An example of a self-contained disposable cartridge used to perform an automated CBC analysis. Photos courtesy Zoetis Artificial intelligence (AI) has dominated conversations in recent years, transforming industries and redefining possibilities. Yet, this technology is only beginning to show its full potential. From streamlining workflows to personalizing experiences, AI is poised to drive further changes in our daily lives, reshaping how we work, live, and innovate. In the realm of veterinary medicine, AI is also fast making its mark in diagnostics. Case in point: hematology. The power of AI is reshaping hematology innovations in vet med, transforming diagnostics, treatment planning, and client communication. As AI drives advancements across industries, it also influences how veterinary professionals work, and pet owners make care decisions. From faster, more accurate test results to personalized treatment recommendations, these technologies are elevating the standard of care. To explore these advancements, we spoke with Michelle Larsen, DVM, head of Diagnostic Medical Platforms, Education and Scientific Studies for Zoetis Diagnostic Medical Affairs, and Eric Morissette, DVM, DACVP, senior manager of AI Portfolio Development Platforms at Zoetis Global Diagnostics, on the launch of Zoetis’ new point-of-care hematology analyzer Vetscan Opticell, in VMX 2025 in Orlando, Fla. Drs. Larsen and Morissette share their insights on how AI-driven hematology tools are improving practice efficiency, enhancing patient outcomes, and empowering pet owners with data-driven insights, fostering stronger trust and collaboration in veterinary medicine. 1) What are the most common blood disorders in companion animals, and how have diagnostic techniques evolved to better identify and treat them in recent years? Michelle Larsen, DVM (ML), and Eric Morissette, DVM, DACVP (EM): The most common blood disorders in companion animals include anemia, thrombocytopenia, cancer and conditions associated with inflammatory diseases. These disorders often require blood components and morphology evaluation for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning. In recent years, diagnostic techniques have evolved significantly due to advancements in AI-powered technologies. Innovative automated hematology analyzers use AI to provide quick and accurate automated complete blood count (CBC) results.1 This technology quantifies white blood cells, red blood cells and their indices, reticulocyte count, and platelet counts, with an internal quality monitoring system to minimize errors. Simultaneously, our proprietary AI blood smear not only assists in confirming the CBC count, but also identifies morphological changes within the red and white blood cells and platelet populations. It identifies and counts immature (band) neutrophils, seen with severe inflammation. It detects abnormalities within the red blood cell population such as abnormally shaped red blood cells, or poikilocytes, which can be observed in various pathological states. Additionally, it can count immature and nucleated red blood cells observed in some anemia cases. This AI application can help enhance the speed and accuracy of diagnosing complex conditions, increase the level of information available from a blood sample compared to traditional reference lab testing, and help make in-clinic diagnostics easier for veterinarians. 2) How has hematology contributed to understanding pets’ overall health, and what are the emerging trends in this field that are making the biggest impact? ML and EM: Hematology, the study of cells circulating in the blood, plays a fundamental role in understanding pets’ overall health. A primary hematologic assessment is with a complete blood count (CBC) that can reveal critical information about underlying conditions, such as anemia, inflammation, infections, and malignancies. This information assists in diagnosing diseases and monitoring diseases and the effectiveness of treatments. Emerging trends in hematology are significantly advancing our ability to diagnose and manage disease processes and therapeutic regimens efficiently. One major trend is the increasing integration of AI in diagnostic platforms. These technologies allow for fast analysis of CBC and blood smear samples by automating complex tasks, and help reduce potential source of variability inherent with human error. AI can also detect subtle changes in blood cell populations that may go unnoticed by traditional diagnostic methods, allowing for earlier intervention. Together, these advancements are making a profound impact by enabling earlier detection and more effective management of hematologic conditions, that can ultimately help improve the quality of life for pets. However, they also highlight the need for skilled interpretation of results, as the integration of AI requires careful clinical correlation to optimize patient care. . AI-powered hematology analyzers provide rapid, accurate diagnostics, which can be critical for life-threatening conditions. 3) What are the potential benefits and challenges of using AI in hematology diagnostics? ML and EM: One major benefit is its reduced susceptibility to mechanical issues. Unlike conventional CBC analyzers, which rely on complex internal components, such as tubes, pumps, and external reagents, AI-driven hematology diagnostic systems operate primarily through a self-contained disposable cartridge containing all the reagents to perform the automated CBC analysis. In addition, it is factory-calibrated and requires minimal maintenance and no in-clinic calibration. In fact, an internal monitoring system performs quality checks on the sample, analyzer and cartridge with every patient run. Despite the many advantages, there are a few challenges associated with AI-driven hematology diagnostics. The accuracy of AI systems, like many diagnostic tests, is closely dependent on the quality of the sample itself. When the samples are properly prepared and consistent, the AI can deliver fast, highly accurate and reliable results. However, variations in sample preparation quality can influence the analysis. Finally, AI systems are only as effective as the data they are trained on. Proper AI training should involve highly trained experts, many samples and images, and a rigorous validation process. 4) What does integrating advanced hematology tools and AI mean for pet owners in terms of accessibility, cost, and understanding of their pets’ conditions? ML and EM: The integration of advanced hematology tools brings significant benefits to pet owners in terms of accessibility, cost, and understanding of their pets’ conditions. These AI-powered systems are priced similarly to existing hematology analyzers, meaning they are not offered at a premium cost despite offering advanced capabilities. This makes them accessible to more veterinary clinics, allowing pet owners to benefit from cutting-edge diagnostic technology without added financial burden and without having to wait nervously for results for days at a time. 5) How do you see these advancements in veterinary hematology improving the quality of life for pet patients, particularly those with chronic or life-threatening conditions? Advancements in veterinary hematology, particularly using AI-powered tools, can potentially improve the quality of life for pet patients. These AI-powered systems provide rapid, accurate diagnostics that help veterinarians to monitor conditions timelier to make data-driven decisions. For pets with chronic or complex conditions, this allows for quicker monitoring and real-time adjustments to treatment plans as needed. For life-threatening conditions, the speed and accuracy of these tools can be critical in identifying abnormalities or changes in the pet’s condition early, enabling faster intervention and potentially improving outcomes versus traditionally awaiting a blood smear analysis or traditional cytology using a send-out lab. Having the ability to consult with an expert clinical pathologist at any time, to review blood smears in a timely manner further enhances the diagnostic process. This expert consultation can help ensure that complex cases are thoroughly evaluated, providing an additional layer of confidence in the results, and helping refine treatment decisions, especially when the stakes are high. Overall, these advancements lead to more personalized and proactive care, helping to enhance the overall well-being of pets. Pet owners can feel more confident in the care their pets receive, knowing that their condition is being carefully monitored with the most up-to-date and reliable tools available, along with expert support when needed. References Data on file, Study No. DHXMZ-US-24-235, Zoetis Inc. Data on file, Study No. DHX6Z-US-23-205, Zoetis Inc. Data on file, Study No. DHX6Z-US-23-209, Zoetis Inc. Data on file, Study No. DHX6Z-US-23-206, Zoetis Inc. Data on file, Study No. D870R-US-21-045, Zoetis Inc. Data on file, Study No. DH7MR-US-21-038, Zoetis Inc.
