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Accurate heart evaluation is essential in veterinary care for diagnosing and monitoring cardiac conditions in pets. Thoracic radiographs and imaging are key tools, but a single view may miss abnormalities.

A comprehensive approach—including multiple views, standardized measurements, and assessment of surrounding structures—enhances diagnostic accuracy and leads to better treatment decisions.

Why Is It Important to Take at Least Two Views of the Heart?

Taking only one X-ray of the heart can lead to missed details. A single image might not show changes in heart size or shape, which could delay diagnosis. Veterinarians recommend at least two views – right lateral and ventral-dorsal (VD). The right lateral view helps assess heart size, while the VD view gives a clearer picture of chamber enlargement and blood flow. 

If a dog cannot lie on its back, a dorsal-ventral (DV) view can be used instead. Sometimes, adding a left lateral view provides even more information, helping detect subtle changes in heart function that could affect treatment decisions.

How Does the Vertebral Heart Score Help in Heart Evaluation?

The Vertebral Heart Score (VHS) is a simple way to measure heart size using X-rays. Instead of guessing if a heart is too big, veterinarians use this technique to get a more accurate assessment. VHS is calculated by measuring the long and short axes of the heart on a lateral view and comparing them to the pet’s vertebrae, starting at T4.

A normal VHS for dogs is usually between 8.5 and 10.7, though breed differences exist. Some breeds have naturally smaller values (greyhound), while brachycephalic breeds (French bulldog) may appear to have larger hearts. In cats, a VHS of 8.0 or lower is considered normal. Tracking VHS over time helps detect early signs of heart disease, making it a valuable tool in veterinary care.

Why Should You Learn About Variations of “Normal” Heart Sizes?

Not all patients have the same heart size, even if they are completely healthy. Understanding breed and individual variations is key to accurate diagnosis.

• Brachycephalic breeds (e.g., Bulldogs, Pugs) often have larger-looking hearts due to their chest shape.
• Deep-chested breeds (e.g., Greyhounds, Dobermans) tend to have a smaller, more elongated cardiac silhouette.
• Age and weight can also influence heart size.

Veterinarians should evaluate multiple radiographs over time to build experience in distinguishing normal variations from actual heart disease.

How Can Other Structures Help You Evaluate the Heart?

The heart is not the only organ that can show signs of disease. Taking the time to review the lungs, blood vessels, and abdomen can give important clues about heart health. Pulmonary blood vessels should be a normal size; if they are too large, it could suggest fluid overload or heart disease. Checking for lung congestion or fluid buildup can help confirm heart-related problems as well.

An enlarged liver may also be a sign of heart failure, as blood can back up into the liver when the heart is not pumping effectively. By looking at the whole chest and abdomen anatomy, veterinarians can gather more information to make a confident diagnosis.

When Should You Seek a Second Opinion for a Chest Radiograph?

Some heart conditions are obvious, but others can be tricky to spot. If an X-ray shows subtle or borderline changes, it’s always a good idea to get a second opinion. Cardiologists and experienced radiologists can help interpret difficult cases and suggest additional tests if needed. Expert advice such as this can lead to more accurate diagnoses and better treatment decisions.

Making Heart Evaluations Easier for Your Practice

Evaluating heart health using X-rays requires a careful approach. If you need guidance on thoracic radiograph interpretation or improving your veterinary medicine practice, contact AxisVet for expert advice and to learn more about our services.

Introducing new technology is one of the most effective ways to advance your veterinary practice. Whether it’s a telemedicine platform, online pharmacy integration, advanced diagnostic tools, or client communication apps, technology can greatly improve your service. It boosts efficiency, enhances patient care, and makes the experience smoother for both your team and clients.

However, adopting technology successfully involves more than just installing new systems. How you introduce and explain the technology is key to how it’s received. Clients need to understand its value and feel comfortable using it. Your team must also be confident in discussing and demonstrating the technology. A thoughtful introduction ensures a positive experience for everyone and helps establish your practice as a leader in innovative pet care.

Why Proactive Communication Matters

When communicating, focus on how technology benefits pet care. Highlight how it makes appointments easier, speeds up diagnostics, or improves pet health. For example, if you’re launching a new mobile app, explain how it allows clients to manage pet records, request refills, and access telehealth services anytime. Clear, benefit-focused messaging from the start helps ensure a smooth rollout.

Emphasizing Technology Benefits During Client Visits

Client visits are a great time to reinforce the value of new technology. Technicians, assistants, or front desk staff can briefly mention or demonstrate the technology. For instance, when discussing a pet’s procedure, a technician might show how the new portal provides easy access to pre-op instructions or post-care guidelines.

