How artificial intelligence can enhance diagnostic confidence

By Cory Penn, DVM, Head of Vetscan Imagyst, Immunoassay, and Virtual Laboratory • Zoetis Global Diagnostics

Veterinary medicine is ever evolving. As technology continues to advance, so too does the way veterinarians diagnose, treat, and communicate about animal health. Among the most promising developments is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into diagnostic workflows, a shift that is beginning to reshape the experience of general practice.

In clinics across the country, veterinarians are facing mounting pressures: increased caseloads and more complex presentations.¹ The demand for rapid diagnostics is growing, not because these critical cases are always easy to spot, but because timely intervention can depend on having the right tools to detect them early. In the right context, AI yields the power to enhance clinical confidence and streamline decision-making – without replacing the human touch that defines the profession.

Elevating everyday practice

Whether it's a blood test, a skin scraping, or a fecal sample, diagnostic testing plays a vital role in veterinary care, helping clinicians uncover what can't be seen with the naked eye. One common scenario for pet owners is the discovery of a lump or bump on their animal, which can cause alarm. It often happens unexpectedly, while giving them an affectionate scratch behind their ears, stroking them while they snooze, or when grooming. That initial concern typically turns into a visit to the veterinary clinic, where a veterinary professional begins to assess the mass and determine whether it's benign, malignant, or potentially pre-malignant or inflammatory in nature.

This scenario plays out daily in general practice. While some masses are easily identified, others require cytological evaluation to determine their nature. This involves collecting a sample, often via fine needle aspirate and sending it to an external laboratory. The wait for results can easily take several days – stressful for both the veterinarian and the pet owner, especially when the mass appears suspicious.

Rather than waiting days for lab results, new technology means that veterinary teams can begin forming a diagnostic impression within minutes, helping to guide next steps and ease owner anxiety. AI Masses is the latest indication to be made available on the Vetscan Imagyst® analyzer from Zoetis. It is designed to empower general practitioners to obtain fast, accurate^2,3 results through in-clinic screening of common lymph node and skin/subcutaneous lesions using artificial intelligence (AI).

What does AI look like in practice?

Case Study: Missy

Missy, a two-and-a-half-year-old female American Staffordshire Terrier Mix, was adopted from a local shelter by a young couple in California. During her first wellness exam, the veterinarian noticed a firm, raised mass on her chest. The couple hadn't seen it before and were understandably concerned.

The veterinarian performed a fine needle aspirate and used the Vetscan Imagyst platform to scan the sample. Within minutes, AI Masses flagged the presence of mast cells, suggesting a mast cell tumor, one of the most common skin tumors in dogs. The veterinarian requested an expert review through the platform, which confirmed the preliminary findings.

Armed with a diagnosis, the veterinarian discussed treatment options with Missy's owners. Surgery was scheduled for the following week, and the mass was successfully removed. Histopathology confirmed the tumor was low-grade, and Missy recovered well with no signs
of recurrence.

For Missy's veterinarian, the ability to move from sample collection to diagnosis and treatment planning in a single visit was transformative. It reduced uncertainty, accelerated care, and provided the pet owners with immediate clarity, turning a moment of fear into a proactive path forward.

Missy's case also highlights the emotional impact of timely diagnostics. Her owners, new to pet parenting, were reassured by the clarity and speed of the process. They felt informed and involved, and their trust in the clinic deepened. For the veterinary team, it was a reminder of how technology can support, not replace, the human connection at the heart of animal care.

Improving client communication and clinical outcomes

One of the most valuable aspects of AI Masses is its impact on client communication. When a pet owner is faced with the possibility of cancer or another serious condition, clarity and compassion are essential. The visual outputs generated by the analyzer, highlighted cell images, annotated findings, and concise summaries help veterinarians explain complex concepts in an accessible way.

This transparency builds trust. Pet owners are more likely to consent to further diagnostics or treatment when they understand the rationale behind the recommendation. They may also appreciate the speed with which information is delivered. In many cases, the ability to provide answers during the initial visit can transform a stressful experience into a collaborative care plan.

Early diagnosis can also improve clinical outcomes. Tumors identified and treated promptly are often associated with better prognoses. By enabling faster identification of concerning masses, AI Masses can support proactive care and reduces the risk of delayed intervention.

