Artificial intelligence is beginning to create value for selected small animal veterinary applications while remaining immature for others.

Abstract

Artificial intelligence is a powerful technology with great potential to support veterinarians across many aspects of their multifaceted job. However, realizing this potential requires AI solutions that truly address specific pain points. Here we review 4 use cases in which AI has been applied to small animal veterinary medicine: image analysis, early disease detection, administration support, and disease surveillance. For each of these, we briefly present the current state of the technology and available AI applications. Results show that tangible value creation is heterogeneous across use cases and that availability of accurate and reliable data (eg, in the form of curated electronic health records) is a major limiting factor.