Vetology AI Releases Classifier Performance Metrics

Vetology AI Releases Classifier Performance Metrics

Vetology AI Becomes First and Only Veterinary Imaging AI Company to Publicly Release Comprehensive Classifier Performance Metrics

Industry-Leading Transparency Directly Addresses ACVR + ECVDI Concerns, Invites Independent Studies

]JANUARY 12, 2026 — SAN DIEGO, CA — Vetology Innovations today announced the public release of complete performance metrics for all 89+ classifiers across its diagnostic platform, making it the first and only AI company in the veterinary imaging space to provide this level of transparency.

The move is an acknowledgement of the recommendations in the American College of Veterinary Radiology (ACVR) and European College of Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging (ECVDI) position statement that identified “a key challenge” in veterinary AI: “the lack of transparency and validation for AI tools currently available for veterinary diagnostic imaging.”

The joint ACVR – ECVDI statement concluded: “There is currently no commercially available product for diagnostic imaging that meets these standards” [for transparency, validation, and safety].

“We’re changing that,” said Eric Goldman, President of Vetology. “Complete transparency isn’t a competitive advantage we’re protecting, it’s a professional obligation we’re fulfilling.”

What's Now Public

Available on Vetology’s website, the data includes condition-level sensitivity, specificity, and sample sizes across 300,000 test cases covering Vetology’s canine thorax, canine abdomen, feline thorax, feline abdomen, and spine/musculoskeletal condition classifiers.

The data includes both high performers, like the heart failure classifier with 89.5% sensitivity across 10,951 cases, and more challenging applications where AI-generated screening results serve as a decision support tool within a veterinarian-led diagnostic process, requiring professional expertise and domain knowledge to interpret and validate findings.

Why This Matters

For Researchers: Vetology welcomes collaboration with the research community as part of a shared commitment to evidence-based AI in veterinary medicine. We have partnered with institutions such as AMC New York and Tufts University (among others) on peer-reviewed studies.

Building on this foundation, Vetology invites researchers to engage with us on independent validation efforts, access additional performance data, or propose collaborative studies that advance transparency, rigor, and clinically meaningful evaluation.

For Board-Certified Radiologists: Vetology is inviting radiologists to work alongside us in shaping the future of veterinary AI imaging. As these tools become more integrated into clinical workflows, radiologist expertise is essential to helping define the guardrails, best practices, and professional standards that ensure AI supports, rather than distorts, patient care.

Through collaboration around transparent performance data, radiologists can help clarify where AI aligns with real-world clinical needs, where limitations remain, and what benchmarks the profession should expect from all vendors. This partnership is about collectively defining what “good enough” means in practice, strengthening industry-wide transparency, and establishing validation approaches that protect veterinarians and the animals they serve.

For General Practitioners: Vetology views general practitioners as essential partners in the responsible use of AI at the point of care. Transparent, classifier-specific performance data supports informed clinical judgment, by helping veterinarians understand where AI can meaningfully assist, where additional scrutiny is warranted, and how uncertainty should be factored into decision-making.

This shared responsibility encourages appropriate confidence without over-reliance. It reinforces professional judgment while supporting better, more consistent care for patients, and clearer communication with pet owners. Trust your training: AI can inform the veterinarian, but it cannot replace medical insight and domain knowledge.

For Regulatory Bodies: Vetology supports collaboration with regulators in developing thoughtful, evidence-based approaches to AI oversight. Publicly available performance data provides the empirical foundation needed to move beyond one-size-fits-all regulation and toward standards that reflect real differences across conditions, modalities, and clinical use cases. By working together, regulators, clinicians, and developers can help ensure imaging AI governance evolves in a way that protects patients, supports veterinary professionals, and aligns with the nuanced oversight long advocated by leaders such as the ACVR and ECVDI.

Beyond Academic Interest: Clinical Integration That Works

“We’re releasing our performance data so veterinarians can make confident decisions in everyday practice, and so the industry can move forward in establishing clear best practices and gold standards for AI in veterinary imaging,” said Cory Clemmons, Chief Technical Officer. “Transparency is how we build trust today, and a better future for patient care.”