Keep explanations simple and focused on practical benefits, such as saving time, improving communication, or enhancing pet health. Quick demos, like a two-minute app walkthrough at checkout or a printed guide after a consultation, can be effective.

Team preparedness is key. Everyone, from veterinary technologists to administrative assistants, should be trained on both how the technology works and how to explain its benefits clearly. Including internal training and role-playing exercises in the program will ensure everyone feels ready to assist clients.

When your team is confident, clients are more likely to trust and adopt the technology.

Building Client Trust After Implementation

Introducing new technology is just the beginning. To build trust, follow up once the technology is live. One of the best ways is by seeking client feedback. After clients use the new system—whether it’s online scheduling, pet records, or a diagnostic tool—ask for their thoughts. Quick surveys, email follow-ups, or simple questions during checkout can provide valuable insights. Gathering feedback shows clients their experience matters and helps identify areas for improvement.

Sharing success stories is another effective strategy. Highlight positive client experiences with the new technology. With permission, share testimonials on social media, your website, or in your waiting area. Real stories demonstrate the practical benefits and encourage others to adopt the technology.

Encouraging online reviews also strengthens trust. Positive feedback from clients helps position your practice as innovative and client-focused. Use these reviews in marketing materials to show your commitment to both technology and compassionate care.

Bringing Technology and Veterinary Care Together

Successfully introducing new technology is about more than the technology itself—it’s about enhancing client and team experiences. When clients understand how technology improves pet care and simplifies their lives, they are more likely to embrace it. With the right approach, your practice can operate more efficiently, build stronger client relationships, and stand out as a trusted, modern resource in your community.

If you have questions about how to introduce new technology into your veterinary practice or our services, contact AxisVet today. We’re here to help support you in elevating your client experience.

Incorporating teleradiology into your veterinary practice involves an upfront cost, but the benefits make it a worthwhile investment that enhances patient care, improves workflow, and drives business growth. Let’s break down the costs vs. value to show why teleradiology is a smart choice. 

The Costs of Teleradiology 

Service Fees: 

• Charges per case or monthly subscriptions to access board-certified radiologists. 

Integration: 

• Setting up digital imaging systems like CR/DR machines to integrate with teleradiology services and seamlessly deliver images or reports. 

Training: 

• Time and resources spent training your staff. 

The Value of Teleradiology 

Access to Specialist Expertise 

• Benefit: Gain instant access to board-certified veterinary radiologists who provide expert interpretations for complex cases. 

• Impact: Enhances diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes, which builds client trust. 

Faster Turnaround Times 

• Benefit: Receive interpretations quickly, often within hours, depending on urgency. 

• Impact: Improves patient care by enabling quicker treatment decisions, especially in emergencies. 

Cost-Effective Solution for Smaller Practices 

• Benefit: Avoid hiring an in-house or mobile radiologist, which may not be financially feasible for smaller or general practices. 

• Impact: Pay only for the services you need, reducing overhead costs. 

Improved Workflow Efficiency 

• Benefit: Free up veterinarians and staff by outsourcing radiograph interpretations. 

• Impact: Allows your team to focus on patient care and other critical tasks, boosting productivity. 

Expanded Services 

• Benefit: Offer advanced imaging diagnostics like CT and MRI scans with remote interpretation. 

• Impact: Attract more clients and handle cases that might otherwise be referred elsewhere. 

Enhanced Client Satisfaction and Retention 

• Benefit: Provide quick, accurate diagnoses and treatment plans. 

• Impact: Builds client confidence, loyalty, and word-of-mouth referrals. 

Reduced Legal Risks 

• Benefit: Ensure accurate diagnoses with the help of radiology specialists, reducing the likelihood of errors. 

• Impact: Protects your practice from potential liability issues. 

Scalability 

• Benefit: As your practice grows, teleradiology services can scale with you to handle increased caseloads. 

• Impact: Supports long-term business growth without requiring major infrastructure investments. 

Return on Investment (ROI) 

While there are costs associated with teleradiology, the value it delivers ensures a strong return on investment: 

Improved Patient Outcomes 

• Faster, accurate diagnoses lead to better treatment success rates. 

Increased Revenue 

• Offering advanced diagnostics can justify higher service fees and attract more clients.  It can also minimize costs associated with potentially unnecessary treatments or repeat diagnostic tests. 

Efficiency Gains 

• Outsourcing radiology saves time, allowing you to see more patients and optimize your workflow. 

In Summary 

Teleradiology is an investment in the quality of care your practice provides. By leveraging the expertise, efficiency, and scalability of teleradiology you can enhance your services, attract and retain clients, and ensure long-term growth for your veterinary practice. 

