AI-powered diagnostic equipment can support the veterinary workload by analysing test results, imaging scans and potential patterns in patient history that might otherwise be overlooked. These tools do not replace veterinary expertise but provide an additional layer of insight, helping to speed up diagnosis, guide treatment planning and minimise the risk of error.
Pet owners are increasingly buying wearable health-monitoring devices for their pets, such as collars and sensors, which track the animal ' s activity levels, heart rate and sleeping patterns. AI analysis of the data can flag early potential health concerns. For example, reduced activity may indicate early arthritis, and altered drinking habits could suggest kidney disease. Early identification of signs that may otherwise have been missed allows veterinary professionals to intervene before a problem escalates, leading to better patient outcomes.
Administration and communication
Veterinary practices can also benefit from AI-powered tools that streamline administration and client communication. Chatbots can handle routine client queries, such as those relating to vaccination schedules, prescription refills or frequently asked questions, thereby improving workflow efficiency and freeing up reception staff for more complex interactions.
Popular tools like ChatGPT [ 2 ] can be utilised to support communication by simplifying complex medical terminology into clear, client-friendly language, which can help convey key information and improve owner understanding of treatment plans and health advice.
AI-powered scheduling systems can improve workplace efficiency by managing appointment bookings, sending automated reminders and updating records to reduce scheduling gaps and minimise client waiting times.
Benefits of AI at a glance
• Increases productivity and efficiency
• Decreases risk of human error
• Adds an additional layer of clinical insight
• Increases speed and accuracy of decision-making
• Decreases operational costs