Practical applications include:

    • Risk-stratified triage: High-sensitivity classifiers enable confident rule-outs in screening scenarios, while moderate-sensitivity classifiers signal when additional imaging or specialist consultation adds value.
    • Workflow optimization: High-confidence AI results help identify straightforward cases that may not require additional specialist review, while borderline or complex findings signal when radiologist consultation adds meaningful diagnostic value, enabling veterinary teams to allocate incremental diagnostic expenditures where they matter most for patient care.

Addressing Good Machine Learning Practice

The joint ACVR – ECVDI position statement emphasizes development “in accordance with good machine learning practices,” with particular focus on transparency, error reporting, and clinical expert involvement.

Vetology’s public metrics directly support these principles by enabling third-party evaluation, benchmarking against radiologist agreement rates, and providing visibility into both false positive and false negative characteristics through publicly reported sensitivity and specificity.

A Call to the Industry

“Every imaging AI company in this space will eventually publish performance data, either voluntarily or when regulators require it,” Goldman said. “We’re choosing to lead because transparency accelerates trust, and trust accelerates adoption of tools that genuinely help patients and practitioners.”

Vetology hopes this action encourages industry-wide adoption of open validation practices and provides a template for the kind of disclosure the ACVR and ECVDI explicitly urged.

What's Next

Vetology will update performance metrics as classifiers are retested, and publish the same comprehensive data for every new classifier launched, with new releases planned monthly. The company welcomes collaboration with academic institutions, regulatory bodies, and practicing veterinarians to refine validation methodologies and establish industry-wide standards.

 

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ABOUT VETOLOGY

Vetology is a veterinary imaging support company that provides AI-generated radiology reports and traditional teleradiology services by board-certified veterinary radiologists. Built by radiologists, Vetology focuses on improving patient outcomes through accuracy, speed, and reliability in diagnostic imaging. Our platform is designed to integrate seamlessly into existing hospital workflows, helping clinicians make informed decisions quickly. Learn more at vetology.net.

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Vetology AI Releases Classifier Performance Metrics

Vetology’s Connection with CoVet to Streamline Veterinary Radiology Workflows

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

New connection enables seamless transfer of visit notes into teleradiology requests, reducing friction and improving diagnostic context for veterinary teams

Jan. 7, 2026 – CoVet, the leading veterinary AI copilot, has announced a new connection with Vetology, a trusted global provider of veterinary teleradiology services. The integration is designed to simplify and accelerate radiology workflows by allowing clinics to send CoVet visit notes directly into Vetology teleradiology requests.
For clinics that frequently rely on Vetology for imaging interpretations, this eliminates the need to manually copy, paste, or recreate patient medical histories when submitting cases. By reducing administrative steps, veterinary teams can focus more time on patient care while ensuring radiologists receive complete and accurate clinical context.

“Radiology interpretations are enhanced by the clinical information that accompanies them,” said Yannick, CTO, CoVet. “By connecting directly with Vetology, we are removing friction from the workflow and helping veterinary teams share clear, complete medical histories without extra effort. This is about fewer clicks, better continuity, and faster decision-making for busy clinics.”

“Strong partnerships lift everyone,” said Eric Goldman, President of Vetology. “Investing in software to improve team efficiency shouldn’t mean adding more manual steps to the texprocess. Integrating SOAP notes directly into teleradiology report orders streamlines workflow and eliminates repetitive tasks, exactly what true efficiency is about. The best systems automate repetitive tasks so veterinary teams can stay focused on their patients”

By combining CoVet’s ambient recording documentation with Vetology’s expert teleradiology services, the connection strengthens continuity of care and improves diagnostic efficiency. Clinics benefit from faster case submissions, reduced administrative burden, and improved collaboration with radiology specialists.

Ultimately, this partnership supports better clinical outcomes by ensuring radiologists receive comprehensive patient histories and helping veterinary teams move through their workflows more quickly and with greater confidence.