Artificial intelligence (AI) is making strides in veterinary teleradiology, offering new and exciting tools to assist veterinary radiologists in interpreting diagnostic images. However, as with any technology, it comes with both benefits and potential challenges. Here’s a closer look to help general practitioners make informed decisions about incorporating AI into their practices. 

What Is AI in Veterinary Teleradiology? 

AI in veterinary teleradiology involves machine learning algorithms that are typically trained on thousands of radiographic images to identify patterns, detect abnormalities, and assist in interpreting diagnostic images. These systems are designed to detect abnormalities, suggest possible diagnoses, and support radiologists and veterinarians in making clinical decisions.  Some systems available on the market will generate a complete report without input from a board-certified radiologist.  It has the potential to be a valuable tool to enhance efficiency and support general practitioners in their diagnostic process. 

Benefits of AI in Veterinary Teleradiology 

Faster Turnaround Times 

• AI can process and analyze images quickly, potentially reducing the time it takes to identify abnormalities.  This can allow veterinarians to make more timely decisions in urgent cases, such as trauma or respiratory distress. 

Improved Diagnostic Accuracy 

• AI algorithms are trained to recognize subtle abnormalities that might be missed during a busy day. 

• AI provides another layer of analysis that can act as a first-line tool for detecting abnormalities to later be reviewed by a radiologist.  AI systems serve as a “second set of eyes,” reducing the risk of diagnostic errors. 

Enhanced Workflow Efficiency 

• By pre-screening images and highlighting areas of concern, AI streamlines the diagnostic process. 

• Veterinarians can focus their time on treatment planning and patient care instead of lengthy image analysis. 

Consistency 

• AI algorithms are less influenced by fatigue or bias when properly maintained, potentially offering more consistent evaluations. 

Learning Opportunities 

• For less experienced veterinarians, AI can highlight areas of concern and provide insights that improve their diagnostic skills. 

Accessibility for General Practices 

• Practices without access to on-site radiologists or specialists can leverage AI tools to obtain preliminary interpretations. 

• Combined with teleradiology, AI ensures that even remote practices can offer advanced diagnostic capabilities. 

Practical Applications of AI in Teleradiology 

Disease Detection 

• AI can be used for the identification of common conditions in veterinary radiology, such as fractures, pulmonary patterns, cardiomegaly, abdominal masses, foreign objects, and more. 

Prioritization of Cases 

• AI can flag critical cases for priority review by a radiologist, ensuring that urgent conditions are addressed promptly and cases are triaged appropriately. 

Increased Efficiency 

• Time Savings:  

• Case Prioritization: AI can flag urgent cases, ensuring that critical patients are reviewed first. 

Enhanced Diagnostic Support 

• Second Opinion:  

Consistency in Analysis 

• Objective Assessments: AI algorithms are less influenced by fatigue or bias when properly maintained, potentially offering more consistent evaluations. 

Learning Opportunities 

• Educational Value: For less experienced veterinarians, AI can highlight areas of concern and provide insights that improve their diagnostic skills. 

Risks and Challenges of AI in Veterinary Teleradiology 

Accuracy Limitations 

• Errors in Interpretation: AI systems can produce false positives or negatives, which may lead to unnecessary follow-ups or missed diagnoses.  This is especially a risk for systems that do not employ a human radiologist to review the AI findings.   

• Dependence on Data: The quality and diversity of the dataset used to train AI significantly impact its performance. Limited datasets may result in reduced accuracy, particularly for uncommon conditions or species. 

• Radiologist Oversight Required: AI should always be used in conjunction with a veterinary radiologist to confirm findings and provide nuanced interpretations. 

Lack of Contextual Understanding 

• No Integration of Clinical History: AI analyzes images in isolation and cannot consider patient history, physical exam findings, or other diagnostic tests. 

• Oversimplification of Complex Cases: Certain conditions require a nuanced approach that AI is not yet equipped to provide. 

Overreliance on Technology 

• Potential for Complacency: There’s a risk that veterinarians may overly depend on AI and overlook their own critical thinking or expertise. 

• Reduced Specialist Input: In some cases, AI might discourage the use of specialist consultations, which could limit comprehensive diagnostic evaluations. 

Ethical and Legal Considerations 

• Accountability: Determining liability in cases where AI contributes to errors is a developing area of concern and has yet to be thoroughly tested within the court system. 

• Transparency: Veterinarians and clients may need clear explanations of how AI reaches its conclusions to maintain trust.  They may also need clear explanations of how AI was employed in the diagnosis and treatment of the patient. 

