Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Limitations to veterinary applications of new technologies in treatment and diagnostics.
- Journal:
- The Veterinary clinics of North America. Equine practice
- Year:
- 2001
- Authors:
- Fenger, C K
- Affiliation:
- Equine Internal Medicine Consulting · United States
Plain-English summary
The use of new technology in veterinary medicine is not advancing as quickly as it is in human medicine, which can be concerning for pet owners. Many pharmaceutical companies are moving away from animal health, leading to fewer options for veterinarians and potentially limiting the availability of advanced treatments. However, there is hope that as human medical technology improves and becomes less expensive, some of these advancements will eventually be accessible for pets as well. While the current situation may seem discouraging, it suggests that the future could hold better options for veterinary care.
Abstract
Technology promises to improve the lifestyle and life quality of humankind. As a rule, wherever human medicine goes, veterinary medicine is sure to follow. Nevertheless, the promise of technologic advances does not shine as bright for veterinarians as for human physicians. This trend is echoed in the business of animal health as pharmaceutic company after pharmaceutic company spins off or otherwise eliminates their animal health division. Instead, a small group of strictly animal health-oriented companies compete for the animal health dollar, promising that fewer and fewer expensive technologies are likely to be incorporated into the standard of veterinary practice. All is not lost, however, because as progress is made in the field of human biotechnology, the cost of the technology should eventually come down, permitting at least some of the advances in human medicine to become available to the veterinarian.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15658183/