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CoVet Logo

ABOUT CoVet

CoVet is an AI-powered clinical copilot built by veterinary professionals, for veterinary professionals. Designed to reduce administrative burden and prevent burnout, CoVet automates SOAP notes, transcribes consultations, and streamlines client communication, saving clinics over two hours per veterinarian, per day. Trusted by thousands of users across six continents, CoVet helps veterinary teams reclaim their time and refocus on what matters most: exceptional patient care. Learn more at www.co.vet

ABOUT VETOLOGY

Vetology is a veterinary imaging support company that provides AI-generated radiology reports and traditional teleradiology services by board-certified veterinary radiologists. Built by radiologists, Vetology focuses on improving patient outcomes through accuracy, speed, and reliability in diagnostic imaging. Our platform is designed to integrate seamlessly into existing hospital and radiologist workflows, helping clinicians make informed decisions quickly. Learn more at vetology.net.

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Behind The Scenes With the Vetology Support Team 

Behind The Scenes With the Vetology Support Team 

In veterinary medicine, time is short and expectations are high. Clients want answers about their pet’s health quickly, and AI-powered platforms like Vetology can help you deliver. But what happens when you have a question about your AI screening report, need to speak with a human radiologist, or want to train your team to use the platform?

Our client care team is ready to help at a moment’s notice. Clients who regularly interact with the support team tend to get better results from the platform, work more efficiently, and build greater confidence with our AI and teleradiology tools.

Here’s a look at the Vetology support services we provide at no additional cost to help users get the most from our platform.

The Team Behind The Screen

Vetology’s support team is small but mighty. Together, they handle over 14,000 communications each year, including phone calls, emails, scheduled trainings, and now, live on-platform chats.

Our support providers include a blend of veterinary techs, technology, and customer care professionals. With many years of combined experience across multiple disciplines, they’re capable of handling everything from onboarding and software installation to troubleshooting, clinical questions, radiologist follow-ups, and veterinary team coaching.

We’d like to introduce you to two of our key support team members:

Tammie McGill

Tammie McGill

Tammie McGill spent nearly two decades as a human EMT before transitioning into a role as a veterinary assistant. After gaining years of clinical experience, she now uses her strong veterinary technician skills to provide clinical support to Vetology users, which includes answering AI report questions, coordinating discussions with interpreting veterinary radiologists, monitoring radiograph quality, and helping clinical teams troubleshoot imaging techniques to improve safety and optimize outcomes.

Tammie and her fellow veterinary technician, Vivian Paz, also work closely with the radiologists, data scientists, and development teams, offering valuable advice and domain-specific insight.

Sandra Nemis

Sandra Nemis

Sandra Nemis came to Vetology after several years of managing customer care teams, including a technical supervisor role.

She now leads the Vetology support team through client interactions, handles clinic demos, installations, onboarding, training, and day-to-day platform support.

With the help of additional support team members, Aziz Beguliev, Chey Aranzasu, Kath Dato, and our SVP of Information Systems Ruben Venegas, Tammie and Sandra ensure that no question goes unanswered and no case falls through the cracks.

While most have been on the team for more than five years, tenures span from new members to 15 years, reflecting a mix of institutional knowledge and fresh perspectives to help deliver consistently excellent service and fast communication.

From Demo to Diagnostics

When clinics reach out to Vetology through the website, email, or phone, they establish a relationship with our tight-knit client care team from day one.

The onboarding process for new Vetology clients is quick and efficient. After a client completes a short form with clinic information, the Vetology support team creates their internal profile, configures platform access, and schedules an installation and training session.

“We remote into the X-ray computer, add our destination settings to ensure communication, and enable the auto-send feature,” explained Sandra. “When team members take X-rays, they don’t have to do anything extra; the images automatically go to the Vetology platform. Within a few minutes, they have an AI screening report and can submit to a board-certified radiologist, if desired.”

The entire process of installing and configuring the platform and providing initial training to key team members typically takes less than an hour, so you can be up and running fast and avoid downtime in the clinic.

Clinical Coaching and Aftercare

Vetology’s support combines technical help with clinical collaboration. Our two veterinary support specialists have nearly three decades of combined experience. Together, they provide a crucial “aftercare” service for teams using the Vetology platform.

When the team spots an issue with image quality or safety, they provide feedback and coaching. They can offer tips for technicians to hone their radiology skills and how to use positioning aids, something that they may or may not have learned or practiced in school.