How AI Fits into Veterinary Practice 

Complement, Not Replacement 

AI is best used as a supportive tool alongside human expertise. While it can improve efficiency and accuracy, it should not replace the judgment of veterinarians or radiologists. 

Training and Familiarity 

Veterinarians need training to understand AI’s capabilities and limitations, ensuring it’s used effectively without overreliance. 

Gradual Adoption 

Starting with AI for routine cases or preliminary assessments can help practices evaluate its value without disrupting workflows. 

The Future of AI in Veterinary Teleradiology 

AI continues to evolve, and its role in veterinary medicine will likely expand. Improvements in algorithm accuracy, integration with clinical decision-making tools, and increased availability of diverse training datasets may make AI more reliable over time. However, at this stage it’s crucial to remain cautious and continually assess its performance. 

In Summary 

AI in veterinary teleradiology has the potential to enhance diagnostics, streamline workflows, and improve patient care. However, it’s not without its challenges, including accuracy limitations and ethical considerations. By approaching AI with a balanced perspective—recognizing its strengths and understanding its risks—general practice veterinarians can determine how best to integrate this technology into their practice. 

Speed and accuracy are critical in veterinary medicine, but not every clinic has immediate access to radiology specialists. Veterinary teleradiology provides a solution, allowing veterinarians to obtain expert imaging interpretations remotely. With teleradiology service, clinics can send medical images to specialists in real time, eliminating delays and reducing the need for in-house radiologists while maintaining top-tier veterinary care.

Improved Diagnostic Accuracy

One of the greatest benefits of teleradiology for veterinary practices is the improvement in diagnostic accuracy. With access to board-certified veterinary radiologists, veterinarians receive expert image interpretations that support well-informed clinical decisions. This reduces misdiagnoses and enhances the standard of care.

Veterinary radiograph services also streamline efficiency, enabling quicker image evaluations and faster treatment plans. This allows veterinary practices to focus on patient care rather than administrative burdens.  

Cost-Effectiveness and Financial Implications

Implementing teleradiology allows a veterinary clinic to reduce overhead costs while maintaining top-tier diagnostic services. By outsourcing radiology interpretations, practices save on staffing expenses and costly imaging equipment updates.

Teleradiology can help improve revenue generation as well. Faster imaging results mean quicker case turnover, allowing clinics to treat more patients in less time. This efficiency benefits both the practice and pet owners by reducing wait times and improving service availability.

For clinics in remote or underserved areas, teleradiology makes high-quality diagnostics accessible without the financial burden of maintaining a full radiology department.

Access to Specialist Veterinary Radiologists

One of the biggest advantages of teleradiology is direct access to skilled radiologists. These specialists bring a level of expertise that general practitioners may not have, particularly for complex or unusual cases.

By bridging the gap between general veterinarians and radiology experts, teleradiology strengthens diagnostic precision and improves treatment planning. This collaborative approach enhances the overall quality of veterinary practice as well as veterinary telemedicine while making advanced imaging services available to more clinics.

Impact of Teleradiology on Animal Health Outcomes

Teleradiology contributes to a better patient outcome by enabling veterinarians to make faster, more informed decisions. Rapid image analysis allows clinics to diagnose and treat conditions promptly, which is especially critical in emergency situations.

Beyond immediate diagnoses, teleradiology supports long-term patient monitoring. Veterinarians can track disease progression and treatment effectiveness over time, adjusting care plans as needed based on imaging results. This proactive approach leads to improved animal health and better disease management.

Regulatory Considerations and Compliance in Veterinary Teleradiology

As teleradiology becomes more integrated into veterinary workflows, compliance with industry regulations is essential. Clinics must follow licensing requirements and implement secure digital platforms to protect patient data.

Adhering to best practices in teleradiology helps maintain high standards of care while safeguarding the security and accuracy of diagnostic imaging. Partnering with reputable radiology providers can also help clinics navigate regulatory requirements and maintain compliance.

Advancements in Veterinary Imaging and Teleradiology

Ongoing advancements in imaging technology are further enhancing teleradiology capabilities. Innovations such as AI-assisted diagnostics, cloud-based image storage, and high-resolution digital imaging are already being used to improve the speed, accuracy, and effectiveness of teleradiology in veterinary practice.

As these tools evolve, veterinary professionals are encouraged to explore the benefits of teleradiology to understand how emerging technologies are shaping the future of diagnostic imaging. 

The Future of Veterinary Teleradiology

Teleradiology is transforming how veterinary clinics handle imaging, providing cost-effective access to specialized expertise. Its ability to enhance diagnostic accuracy, reduce operational costs, and improve patient care makes it an essential tool for modern veterinary medicine.

