By DoingBoing
The number of pet owners is consistently rising in the US. With the surge in the pet population, the responsibilities of the veterinary industry have also increased. It puts pressure on the veterinary facilities to introduce advanced machinery and equipment to treat pet patients. Technological advancements in the veterinary field not only save time but also ensure better care of animals.
Over the last few decades, veterinary care has been integrating technology to treat veterinary diseases. Vets are now using technologies such as laparoscopy, ultrasound, and MRI that were previously used for humans only.
These technological advancements assist professionals in providing the best possible care to animals. It enables them to quickly and accurately diagnose and prevent animal diseases.
This article will inform you about the technological advancements that are increasing life expectancy and improving animal care.
Role of Technology in Veterinary Disease Prevention
Technological advancements provide advanced solutions to improve the diagnostic and treatment processes of diseases.
- The innovative diagnostic lab equipment provides immediate and accurate results. For example, ultrasound and MRI permit early diagnosis and provide the baselines for before and aftercare.
- The advanced machinery makes procedures less invasive with less recovery time, e.g., laser surgery and laparoscopy.
- The advanced imaging machinery helps to provide in-depth looks even into the digestive tract and head.
- Using Internet-based platforms, veterinarians can also share and access animal health data. This level of integration also enables veterinarians to connect to mobile devices in order to retrieve data more efficiently.
Veterinary Technological Advancements for Disease Prevention
Technological advancement has a significant impact on veterinary care. Let’s discuss these advancements in detail and see how they are helpful for animal disease prevention.
Laser Treatment
The use of lasers to treat veterinary diseases is one of the most valuable advancements in the field of veterinary medicine. The technique is extremely beneficial to animals because it makes preventive care less invasive. This procedure uses light waves with wavelengths ranging from 600 to 1070 nanometers.
The operator slowly moves the laser wand back and forth over the damaged tissues during the treatment. It produces a warm, pleasant sensation that most animals find relaxing.
Laser therapy is particularly useful for animal patients with limited medical treatment options, such as:
- Animals suffering from liver disease who are unable to take medications.
- Cats that can only take a few pain relievers.
- Exotic animals with difficult-to-administer medications.
- Aged animals with impaired organ function.
- This therapy helps to heal animals suffering from traumatic injuries, chronic arthritis, ligament injuries, and surgical incisions.
Biological Marker
A biological marker is a measurable indicator useful for identifying any biological measure. Veterinary professionals use biological markers that are evaluated using blood, urine, or soft tissues to examine normal biological processes, pathogenic processes, or pharmacologic responses to a therapeutic intervention to diagnose, screen, and monitor pet diseases.
Biomarkers are important in evaluating clinical responses, therapeutic decisions, and animal physiology. Also, vets can obtain it from plasma, urine, sweat, etc.
Wearable Devices
Wearables are electronic devices that measure patients’ vital signs when they wear them. It is gradually gaining significance in veterinary diagnostic procedures. These devices help keep track of body temperature, heart rate, respiration rate, sleep cycles, pH levels, and oxygen levels.
For instance, a multiparameter harness is one of the most valuable devices in veterinary medicine to diagnose dogs’ health parameters such as heart rate and respiratory rate. In addition, the device highlights the complicated health situations that require acute treatment.
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence (AI) revolutionized medical care and improved clinical outcomes. For example, veterinary professionals use this technology to detect potential animal diseases.
Artificial intelligence can help with the interpretation of medical images, such as radiology results. For example, AI-powered software automates veterinary radiologists’ routine tasks, such as data collection, analysis, and case classification. More importantly, it can make recommendations for prioritizing severe cases based on its interpretation of medical images.
3DPrinting
3D printing technology is highly beneficial for animal surgical treatments. Veterinary professionals can take real-time data on the bones and muscles of animals. After collecting tomography scans, they can make 3D prints to create animal bone models.
Today, vets are using 3D technology to make models that replicate the deformities or injuries of animals. The reasons for the growing popularity of 3D technology are its speed, cost savings, unlimited design possibilities, and flexibility. In addition to nylon, metal, stainless steel, and ceramics, vets can now print on natural tissue filled with fluid.
Summing Up
Technological advancements like biomarkers, laser therapy, and 3D printing aid veterinary experts in treating veterinary diseases. These advancements are beneficial to treating the majority of pet diseases that endanger their lives.
Check out VetandTech Blog to learn more about pet diseases and treatments. They’ve compiled a list of the most common diseases in cats, dogs, horses, birds, and ferrets. They also describe practical ways to keep animals healthy. Use their valuable resources to expand your knowledge and contribute to the health industry.
FAQs
Is it safe to treat animals with laser therapy?
Laser therapy is a safe procedure if used with the appropriate settings. However, higher-powered units can thermally burn the tissues. Furthermore, laser beams can permanently damage the patient and operator. That’s why all patients and veterinary staff should wear protective goggles during procedures.
How does technology improve veterinary care?
Technology brings new advancements in veterinary care procedures. It simplifies the analysis and prediction of diseases for professionals. As a result, they can provide effective treatments without wasting time. Veterinary professionals use technology to maintain the highest standards of veterinary care and welfare.
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