“Clinics are very responsive when we reach out,” said Tammie. “I’ve also had doctors call to ask, ‘What else can we do to make this better?’ I’ll talk to anybody in the clinic that has time or is willing to learn more.”

Coaching support helps improve image quality and diagnostic accuracy, reduce retakes, and protect team members from unnecessary radiation exposure.

Contacting Vetology Support

You can contact Vetology’s support team by phone, email, the website, or the live chat feature on the platform.

However you choose to contact the team, you can expect a rapid response. The team is available from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Pacific time, and responds to emails during regular hours within five to 10 minutes. If you have a question after hours, send an email you can expect a response first thing the following morning.

Most importantly, when you contact Vetology’s support team, your questions will be answered by a real person. Our goal is to provide quick help so you get the most from our platform without slowing down your day.

Practice Support That Delivers

The best veterinary technology platforms and imaging tools not only provide a place to process images, but they also help teams use them to their full extent. Vetology’s support team aims to provide accessible, proactive help during your daily workflows, when you need it most. We want to ensure that clinics feel supported, confident, and ready to make the most of every feature.

When clinics use our responsive support, teams learn to optimize their images and submissions, radiologists and AI screenings have higher-quality studies to work from, reports become more accurate, and pets receive better, more timely care.

Trusted Support is a Click or Call Away

Our helpful, professional, human support team knows your clinic, understands your challenges, and wants you to succeed. From onboarding to aftercare, we’re committed to helping clients use our AI and teleradiology systems more confidently every day.

Contact Us

Ready to see what it’s like to have a support team that works the way you do? Contact us or schedule a demo to meet the team and discover how Vetology helps clinics deliver better care with our simple, yet powerful platform and world-class support.

Vetology AI Releases Classifier Performance Metrics

Vetology and dvmGRO Partnership

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Vetology and dvmGRO Partner to Bring Advanced Diagnostic Support to Independent Veterinary Practices

Charleston, SC + San Diego, CA — Nov. 12, 2025Vetology and dvmGRO today announced a strategic partnership that makes Vetology’s AI Radiology Reports and teleradiology services available to dvmGRO member practices as part of the network’s vetted portfolio of clinical solutions. Both organizations share a commitment to strengthening independent veterinary medicine through practical innovation, sustainable solutions, and measurable results. Together, they deliver technology and support that enhance clinical workflows, improve efficiency, and provide tangible benefits to practices of all sizes. 

“Vetology’s platform combines AI-backed efficiency with radiologist expertise,” said Eric Goldman, President of Vetology. “Our Virtual AI Radiologist Reports allow veterinarians to handle routine cases quickly, potentially lowering diagnostic costs for pet owners, and integrating smoothly into natural clinical workflows. When more complex cases call for deeper review, our boarded radiologists are always available.”

dvmGRO members can now access Vetology directly through their membership, gaining technology that adapts to practices of all sizes and supports growing caseloads. In addition, Vetology provides hands-on, one-on-one guidance to help clinics integrate AI Screening Reports into their workflows and improve radiograph positioning, acquisition, and interpretation skills.

“At dvmGRO, we believe independent veterinary hospitals are stronger when they have access to clinical and operational solutions that help them stay competitive,” said Megan Sturgill, LVT, President of dvmGRO. “Vetology brings both innovation and clinical depth to our community, helping our members deliver faster, more accurate diagnoses in support of patient care.”

Independent veterinary practices face increasing pressure from rising costs, staffing challenges, and growing client demands. By combining Vetology’s AI-driven technology with dvmGRO’s support network, member practices gain a scalable, reliable pathway for diagnostic imaging that fits naturally into existing workflows while improving efficiency and patient outcomes.

Through this partnership, Vetology and dvmGRO are helping practices strengthen diagnostic confidence, reduce turnaround times, and make tangible improvements in patient care, all while supporting the long-term growth and sustainability of independent veterinary hospitals.

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About dvmGRO

dvmGRO is a veterinary business accelerator built to support independent practices by delivering purchasing power, streamlined resources, and trusted partnerships. We bring together top-tier suppliers and real-world practice support to help clinics save money, operate smarter, and grow stronger. Learn more at dvmgro.com.