At AxisVet, we specialize in teleradiology services designed to support veterinarians with fast, reliable image interpretations from board-certified veterinary radiologists. Our team works seamlessly with clinics to improve patient outcomes and optimize efficiency without the need for in-house radiologists.

If you’re ready to bring the benefits of teleradiology to your clinic, learn more about our veterinary services or you can reach out to schedule a consultation today! 

Veterinary telemedicine is transforming pet care, allowing pet owners to connect with veterinarians remotely for advice, treatment recommendations, and prescriptions. Through video calls, messaging, and telehealth platforms, this approach is streamlining diagnosis and care management across the veterinary industry.

This demand for veterinary telemedicine and teleradiology services has surged as technology advances and pet owners seek more accessible healthcare options. Now, more and more veterinary professionals are integrating telehealth solutions to improve efficiency, accommodate busy schedules, and offer immediate support for non-emergency concerns.

Of course, telemedicine isn’t just about convenience and cost-effectiveness – it’s a way for a pet owner to access quality veterinary care while reducing the stress experience by a beloved pet.

Misconceptions about Veterinary Telemedicine

Despite its growing popularity, telemedicine faces skepticism due to several misconceptions. One common myth is that telemedicine is an inadequate replacement for traditional veterinary services. Some believe that without a physical exam, a veterinarian cannot accurately assess a animal’s condition. While telemedicine cannot replace hands-on diagnostics in all cases, it serves as a valuable tool for preliminary assessments, follow-ups, and routine consultations.

Another misconception is that telemedicine is only useful for minor issues. While serious medical conditions often require in-person evaluation, telemedicine provides a vital first step in identifying whether immediate veterinary attention is necessary. There are also concerns about the security of virtual consultations and prescription validity. These can be alleviated through the use of regulated veterinary telehealth platforms that adhere to veterinary licensing requirements.

Misinformation and lack of awareness are at the root of these misunderstandings. By educating pet owners about the misconceptions and benefits of veterinary telemedicine, these doubts can be dispelled, allowing more people to take advantage of its benefits.

Benefits of Veterinary Telemedicine

Telemedicine offers numerous advantages for both pet owners and veterinary practices, including:

• Increased access to care by connecting pet owners in remote or rural areas with veterinarians.
• Reduced pet anxiety through virtual consultations that eliminate the stress of in-clinic visits.
• Cost savings with more affordable virtual appointments that reduce travel expenses.
• Optimized veterinary clinic efficiency by minimizing non-urgent office visits, allowing vets to focus on critical cases.
• Chronic disease management that enables veterinarians to monitor ongoing conditions remotely.
• Improved treatment plan adherence through virtual follow-ups that support long-term pet health.

Telemedicine vs. Traditional Vet Visits

While telemedicine offers substantial benefits, it does not replace traditional in-person visits. Instead, it serves as a complementary tool that enhances overall veterinary telemedicine. Telemedicine is ideal for minor ailments, behavioral consultations, medication management, and follow-up care visits. However, conditions requiring diagnostic tests, imaging, or emergency treatment still necessitate in-clinic evaluations.

Limitations of telemedicine include the inability to conduct physical exams, take samples, or perform procedures. Veterinarians must assess whether a case can be managed remotely or if an in-person clinic visit is required. 

The Future of Veterinary Telemedicine

The future of veterinary telemedicine is promising, with ongoing technological advancements driving its growth. From enhanced telehealth platforms to wearable pet monitors, we could see improved virtual diagnostics and monitoring, making remote assessments more precise.

Regulatory updates are also expected to refine telehealth guidelines, increasing accessibility and trust. With greater awareness and education, telemedicine could become a standard part of pet healthcare, offering efficient, affordable, and high-quality service. As technology evolves, in-person and virtual care are expected to blend more seamlessly, improving the experience for pets and their owners.

Expanding Access to Pet Care Through Technology

Veterinary telemedicine is redefining clinical workflows, making it easier for veterinarians to provide expert care while optimizing time and resources. As more practices adopt telehealth solutions, understanding its benefits and addressing common misconceptions is essential for maximizing its potential.

At AxisVet, we support veterinarians and their patients with telecardiology, teleradiology, and other telemedicine services designed to enhance patient care and operational efficiency. By incorporating our comprehensive veterinary services, clinics can adopt a hybrid approach to veterinary medicine that maximizes resources and improves patient outcomes.

Contact us for telemedicine services today to learn how telemedicine consultation can benefit your veterinary practice.