What is telemedicine? 

Telemedicine involves the use of technology such as smart devices and wearables. It puts the management and control of one’s health in the hands of patients. It is broadly considered to mean the use of technology blended with traditional medical set ups to help deliver access to healthcare to a greater number of patients. 

Telemedicine and your pets 

Telemedicine provides easy  access to  health care. In addition to real time interactions with your vet,  wearable devices assist you and your veterinary clinic to monitor a patient in real time. 
Think of this in terms of a halter monitor, if your dog is experiencing heart problems the vet may want to monitor your dog a period  of 24 to 48 hours. With the use of wireless devices and remote monitoring your dog can be monitored in the comfort of your home. 

Advantages of Telemedicine 

• Easy to access 
• Works in remote areas 
• Allows patients direct access to medical care as well as specialists 
• Ability to look after your pets health hands on with the use of smart devices and apps
• For shy or nervous pets the advantage of telemedicine is that they are in the comfort of their own surroundings. It may be easier for the owner to demonstrate the problem. 
• Post surgical recovery can be faster for nervous patients while the vet can be in visual contact with the patients

Disadvantages of Telemedicine 

• Lacks a personalised human interaction 
• Not usable for hands on therapies such as massage 
• May not be available seamlessly in countries with poor connectivity 
• Cost of internet connectivity in remote areas may hinder access 

What lies ahead for telemedicine and technology driven pet health care? 

The advances and capabilities of telemedicine and technology are  pushing boundaries in directions even a decade ago we would not have imagined possible. 

• Health care has evolved from static websites offering health advice and information to interactive realtime interaction with human and digital assistants 
• inclusive strategies are changing models of care and delivery of information between doctors and patients
• Much like a citizen science models, the data, participation and sharing of information is coming directly from patients and pet owners.  

As our pets travel, live and age with us we now have the opportunity to access veterinary services and care from across borders. The exchange of ideas, information and eventual benefits to pets, shelters and animals globally is an unfolding reality.