When we talk about virtual veterinary care there can be tendency to focus on veterinarian to pet owner telemedicine. However, we can look at the field of virtual care with a much wider lens, impacting epidemiology, livestock management and wildlife conservation. Virtual veterinary care can be considered as the provision of animal health management advice by veterinary professionals using a broad range of technologies and media. It has the potential to revolutionize the way animal health and welfare is supported throughout the entire lifecycle of the animal and across the whole spectrum of care.
The potential benefits of virtual care we are familiar with through telemedicine consultations can benefit many areas of the animal health industry. Such factors include convenience, reduction in stress (for both the animal and owner), transcendence of geographical boundaries, reduced cost, increased accessibility and time savings for both animal owners and veterinary staff.
In small animal practice, pet owners can benefit from virtual veterinary support through the entire lifespan of their pet – from preventative and wellness advice, to advanced medicine through specialist teleconsultation. Teleconsultations integrate expertise from Diploma-holding specialists into the primary care practice, functioning like a virtual speciality hospital within the physical practice. Whether it’s radiology, internal medicine, oncology or complex, multidisciplinary cases, virtual reports and consultations connect veterinarians with the up-to-date diagnostic and treatment advice they need to optimally manage their patients. Pet owners can now benefit from specialized expertise for their pet, regardless of their location.
For large animal practice, virtual consultations enable livestock managers and horse owners to connect with veterinarians remotely, allowing for timely diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of health problems. This virtual approach not only reduces the need for on-site visits, minimizing stress for the animals and biosecurity risk, but can also enhance the efficiency and productivity on the farm or yard. In developing countries, provision of remote advice to areas without routine access to veterinary services can have a profound impact on the health and welfare of livestock and working equines, and the human communities whose livelihoods depend on them.
At the population level, utilizing data analytics, predictive modeling, and remote monitoring technologies, veterinarians can detect patterns and trends in disease transmission, enabling early intervention, containment and management strategies. This proactive approach not only safeguards animal health but also protects human populations from zoonotic diseases and preserves the integrity of the food supply chain.
Wildlife conservation efforts are greatly benefiting from the integration of virtual veterinary care into their strategies. With many species facing threats such as habitat loss, climate change, and human encroachment, the ability to remotely monitor and assess the health of wild animals is invaluable. Veterinarians can gather crucial data on wild populations, identify emerging health issues, advise local teams on management and care, educate local communities and plan interventions to mitigate threats and promote conservation efforts.
The true power of virtual care lies in the democratization of the spectrum of care across species, geographies and cost barriers. Its potential to facilitate improvements in animal health and welfare includes the profound impact on the accessibility of veterinary expertise across small animal, equine, livestock, and wildlife medicine. As technology continues to advance, the future of animal healthcare looks brighter than ever, promising a world where every animal receives the attention and care they deserve.
