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Lovey presented to the clinic lethargic, with inappetence but consuming plenty of water, and a bulge on her abdomen when lying down

Case study: Splenic mass in 8-year-old labrador retriever 

The Emergency & Urgent Care Program will help veterinary practices ensure low-stress care in critical situations 

Fear Free announces new certification 

Using this advanced decontamination procedure can help improve outcomes 

Hemoperfusion for acute toxin ingestion

Learn more about Fear Free and the impact it has on veterinary clinics in this week's episode of The Vet Blast Podcast presented by dvm360

Fear free in practice

Tom Walsh, DVM, CCRP, MBA talks with Adam Christman, DVM, MBA, about how a change in career sparked a mobile physical therapy and rehabilitation center to help aging and/or injured pets. 

Transforming lives: overcoming serious injuries and aging challenges in pets

The Pets and Wellbeing Study program led by the Waltham Petcare Science Institute will examine the connection between pets and human wellbeing and mental health

Global study of the human-animal bond is launched

Dechra in partnership with American Veterinary Medical Foundation is awarding a $2000 scholarship to 5 veterinary technician and veterinary students

Dechra announces scholarships for veterinary and technician students

Elanco Animal Health announced the launch and availability of products to promote skin health, gastrointestinal health, hip and joint function, and behavior.

New line of supplements support pet health in a variety of ways

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Shepler has a passion for pet health, well-being, and the positive interaction pets play in our lives. She has studied and trained in alternative therapies allowing her to provide 

 life-long wellness care for pets. She enjoys teaming up with clients to provide the best care for their pets.

Discover how the Avant Laser is revolutionizing veterinary care with non-invasive, precision technology that accelerates healing, reduces pain, and enhances mobility in pets—all at a competitive price.

Redefining Pet Mobility and Comfort with Non-Invasive Laser Technology

Hi, I'm Pamela Moffat from Avant Wellness and I'm here with Doctor Tom Walsh who uses our laser. And I wanted to say we’re very excited to be here for DVM360 Fetch in Long Beach, California. Tom, good to see you.

We're fairly new to the vet world. We've only been talking to vets, probably for the last, in a serious way, for the last year years. So, as we get more awareness, we have more vets using this with spectacular results. The kind of results that Tom gets—he, of course, will not brag about them, but I will. We see, time and time again, he gets results that other vets can't. You know, he very often gets dogs from other vets, who they've sort of given up. And you know, there was one you were talking about yesterday.

 Yes. Yesterday, I was talking about a dog that had a mysterious cervical nerve impingement that we could not replicate. We couldn't find a reason why on an MRI or anything like that, the neurologist said I don't know what we can do with this. And we actually started working on this with the laser. We added some ice to it as well to help reduce that inflammation. And within just a few treatments, we were able to get that inflammation down which then released the dog to have a better range of motion with its neck. Once that started happening, the dog realized it didn't hurt to move, and it got to a situation where it no longer wanted to lay in the bed all day long. It wanted to get up. and within, I believe it was 8 treatments, 9 treatments with the laser we had that dog outside running up a hill like it was a puppy.

Yeah, that was incredible. I've seen that—where this dog literally could not walk to its bed and then was sprinting up the hill. I mean, you're bringing dogs basically back to life.

 I really appreciate that. The whole reason why I love to focus on rehabilitation is because I get to help them down that journey. The laser is the key component in my toolbox. Because of the pain mitigation, the anti-inflammatory properties, and also how it speeds healing. The thing is rarely do you ever come across a product that is actually affordable and over delivers what they were actually producing, and that's what I found in Avant and I wouldn't go back to anything else.

 We’re glad to hear that. So, one of the things that I know you love is all of the protocols that we have.

 We've got 250 protocols. We've got special vet protocols for dogs, small animals, horses. And tell me about how quickly you can get results for this?

 It's not only quick to get results, but as you know, unlike a human patient where you can tell them to stay still, every vet out there knows our animals and our patients are wiggly. So, it's not only about the number of protocols you have, it is how fast you can get to them. That's why there's a favorites button in here that I utilize every single day. I'm able to pin the protocols to favorites and I'm able to get that result right away. Usually within 60 seconds of picking this device up I'm lasering. And the great thing is because of the safety of this laser, I don't have to worry about burning the animal or burning its coat or anything like that. It also gives my technicians a lot of confidence and flexibility to be able to use this.


