Vetnews | Desember 2025 14 « BACK TO CONTENTS Article Key opportunities and benefits for veterinarians include: • Enhanced diagnostic and treatment support through realtime data, AI, and mobile imaging applications. • Improved communication with clients and access to expert consultation via telemedicine platforms. • Advanced educational tools and point-of-care technologies that support clinical decision-making and student training. Opportunities and Benefits of Mobile Apps in Veterinary Medicine for Pet Owners Mobile applications in veterinary medicine present a range of significant benefits for pet owners, facilitating improved access to healthcare services, disease prevention, and communication with veterinary professionals. These digital tools enable pet owners to conveniently locate nearby veterinary clinics, schedule appointments, and engage in real-time online consultations, thereby reducing logistical barriers to veterinary care (Llaneta et al., 2022). Particularly in urgent or remote situations, such functions enhance responsiveness and support more proactive animal health management. Beyond administrative convenience, mobile apps assist in the continuous monitoring of pet health and the early detection and prevention of diseases. They may include functionalities such as vaccination reminders, nutritional tracking, symptom checkers, and emergency guidance systems (Jiwane et al., 2023; Kumar et al., 2017). These features empower pet owners to take a more active role in the day-to-day care of their animals and to recognise early warning signs before conditions escalate. In certain domains, mobile apps also serve as decision-support systems for the management of specific diseases. Although the study by Haubold et al. (Haubold et al., 2024) focuses on bovine fasciolosis, it illustrates the broader applicability of mobile tools in supporting evidencebased veterinary decisions. While such functionality may currently be more developed for livestock, it signals future developments in companion animal care as well. Veterinarians generally regard mobile technology as a driver of improved patient outcomes, better client communication, and enhanced access to relevant clinical data (Andrews et al., 2015). These improvements directly benefit pet owners, who receive more transparent, timely, and informed care for their animals. Furthermore, mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets are increasingly being used for specialised diagnostic procedures, especially in the care of exotic pets. Techniques such as smartphonebased endoscopy and infrared thermography expand diagnostic capabilities outside traditional clinic settings (Huynh, 2019). Although the adoption of mobile health applications in veterinary practice remains in an early phase, current research suggests their growing importance in supporting veterinary decision-making and improving client engagement. As Johnson et al. (2021) note, these tools hold considerable potential to reshape veterinary-client interactions and elevate the overall standard of care. Key opportunities and benefits for pet owners include: • Improved access to veterinary care through online consultations, appointment scheduling, and clinic location services. • Enhanced involvement in pet health monitoring and disease prevention via mobile alerts and educational tools. • Better communication with veterinarians and quicker emergency response options through real-time digital platforms. Opportunities and Benefits of Mobile Apps in Veterinary Medicine for Animal Welfare Mobile applications in veterinary medicine present considerable potential for advancing animal welfare across diverse contexts, ranging from individual clinical care to population-level health management. One of the most impactful features of these technologies is the facilitation of telemedicine services, which enable remote consultations, ongoing health monitoring, and follow-up care. This digital infrastructure broadens access to veterinary expertise, especially in rural or underserved areas, thereby improving timely interventions and continuity of care (Hassan et al., 2024). In addition to enhancing accessibility, mobile applications serve as valuable decision-support tools for veterinarians involved in disease prevention and management. For instance, apps developed for the control of bovine fasciolosis illustrate how digital systems can provide evidence-based recommendations for specific health issues, contributing to more effective treatment protocols and, ultimately, better animal health outcomes (Haubold et al., 2024). The integration of wearable sensors and Internet of Things (IoT) devices into mobile systems further expands the scope of animal welfare monitoring. These technologies facilitate real-time data collection on various physiological and behavioural parameters, offering continuous insights into animal well-being that were previously difficult to obtain outside clinical settings (Kaplun et al., 2019). Such data can inform early interventions, minimise stressors, and improve the living conditions of animals in both companion and production environments. Moreover, mobile tools support surveillance efforts through functionalities such as disease reporting, geo-referenced mapping, and the identification of vectors, thereby aiding in the early detection and containment of infectious diseases. These capabilities contribute not only to individual animal welfare but also to broader public and environmental health (Madder et al., 2012). In herd management contexts, mobile apps can enhance veterinary advice, streamline communication between veterinarians and producers, and facilitate collaborative decision-making processes. This can lead to more efficient resource allocation, targeted treatments, and welfare-optimised management strategies (Hayes et al., 2020; Johnson et al., 2021). However, the effective implementation of such technologies requires careful attention to user needs, usability, and trust. The success of mobile solutions is closely linked to their acceptance by end users, particularly farmers, animal caregivers, and veterinary staff (Hayes et al., 2020). To ensure these technologies reach their full potential in advancing animal welfare, veterinary professionals must be equipped with competencies in animal welfare science and ethics. Additionally, they should play an active role in the design and refinement of digital tools to ensure they are aligned with the practical realities of animal care and ethical standards (De Paula Vieira & Anthony, 2020). Key opportunities and benefits for animal welfare include: • Broader access to veterinary expertise and timely interventions through telemedicine and remote monitoring. Mobile Apps in Veterinary Medicine..... <<< 13
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