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Gene O'Neill is the CEO of the North American Veterinary Community (NAVC).

NAVC CEO Gene O’Neill discusses attendance at VMX this year and the theme for the 2025 event in an interview with dvm360.

NAVC celebrates the arts at VMX

The demand for veterinary care has increased rapidly in recent years, due to a combination of pet population growth and a global shortage of veterinarians. In 2022, workplace burnout was estimated to cost the industry $2 billion

—not particularly surprising, when considering the most common issues veterinarians face are ‘lack of resources and support’ (73%) and ‘not enough time and energy’ (72%).

The question, then, is this—what approaches can be taken to mitigate these challenges? The most promising tool lies in the rapidly evolving field of veterinary technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI). Through new technologies and improvements to time-tested and traditional solutions, there are greater opportunities to help predict, prevent, diagnose, and treat animal illness more quickly, accurately, and safely.

Additionally, technology can help lighten staff workloads and improve workflows for greater efficiency and reduced stress. However, there can be a reluctance to adopt newer technologies; industry surveys have revealed that reliability and accuracy are areas of particular concern.

To address these, it’s crucial to foster understanding and support through case studies, comprehensive training, and positive personal experiences.

A pivotal aspect of a patient workup is the application of techniques and tools to identify diseases and conditions in animals—and doing so as efficiently as possible. While existing methods we rely on are valuable, they can lack the speed and precision needed in today’s fast-paced environment. External laboratory turnaround times can range from several hours to days or weeks, depending on the test and lab capacity. What’s more, any error with the sample can lengthen the overall decision-making process, further delaying the time to treatment. The rise of in-clinic diagnostics, such as point-of-care and screening tests, represents a faster, more convenient approach.

 and with greater detail, empowering veterinarians to identify new disease risk factors. As such, treatment decisions are reached more quickly and efficiently, leading to improved outcomes, better patient care, more valuable time with pet owners, and better workload management.

Through meaningful innovation, Zoetis is transforming the way veterinarians receive, analyze and interpret diagnostic tests with a portfolio of automated and connected technologies. Marrying diagnostics with AI, analyzers include Vetscan Imagyst®, offering 6-in-1 diagnostics on a single platform, including AI-powered Blood Smear, Fecal, Dermatology, Equine Fecal and Urine Sediment, as well as a Digital Cytology capability. The compact analyzer represents an opportunity to increase efficiency, improve workflow and elevate patient care. Studies demonstrate that Vetscan Imagyst performs at a similar level to board-certified specialist clinical pathologists and expert parasitologists.

An addition to its extensive veterinary diagnostics portfolio, and sitting alongside the Vetscan® HM5, Zoetis will officially launch the world’s first cartridge-based AI-powered hematology analyzer for automated complete blood count (CBC) analysis, Vetscan OptiCell™, at VMX in January 2025. 

Machine learning: superficial, deep, supervised, unsupervised?

AI technology has long been harnessed by the veterinary industry. As the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) outlines,

 AI algorithms are used to detect, delineate or classify certain features in radiographs, ultrasounds and CT and MRI images. Within the US, almost 40% of veterinarians report using AI tools to supplement their practice;

 most common applications currently include imaging, radiology, record keeping and administrative tasks.

The scope of AI technology is rapidly evolving, with multiple models available to users. At its core, AI involves the creation of systems and algorithms capable of performing tasks that typically require human intelligence. In the context of veterinary diagnostics, the methods used include machine learning, deep learning, supervised learning, and unsupervised learning.

Machine learning involves identifying patterns and analyzing data. Learning from a data set, it then applies this information to a task (i.e., makes a prediction).

 Falling under this category is superficial learning, utilizing algorithms that can only evaluate data for a limited number of features. A separate subdivision of machine learning is deep learning, involving more complex architecture of artificial neurons and neural networks to make connections within provided data.

Turning to supervised learning, where algorithms in machine learning use data that is pre-labeled during training; the algorithm then uses this training to apply it to other data sets for classification and organization. With unsupervised learning, AI finds patterns within mainly unlabeled data, requiring the technology to work more independently to discover the labels for the information.

