An unfortunate trend in veterinary medicine is to rely too heavily on technology to diagnose sick pets. This impersonalized type of healthcare is due to many factors, but the result is that machines make more of the diagnostic and treatment decisions, and humans become less relevant.
While there is definitely a place for technology in veterinary medicine, and we certainly utilize it ourselves, it should not be relied upon to the point where the doctor becomes subservient to it.
We have been practicing long enough to remember when a thorough medical history and physical exam were the most important components of diagnosis, and believe that is still true. Technology should be used to assist in diagnosing a sick pet and confirm what is already suspected. Technology should not be a replacement for a doctor’s medical judgment and experience.
We still look upon pets as unique individuals with unique needs, and no machine will ever be smart enough to understand that.