You know, one of the key components to this laser is you designed it with a practitioner in mind. And you see how tiny it is. But here's the thing: the practitioner is very busy. We as vets are surfing on a very high wave every single day, going from appointment to appointment as fast as we can, getting records in, making sure the medications are right, all of those things. This means our time is extremely limited. The safety and the simplicity of this device allows you to hand it to your technician. Without fear they can use it, while you're busy doing something else that you need to get done as of a vet. So, I appreciate the fact that it was designed with that practitioner in mind in the application of the real world. When it gets too busy and the fur is flying out there, the reality is this: in a technician’s hands you know that’s it's trusted device. You know the animals not going to be hurt, the technicians not going to be hurt, and you know the treatments going to be right.

 So, we know that you were used to using Class IV lasers.

Yeah, as a lot of vets are used to that. And then you came across this, which is a Class 3B laser. You had to sort of get your head around that. Tell us why you switched and how you found it works.

 So, it really confused me, because going from a Class IV laser I thought for sure that it wouldn't be powerful enough, in those words, to where it would get down to the joint capsule. It wouldn't get to the IVDD spaces that I needed to get to reduce those nerves and that sort of thing. So, when I started seeing the results—that they were as good or better than I expected—I actually gave you guys a call and said, “I need more education about this, because I'm not sure why this product is working better than advertised.” And I realized that this is a light wave. When you tune it properly, it gets the right results. When you tune that, just like tuning a radio station, you can hear it clearly. The cells hear it clearly. And with that, the message it's telling them is to reduce inflammation, to reduce pain, and start the ATP process.

 So, how about the speed? How long is your treatment?

Normally my protocols last anywhere from four to five minutes, but what I love about this is the portability of being able to move it around to different places. I can actually extend my protocols to cover other areas. That animal may be there for a cruciate repair, but chances are it's got some inflammation in its shoulders as well. Because it has to balance that weight somewhere. So, the ability to be able to treat both things and within the same protocol, and moving around so easily, and the literature backs it up—that over range of motion, laser is more effective.

 How has this little laser affected your business?

You know, Pamela, this laser has changed my business completely. What has happened over the past three years, four years, is I've gone from being mobile-based to having my own facility. When I was mobile, I was treating about 12 to 15 dogs a week at the max. Now I'm averaging 25 to 30 a day.

 I have, and I have to believe that it's part and parcel because of the process, but the product that I have to use every single day, every single patient gets this laser. So, there's no deniability that this is the key component in the factor.

We like to hear that. Tom specializes in small animals, but we also have a number of vets who are using this for forces. One in particular is using it for all the top show horses. She will go to a show. They don't actually allow, from what I understand, Class IV at the show, so this is really the best tool. And in the course of two minutes, that horse is ready to go. They're jumping Grand Prix, 5-6 feet and timed. You know, it takes a lot out of the animal. The great thing about horses and having this sort of device is you have to be mobile. You have to go in the stalls. If you're dealing with thoroughbreds, they’re…

 Very anxious. This doesn't make any noise. You can approach them. It’s fast, and it's a great device for both large and small animals. You know, we do have a mission at Avant. That mission is to make laser therapy more accessible to people. And the way we do that is we make this laser really simple. The protocols are all in there. You just push the button and go. We make it affordable, so more people can get the laser. And this was really designed with practitioners in mind. You know, it's easy to use, it's fast, and it's the most powerful in its class. So, we love it at Avant because we have so many people who love this laser, and we hear these miracle stories all the time. And we're just here to tell vets that we are here to help them.

 We're so excited to be here at DVM360 Fetch. For more information, just give us a call or visit the website at www.avantwellness.com.

Discover how non-invasive laser treatment is revolutionizing veterinary care with  precision technology that accelerates healing, reduces pain, and enhances mobility in pets—all at a competitive price.

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.

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.

Jessica Shepler, DVM

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