Human-led, AI-driven

Vetscan Imagyst AI Masses uses deep learning algorithms trained by clinical pathologists using thousands of digital cytology samples. When a sample is collected and prepared, it is scanned using the Vetscan Imagyst. The AI then analyzes the digital slide, identifying cell types and patterns that may indicate the presence of specific cells, or tumors in this case – such as mast cell tumors, lymphoma, or plasma cell tumors.

A preliminary interpretation visually highlights areas of concern and offers a summary of findings. Should further clarification be sought, the platform enables submission to a board-certified clinical pathologist for add-on expert review**, ensuring that AI supports, rather than replaces, clinical judgment.

This hybrid model is key. AI Masses is not a diagnostic endpoint; it's a decision-support tool. It enhances the veterinarian's ability to triage cases, prioritize interventions, and communicate findings clearly to pet owners. In doing so, it helps bridge the gap between suspicion and certainty, often within the same appointment.

From a workflow perspective, AI Masses integrates smoothly into the daily rhythm of general practice. It reduces reliance on external labs for initial cytology interpretation, freeing up time and resources. It also supports earlier intervention, which can be critical in cases where tumor progression is rapid.

Introducing AI into your clinic

As AI tools become more accessible, clinics are actively exploring how to integrate them into daily practice. For many, the journey begins with training and education. Industry leaders – from individuals to companies like Zoetis – are stepping up with tutorials, webinars, and clinical guidance to help teams build confidence and competence with these platforms.

We should also explore how technology such as Vetscan Imagyst® might support preventive medicine, particularly in wellness screening protocols for senior pets or breeds with a known predisposition to certain health issues. By introducing the tool during routine check-ups, teams can identify potential concerns earlier and guide follow-up care more effectively. In urgent care settings, it may also assist with rapid triage, helping clinicians prioritize cases based on visual assessment. Its adaptability means practices can trial different approaches and refine workflows based on clinical need, rather than one-size-fits-all implementation.

The broader impact of AI in veterinary diagnostics

AI Masses is part of a broader shift toward intelligent diagnostics in veterinary medicine. Its other capabilities across fecal, urine sediment, dermatology and blood smear, in addition to the latest hematology analyzer, Vetscan OptiCell™, demonstrate how AI can support interpretation.

These tools are not designed to replace veterinarians; they are designed to support them. By automating routine tasks and providing decision-support insights, AI allows practitioners to focus on what matters most: patient care, client relationships, and clinical outcomes.

In rural areas, AI can also help bridge gaps in access to specialist expertise. General practitioners can leverage AI tools to obtain high-quality interpretations without the need for referral or long-distance lab submissions. This widely broadens the diagnostic capability offered and ensures that more pets receive timely, informed care.

The future for veterinary care

AI is no longer a distant concept; it's a present-day reality that's quietly changing veterinary diagnostics. Tools like Vetscan Imagyst are helping general practitioners make faster, more confident decisions, improving outcomes for pets and peace of mind for their owners.
As the technology continues to evolve, its potential will only grow. AI is poised to become an integral part of veterinary workflows, supporting, not replacing, the expertise of the clinician.

The development of AI Masses reflects a broader commitment at Zoetis to advancing veterinary medicine through technology. The Vetscan Imagyst platform is designed to integrate seamlessly into general practice, offering a suite of diagnostic tools that enhance efficiency, reliability, and confidence.

By investing in AI, Zoetis Diagnostics aims to support veterinarians in delivering the highest standard of care whether they're managing routine wellness exams or navigating complex clinical presentations. The company's focus is on practical innovation: tools that work in real-world settings and respond to the needs of everyday practice.

To learn more about Vetscan Imagyst and explore how AI Masses can support your practice, visit: https://www.zoetisdiagnostics.com/us/point-of-care/vetscan-imagyst/

** Additional costs may apply.
VTS-01800

References

1. Steffey, M.A., et al., 2023. Veterinarian burnout demographics and organizational impacts: a narrative review. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 10, p.1184526. Available at: https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2023.1184526
2. Zoetis Data on File. Study Report - DHXMZ-US-25-285
3. Zoetis Data on File. Study Report - DHXMZ-US-25-286

This Education Center article was underwritten by Zoetis.