About Vetology

Vetology is a leading innovator in veterinary diagnostic imaging solutions, combining board-certified radiologist expertise with artificial intelligence to support radiographic interpretation in clinical practice. Our AI-powered, Virtual Radiologist Report and teleradiology services integrate naturally into clinical workflows, helping veterinarians make informed treatment decisions faster. The Vetology platform offers flexible options for AI review and on-demand access to radiologist reports.

At the heart of our work is a strong commitment to partnerships with clinics, veterinary professionals, and the shared goal of supporting patient care. We believe that humans and AI are better together, and we’re dedicated to building tools that reflect that philosophy. Learn more at vetology.net.

Contact Us

Thanks for reading! If you’d like to learn more or have any questions, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out anytime.

Controlling Costs With Veterinary Teleradiology

Controlling Costs With Veterinary Teleradiology

Veterinary care has advanced rapidly in recent years, but better medicine often comes at a cost. As prices for veterinary services steadily rise, clinics find themselves dealing with higher overhead costs, and clients may weigh the cost of services more heavily than potential outcomes when deciding on a treatment plan for their pet.

Veterinary practices, especially general practice clinics, face pressure to balance budgets against the necessity of high-quality patient care. Veterinary teleradiology is one solution to this dilemma, bringing the expertise of board-certified veterinary radiologists into the GP setting in a cost-effective way.

Here’s how veterinary teleradiology helps reduce costs without compromising care.

Key takeaways:

  • Veterinary teleradiology and AI-powered image analysis improve diagnostic speed and accuracy.
  • Collimating to the area of concern and leveraging AI to pre-screen images provides radiologists with quality images and helps guide questions to the radiologist when a consultation is needed.
  • Modern teleradiology platforms are affordable and equipment-light, which reduces expenses for veterinary hospitals.

Fast and Accurate Diagnoses

We all know what veterinary teleradiology does: it connects veterinary hospitals and clinicians in urgent care and general practices with board-certified veterinary radiologists who interpret digital diagnostic imaging, such as radiographs, dental radiographs, ultrasounds, CT scans, and MRI studies. With fast turnaround times – often within a few hours for STAT radiology cases – clinicians can make informed treatment decisions sooner and improve patient outcomes.

When AI-powered radiology screening reports are added to the workflow, the benefits multiply.

Artificial intelligence in veterinary radiology can analyze images and provide instant preliminary radiology reports that help clinical teams confirm findings without escalating a case to a radiologist. This speeds up decision-making and can eliminate the need for additional consults.

Targeted Studies

In many cases, veterinarians can initiate treatment with a focused radiographic study guided by the pet’s clinical history.
By collimating to the region of interest, positioning the patient correctly, and capturing multiple views, clinicians can produce higher-quality images that improve accuracy for both AI interpretation and radiologist reviews.

Hands-free restraint techniques and the use of positioning aids not only ensure safety but also produce sharper, diagnostic-quality images.

Using appropriate exposure settings, sedation when needed, and foam supports to maintain symmetry contributes to consistent, high-quality images that optimize AI radiology analysis and improve radiologist interpretation.

When selecting a veterinary teleradiology provider, look for one that charges per region rather than per image, so you can capture as many diagnostic views as needed without increasing costs. In many cases, a clear AI-powered or radiologist-reviewed report may provide enough information to guide clinical decision-making and avoid additional testing, saving time, cost, and stress for both the patient and the care team.

Board-certified Expertise

Instant access to board-certified veterinary radiologists was once limited to clients and patients of specialty hospitals. However, AI-enabled screening results paired with veterinary teleradiology services can now bring radiologist expertise to general practice clinics. When cases require more detail than an AI read provides, clinicians can easily escalate directly to a board-certified radiologist. This targeted use of human expertise ensures radiologists’ time is reserved for cases where it’s most impactful.

Easy Integration and Storage

Vetology’s veterinary imaging AI subscription includes secure storage of radiology reports and DICOM files, along with free access to an integrated PACS. This centralized image storage keeps prior studies accessible, enabling radiologists and clinicians to compare current images with historical ones for lesion tracking, disease progression monitoring, and treatment evaluation. By maintaining a continuous diagnostic record, practices can reduce the need for repeat imaging and support long-term patient care.

