Natalia Wagemans, MD, PhD, speaks at the Purina Institute Global Summit 2025 in St. Louis, Mo. Photo courtesy Purina Institute Technology was the focus of this year’s Purina Institute Global Summit, which included two days of lectures on “Technology Empowered Veterinary Care.” “By bringing together top global veterinary thought leaders, sharing and discussing recent discoveries and advances in rapidly evolving technologies, we empower veterinarians in clinical practice and setting them up for success,” says Natalia Wagemans, MD, PhD, global head of the Purina Institute based in St. Louis, Mo. To that point, topics ran the gamut on different elements of technology and how they can be used in the clinic as well as in research efforts. Seminars included: The impact of AI on veterinary diagnostics The role of biomarkers in veterinary nutrition and clinical practice Redefining veterinary medicine with the Internet of Things, AI, and telemedicine Using smart devices to improve weight loss programs for pets There were also species-specific sessions focusing on the canine gut microbiome dynamics as well as using litter box monitors to track feline urinary health and disease. “The veterinary community should request what we need, rather than waiting on when the new technologies are coming,” Dr. Wagemans says. In addition to the in-person attendees, more than 5,000 people from more than 100 countries registered to view the seminars remotely. Sessions are available on demand for those who register with the Purina Institute at any time. Veterinary Practice News was present at the sessions and noted a theme mentioned by several speakers was reassurance. As Wagemans says, “Technology should be our friends and not our enemies.” Speakers included Purina employees, as well as representatives from other veterinary-focused companies, as well as universities, and tech-specific organizations, including Microsoft. More details on the summit will be included in an upcoming issue of Veterinary Practice News.
