How Technology Plays a Role in Veterinary Care
Guest Writer: Lizzie Weakley
Veterinary medicine has changed drastically over the past century, both in response to the changing roles of pets in our society, and the development of new and improved technologies. Pets are often viewed as a member of the family and, as such, greater care of their needs is demanded. Gone are the days when teeth were allowed to rot out when general anesthesia consisted of a simple injection of pentobarbital. Now regular maintenance is given, teeth are extracted, and pets are given a combination of sedatives and anesthetics not unlike a human might experience when anesthetized. Diagnostic procedures have likewise advanced considerably.
Ultrasounds and MRIs
Ultrasounds and Magnetic Resonance Imaging are one such area that has seen improvement. Previously, diagnostics were limited to crude, time-consuming X-Rays, which were developed in dark rooms. Now, equipment has diversified and become far more convenient. Equipment such as ultrasounds from companies like Keebovet has become portable. They may use rechargeable batteries, allowing for simplified use— especially with large animals. MRIs, formerly used only in neurological scans, are now seeing use in orthopedics, cardiology, and soft tissue treatment. However, unlike ultrasounds, MRIs require sedation and are considerably more costly.
3D Printing
3D Printing is a relatively new technology, which has seen use in everything from artistic fields to medicine– and veterinary medicine is no exception. Bones and tissues can be 3D printed following a CT scan, allowing veterinarians to view an animal’s internal structures and practice surgery before operating on the patient. They can likewise be used simply as models.
How Home Technology Helps Pet Care
Laparoscopy
Laparoscopy is a very useful surgical tool: a camera is inserted into the animal via a small incision. Other instruments can be placed in similarly small incision sites. Compared to traditional surgeries, laparoscopy is much less invasive, expensive, and painful. This method of operation is typically used for organ biopsies, but can also be utilized for a non-invasive form of spaying (Ovariectomy, in which only the ovaries are removed, or Ovariohysterectomy, in which the uterus is also removed).
This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to veterinary medicine and new or newly adapted technologies. Many other tools are being used, such as pulse oximeters, cutting lasers (in place of scalpels), CO2 monitors, and many others. And new technologies are continually being researched, ensuring that your beloved pet gets the best care possible.
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“How Technology Plays a Role in Veterinary Care – Pet Health”
Guest Writer: Lizzie Weakley is a freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio. She went to college at The Ohio State University where she studied communications. She enjoys the outdoors and long walks in the park with her 3-year-old husky, Snowball.
If you like Lizzie’s writing style, follow her on Twitter @LizzieWeakley or find her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/lizzie.weakley
Other articles by Lizzie Weakley:
- What to do After Being Bitten by a Vicious Dog
- 7 Ways to Spoil Your Pets (So They’ll Love You Even More
- What are the Best Types of Floors for Pet Owners
- 7 Reasons Your Family Needs a Dog
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MY QUESTION FOR YOU TODAY:
Have your pets had the need to use any of these technologies?
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(It’s just sexy!)
As always, thank you for taking the time to visit my blog!
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Some please recommend which product I should pick among the ones listed on this site.
Among the products mentioned on the list, which one is the best?
What days and hours is the vet open? If you work then make sure that the vet will be open on days when you are off.
That’s good advice. Thank you for stopping by.
One of the most important decisions you’ll make as a pet parent is finding a quality health care provider for your furry friend. Selecting the right veterinarian is a personal decision, but you’ll want to choose a practice that offers the highest available standard of care.
I would add telemedicine to the list because of its relevance and applicability: pets are safe and owners are satisfied with saved time and money
Thank you for mentioning that. I will slip that information in the article. I’m glad you stopped by Animal Bliss today.