Welcome to this issue of Companion Animal, my first as editor. This month's issue covers a wide range of topics, from technical veterinary procedures to useful information vets can provide their clients. From dog friendly clinics to the potential applications of artificial intelligence in imaging and diagnostics, there is plenty of interesting reading for any companion animal veterinarian wanting to improve welfare in their practice.
Dogs are one of the most popular pets in the UK – 11 million households are completed by a dog. Owners share very strong bonds with their animals, and as such try to make their pet's life as stress-free as they can. Veterinary visits can be a significant stressor for pups, so the collaborative scheme between the Dogs Trust and the British Veterinary Behaviour Association aims to lower canine stress levels associated with vet visits. Kate Main's review (p100) highlights key areas in which veterinary practices can make the experience they provide their canine patients better throughout the process, from pre-appointment through to consultation and treatment.
With 24% of households having at least one feline friend under their roof, Dan O'Neill (p88) provides an extensive review of the most common disorders diagnosed in cats. Some of the most diagnosed conditions – including obesity and dental issues – can be effectively managed by the owner at home, increasing the quality of life for the animals and (hopefully!) keeping future veterinary input at a minimum.
Should a veterinary procedure be required, one method of retrieving a biopsy is through a laparoscopic, or ‘keyhole’, surgery. Laparoscopic surgery is a common procedure in human medicine, with around 14 million procedures performed worldwide annually. However, this method is still in its infancy in veterinary medicine, despite its wide range of uses – including but not limited to biopsy collection from organs such as the lungs, kidneys. Angelo Tapia-Araya and colleagues (p66) discuss how these biopsies are collected and the benefits to the patient when compared with a more invasive surgery.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming more and more common, with sites such as Midjourney and ChatGPT making AI accessible to all at the touch of a button. As such, it's only fitting that it should spread into veterinary medicine as well. AI has various uses, including standardisation and increasing efficiency; however, it can struggle in non-ideal situations where a human eye would be able to adapt more easily. There are also ethical considerations to be taken into account, particularly if AI were to be used to diagnose issues. Owens and colleagues (p78) review the existing applications and limitations of AI and discuss the future research which will inevitably take place as AI becomes an integral part of society.
Veterinary medicine is an inherently scientific field. As continuing research allows for better techniques, more accurate diagnostics, and better outcomes for our furry friends, it is important to ensure that animals are treated with respect and care throughout the process and not just in the consultation room. Combining technical progress and the compassion of veterinary staff (and potentially their AI collaborators!) will ensure that the welfare of companion animals is maintained from presentation to treatment.