Integration with practice management software or AI Scribe means fewer clicks for your team and faster report turnaround. 

Case Report: Suspicious Gas Pattern

Vomiting pets are a daily occurrence in general practice, and these patients frequently require X-rays to rule out an intestinal obstruction. Abdominal gas and fluid patterns are particularly challenging for many veterinarians, including seasoned veterans, and image interpretation is critical in deciding which of these cases require surgery and which are best managed conservatively.

Take the case of Molly, a 5-year-old Labrador, who presents with acute vomiting. Molly is large, so radiographs are collimated to the upper and lower abdomen in overlapping views. Noting nothing immediately obvious, the clinician reviews the virtual AI radiologist report, which has also analyzed the images.

The AI report highlights an abnormal gas pattern suspicious for a linear obstruction. This immediate feedback prompts the clinician to prioritize Molly’s case, begin supportive care, and discuss the potential need for surgery with the client.

Molly’s owner agrees to a second-opinion teleradiology consultation to confirm the diagnosis before subjecting Molly to major surgery, and the clinician escalates the case to a board-certified veterinary radiologist from within the same platform. Within a few hours, the radiology report confirms a linear foreign body, and Molly goes to surgery. Because Vetology charges by region rather than by the number of images, the doctor can submit all abdominal views without incurring an added cost to the owner.

In Molly’s case, the AI-radiologist screening report provided immediate feedback on X-ray images, preventing delays and enabling the team to allocate appropriate staff time to Molly’s care. Then, the radiologist’s review delivered diagnostic confirmation, giving the clinician and Molly’s parents confidence to move forward with surgery.

Smart Diagnostics Drive Smarter Spending

Vetology helps veterinary practices control costs through per-region pricing and streamlined workflows with AI-first reporting. Whether you run a multi-location urgent care or referral hospital, or a busy general practice clinic, our approach to radiology interpretation helps you deliver high-quality, cost-effective care.

AI + Teleradiology, Built for Veterinary Practices Like Yours

Contact us to learn how our AI-drivenand human-supported teleradiology service, including subspecialty services in ultrasound, dental, CT, and MRI, can fit into your practice model.

Another pair of Eyes: 4 Reasons Veterinary Teleradiology is a Smart Move (Even If You’re an Expert)

Another pair of Eyes: 4 Reasons Veterinary Teleradiology is a Smart Move (Even If You’re an Expert)

This article examines how veterinary teleradiology enhances clinical decision-making, supports skill development, and addresses the shortage of radiologists. It highlights the benefits of collaborating with board-certified radiologists, obtaining rapid interpretations for urgent cases, and utilizing detailed reports for continuous learning. By integrating teleradiology, veterinary practices can improve patient care and operational efficiency. Read more about how:

  • Collaborative medicine improves diagnostic accuracy.
  • Faster answers lead to better outcomes.
  • Expert interpretation supports skill development.
  • Teleradiology meets a growing need.

Interpreting radiographs and other diagnostic images is a core skill for every veterinarian. Still, even the most experienced practitioners know that an extra layer of review can make or break the outcome of a case. Whether you’re a solo practitioner, managing an overnight emergency, or covering cases while the radiologist is on leave, veterinary teleradiology can provide the clarity and support you need to make confident treatment decisions.

Vetology connects clinicians with board-certified radiologists who specialize in interpreting complex diagnostic images. You might think of veterinary teleradiology as merely a backup option for less experienced practitioners. However, it can be a valuable tool that encourages multidisciplinary collaboration among veterinarians in diverse practice areas and career stages. Here are four reasons teleradiology is meant for veterinarians of all skill levels.

1. Collaborative Medicine is Good Medicine

In human healthcare and at veterinary specialty hospitals, surgeons, internists, and radiologists routinely consult with one another before proceeding with treatment. Veterinary teleradiology extends that same collaborative model to veterinary general practice hospitals and urgent care clinics, supporting informed decisions in everyday care.

