Dr. Lee Matheson, DVM
October 13th, 2025
Note: This article was written without the help of AI…ok, maybe I used it a little bit 😉
As artificial intelligence continues to change our world, some exciting opportunities for its application have arisen in the practice of veterinary medicine. This article discusses my experience with AI and how I have implemented its use at Rose Creek Animal Clinic.
My Experience
I completed my veterinary training in 2018 at Washington State University, before the use of AI was even being discussed in most veterinary circles. This timing positioned me well to be exposed to, and embrace, AI since I was educated without it and practiced without it for several years, but introduced to it soon enough in my career that I hadn’t become set in my ways. Over the last year or two, AI has allowed me to provide better care for my patients and a better experience for my clients.
Perceptions
Admittedly though, when I was introduced to AI as a tool to aid in my clinical practice, my first thought was “this is cheating!” As the reality of the capability of AI began to dawn on me, my second thought was “this is going to replace me some day…soon!”, but as I have learned to utilize AI in practice, I have come to realize that AI cannot replace the veterinarian/client/patient relationship – it is simply another of the many tools in my toolbox to aid me in providing effective, efficient, and convenient care for my patients, as well as a better veterinary experience for my patients and clients.
How I use AI in Practice
Imaging – Every x-ray I take (including dental x-ray) is immediately compared to thousands of other similar images by AI – some normal, and most with a broad range of abnormalities. The AI driving this is looking for “signs” which are objective, observable findings that suggest a disease or injury. Although I have personally seen thousands of images over the course of my career and can use them for reference, AI technology can instantly analyze and compare thousands of images in just a few seconds, far faster and more efficiently than I can. While I always review the x-rays myself, and always make the ultimate diagnosis, this tool gives me an objective second pair of eyes when I am on the fence about a diagnosis or need precise measurements. It also helps with picking up other subtle details that I may not be looking for.
Other Diagnostics: – Our in-house diagnostic instruments utilize facial recognition software coupled with AI interpretation software to quantify bacteria and identify specific urine crystals in urine samples, identify blood morphology abnormalities, and identify and quantify yeast and bacteria on ear swabs – all within 8-10 minutes! These instruments are also poised to increase their capabilities and will soon be able to analyze needle biopsies to differentiate types of tumors and growths in-house. Of course, all the information gathered is backed by my experience and expertise to make the best clinical decisions for your pet.
Record Keeping – I use a veterinary-specific recording, transcription, and summarization software for my patient records. When you set up an appointment for your pet, I can start before you arrive by dropping all their records into the software which will then summarize all their history. This means I can get caught up before the appointment on the important details about your pet’s history in a fraction of the time. During the appointment I can record the visit and the AI will transcribe, summarize, and sort the information for input onto your pet’s record. Of course, this all helps me save time, but how does it help you?
- Instead of the technician typing notes, they can focus on helping me get a thorough exam and getting you and your pet the attention you deserve.
- I can spend less time stressing about typing out records and spend more time with you and your pet.
- The resulting record is more thorough, accurate, and concise which makes your pet’s care more consistent and dramatically reduces human error in diagnosing, prescribing, and treatment.
There are many other ways that we implement AI in our practice that are too numerous and detailed to list here.
AI technology is rapidly improving how veterinarians practice medicine, without replacing the valuable in-person, one-on-one veterinary/client/patient relationship that we all still strive for. By choosing Dr. Lee and Rose Creek Animal Clinic, you are choosing a clinic that is embracing these changes which help us fulfill our mission for your pet – healing in the hard times, thriving through the good times.