As new devices and software are introduced to the industry, it is vital to have greater understanding of the rigorous algorithm validation process involved, so veterinarians can understand the technology and techniques available to them and their patients. A trusted, established manufacturer committed to sharing the thorough training behind their products can assuage reservations.

In the case of Vetscan Imagyst, to develop algorithms that can comprehensively and accurately identify and classify samples, Zoetis utilizes deep learning AI; in this specific example, a convolutional deep neural network is used. Each sample slide undergoes layers of precisely trained neuro inputs, for finely tuned feature identification and recognition. 

How was this object detection algorithm trained? Thousands of samples and elements were identified by board-certified clinical pathologists and parasitology experts. It has been said that the deep learning nature of the specific algorithm utilized in this example will allow for improved performance and functionality over time

; in addition, with results provided within minutes, valuable time is freed up. Zoetis also offers add-on pathologist* review when needed.

When paired with AI, advanced point-of-care testing and analysis can deliver high quality, connected insights and results to clinics. The new Vetscan OptiCell features innovative AI-powered cell classification technology and a cartridge-based design for reference lab quality CBC results.

OptiCell utilizes sophisticated AI-trained algorithms trained with normal and abnormal clinical samples, then tested and validated to reliably classify and count blood cells instantly, based on hundreds of individual cell features (i.e., cytoplasm area, color, granularity, nuclei color and shape).

Results from this hematology analyzer can be paired with AI Blood Smear (Vetscan Imagyst) for a complete hematology picture. If additional expertise is required, the veterinarian can select add-on expert review for a clinical pathologist report within hours of submission.

Almost half of practices worldwide have reported an increase in caseloads,

 and with more animals requiring care, there is less available time per appointment. Time-poor veterinary teams need solutions today that can improve clinic workflows and provide individualized patient care.

The care currently offered in contemporary clinics is only possible due to previous technological innovations. More recent offerings, including smart diagnoses and AI, have proved their worth to the industry; solutions that bring together these two elements—such as those available in Zoetis’ diagnostic suite—are vital to the modern veterinary practitioner. Expanding on such a portfolio only allows for an even greater and more efficient way of working; the introduction of CBC analyzer Vetscan OptiCell is yet another example of the support offered to veterinarians.

Richard E Goldstein DVM, DACVIM, DECVIM-CA

 is the Senior Vice President & Chief Medical Officer Global Diagnostics at Zoetis, and a multi award-winning veterinarian specializing in small animal internal medicine with 12 years’ experience as a Professor at Cornell University.

Neill CL, Hansen CR, Salois M. The economic cost of burnout in veterinary medicine. 

. 2022;9:814104. doi:10.3389/fvets.2022.814104

Technology helps veterinarians beat burnout and retain staff, survey says. Talkatoo. Accessed October 15, 2024. https://talkatoo.com/blog/technology-helps-vets-beat-burnout/

Nolen RS. Artificial intelligence poised to transform veterinary care. American Veterinary Medical Association. May 29, 2024. Accessed October 15, 2024. https://www.avma.org/news/artificialintelligence-poised-transform-veterinary-care

Global State of Pet Care: Stats, Facts and Trends. Health for Animals. Accessed October 15, 2024. https://www.healthforanimals.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Global-State-of-Pet-Care.pdf

Nagamori Y, Scimeca R, Hall-Sedlak R, et al. Multicenter evaluation of the Vetscan Imagyst system using Ocus 40 and EasyScan One scanners to detect gastrointestinal parasites in feces of dogs and cats. 

. 2024;36(1):32-40. doi:10.1177/10406387231216185

Data on file, Study No. D870R-US-21-045, 2021, Zoetis Inc.

Data on file. Study No. DHXMZ-US-23-218, Zoetis Inc.

Data on file, Study No. DHX6Z-US-23-222, 2023, Zoetis Inc.

Data on file, Study No. DHX6Z-US-22-166, 2022, Zoetis Inc.

Data on file, Study No. DHX6Z-US-22-131, 2022, Zoetis Inc.