Opting for a teleradiology consult can feel like you’re second-guessing yourself, but it’s actually a powerful way to strengthen your clinical instincts. Working with veterinary radiologists can enhance your interpretation skills and reinforce your decision-making. Veterinary radiologists can spot subtle signs in radiographs, dental radiographs, ultrasounds, and CT scans that, left unnoticed, can drastically alter the course of treatment.

2. Faster Answers Mean Better Outcomes

Another significant advantage of veterinary teleradiology is availability and speed. When an in-house radiologist is unavailable and the case is urgent, waiting may not be an option. Teleradiology provides your practice with 24/7 access to expert readings, offering a fast turnaround that enables timely treatment.

Rapid answers are especially critical when dealing with emergency conditions, such as:

  • Gastrointestinal obstruction
  • Heart failure
  • Pneumonia
  • Pneumothorax

“Anytime there’s a time factor on a critical case, that’s where telemedicine is at its best,” said Dr. John Mattoon, board-certified veterinary radiologist and senior medical advisor for Vetology.

GI cases are among the most challenging diagnoses that general practitioners face regularly. Teleradiology doesn’t replace the expert opinion, skill, or clinical instincts of the veterinarian, but it can help you prevent serious misdiagnoses.

“Looking at the bowel of vomiting dogs and cats is the most challenging thing we do,” said Dr. Mattoon. “For a veterinarian to say, ‘Your dog is obstructed, you need to go to surgery’ is a pretty bold move. You’d better be right.”

A few other conditions Dr. Mattoon noted as difficult to diagnose without an expert eye included gallstones, which can appear superimposed over the liver on lateral views, and gas in the hepatobiliary system, a subtle change that can provide insight into why a pet is so sick. “Gas within the bile ducts, gallbladder, or the liver itself is not obvious, but when it’s there, it indicates an anaerobic infection or abscess. If you miss it, that condition is often fatal.”

3. Expert Interpretation Supports Skill Development

There’s growing concern that some veterinary teams, especially new graduates, rely too heavily on teleradiology and that overreliance can undermine clinical development and decision-making skills. However, used appropriately, veterinary teleradiology can help early-career veterinarians develop and reinforce those skills.

Radiology reports can be an incredible learning tool. “The opportunity is tremendous for self-learning,” Dr. Mattoon noted. “You have a detailed report that explains the abnormalities on the image, followed by recommendations for appropriate next steps.”

When you commit to studying the images and reports, you can learn and grow with each case. Technicians and support staff can benefit, too. If the radiologist includes their contact information with the image report, you can call with questions about the case to further your understanding of the pathology.

4. Teleradiology Meets A Growing Need

Veterinary radiologists are in short supply, particularly in academia, which limits the training of new specialists. In areas without access to a local radiologist, primary care veterinarians must find ways to meet client and patient care needs in-house, including the use of veterinary teleradiology. “Teleradiology has been huge in allowing DVMs to access radiologists nearly instantaneously,” said Dr. Mattoon. “We can serve more veterinarians and do so more efficiently.”

Teleradiology can help general practitioners with the following scenarios that expand the scope of primary care:

  • Second opinions when another clinician is unavailable
  • Serious, urgent cases with no room for error
  • Client specialist consultation requests
  • Abdominal and thoracic ultrasound interpretation

Teleradiology For All

Veterinary teleradiology can benefit everyone, from new graduates and solo practitioners to experienced clinicians, emergency veterinarians, and even boarded specialists. Any veterinarian who values accuracy, collaboration, and providing the highest standards of patient care can benefit from image interpretation services such as the teleradiology service offered by Vetology.

Contact us for help navigating your next challenging case or when you need a second set of eyes and a fresh perspective to enhance patient care and client service in your clinic. Vetology’s teleradiology service is hassle-free, contract-free and allows flexibility with a pay as you go model. Our team of boarded radiologists, a boarded dental specialist and a cardiologist offer industry-standard STAT and turnaround times, and are available to read canine, feline, equine, exotics, avian and reptile cases.

AI and Teleradiology Questions: Answered

To learn more about Vetology and see our platform in action, click this box, to contact the Vetology support team.

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