Nagamori Y, Hall Sedlak R, DeRosa A, et al. Evaluation of the VETSCAN IMAGYST: an in-clinic canine and feline fecal parasite detection system integrated with a deep learning algorithm. 

. 2020;13(1):346. doi:10.1186/s13071-020-04215-x

Data on file, Study Report No. D870RUS-22-053.

Eleven technologies veterinary practices can adopt today. American Veterinary Medical Association. Accessed October 15, 2024. https://www.avma.org/news/11-technologies-veterinary-practices-canadopt-today

Gupta M. Almost 40% of vets are using AI tools to gain a competitive edge. GlobalPETS. Accessed October 15, 2024. https://globalpetindustry.com/article/almost-40-of-vets-are-using-ai-tools-to-gaina-competitive-edge

Owens A, Vinkemeier D, Elsheikha H. A review of applications of artificial intelligence in veterinary medicine. 

. 2023;28(6):78-85. doi:10.12968/coan.2022.0028a

Bast J. How artificial intelligence is changing veterinary medicine. Zoetis. December 6, 2023. Accessed October 15, 2024. https://www.zoetisus.com/petcare/blog/how-artificial-intelligence-ischanging-veterinary-medicine

Burke J. Where did AI come from and how can we use it in vet med? 

. October 13, 2023. Accessed October 15, 2024. https://www.dvm360.com/view/where-did-ai-come-from-and-how-canwe-use-it-in-vet-med-

Data on file, Study No. DHXMZ-US-24-235, Zoetis Inc.

Vetscan OptiCell™ utilizes sophisticated AI algorithms trained with normal and abnormal clinical samples, then tested and validated to reliably classify and count blood cells instantly, based on hundreds of individual cell features.

Beyond the microscope: what’s behind veterinary technology?

Jan Bellows, DVM, DAVDC, DABVP (Canine, Feline), FAVD, has been a pioneer in the creation of the veterinary dentistry specialty. His achievements in the field have helped earn him recognition in the 2024 Veterinary Heroes program supported by corporate sponsor Schwarzman Animal Medical Center as an award recipient in the dentistry category sponsored by PRN Pharmacal.

Bellows had been working at a veterinary clinic for in Florida 10 years when a friend approached him about joining him at a dentistry wet lab. Bellows returned from that lab noticing how his patients really needed dental services. As luck would have it, his practice was located in a shopping mall, next to a human dentist whose practice was not super busy and who loved animals. The dentist next door would go on to teach Bellows about dentistry for several years.

“At the time, there weren’t very many veterinarians [who] were into dentistry. There were 5 of them [who] were going around the country and giving [educational] seminars. They were wanting to form a specialty, so they formed the Academy of Veterinary Dentistry, and I got certified by them. That was back in 1988. Then the [American Veterinary Medical Association. (AVMA)] said that is not an AVMA-approved specialty, it’s an academy. So the American Veterinary Dental College was formed in 1989, I believe, and I became the 13th board-certified veterinary dentist in 1990,” Bellows explained in a 

Bellows went on to become involved in the Foundation for Veterinary Dentistry and would go on to serve as its president for 6 years. Today, there are more than 250 veterinary dentists.

He practiced veterinary medicine for 1 year before opening his own practice in Pembroke Pines, Florida, according to his nominator. In 1999, he opened Hometown Animal Hospital and All Pets Dental in Weston, Florida, which continues to be operated by Bellows as the owner and a practitioner.

“He is known for his hometown vibe and bedside manner. The clients absolutely adore him,” the nominator wrote.

Over the course of his career, Bellows has worked on committees, helped provide grants for colleges, and educated veterinary professionals. His work within veterinary dentistry has allowed him not only to provide better care for his patients but also to help others across the globe provide better dental care for their patients as well.

“He has helped thousands of veterinarians and veterinary technicians advance their dentistry skills through lectures, webinars and wet labs,” his nominator wrote. “Dr Bellows offers his cell phone and personal email to anyone that has questions.He has Facetimed many general practitioners in the middle of a procedure to walk them through [it, which is] often a flap or interpreting a radiograph.”

The award recipient for dentistry is a pioneer in the specialty field

Gene O'Neill

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