While telemedicine offers many benefits, such as accessibility, convenience and the possibility of a quick consultation, it also has its limitations, which are worth knowing before deciding to implement it. In this article, we look at the main challenges and barriers that both vets and pet owners may face.
One of the biggest limitations of telemedicine in veterinary medicine is the lack of opportunity for a face-to-face, physical examination of the patient. In traditional visits, the vet has full access to the animal - they can touch it, examine it, auscultate it with a stethoscope or assess the condition of the skin and coat. These are key diagnostic elements that, in many cases, are essential for an accurate diagnosis. Unfortunately, online consultations do not allow for this type of examination, which can limit the ability to correctly diagnose a health problem. During an e-visit, the vet relies mainly on the owner's descriptions, video observations and the pet's medical history. While telemedicine is great for routine consultations such as post-operative checks, interpretation of test results or dietary advice, it may not be sufficient in cases requiring a thorough physical examination. The lack of face-to-face contact with the patient may lead to the need for an office visit, especially in emergency or complex situations.
Educating clients about the possibilities and limitations of telemedicine will help avoid disappointment and ensure that each patient receives appropriate care.
An online veterinary surgery offers convenience and quick access to expert advice, but in emergency situations it may not always meet the needs of both owners and vets. In cases such as poisonings, serious injuries, sudden deterioration of health or life-threatening symptoms, immediate on-site intervention is crucial. Remote consultations limit the ability to respond quickly, as the vet cannot directly examine the patient or carry out the necessary emergency procedures. The lack of a specialist's physical presence in such situations can lead to delays in making an accurate diagnosis and implementing appropriate treatment. The e-visit is mainly based on the owner's description of symptoms and video analysis, which may not be sufficient in emergency cases. The online vet can only advise on the first steps, such as administering certain medications or monitoring the animal's condition, but a full assessment requires face-to-face contact.
Vets and pet owners need to be aware that in life-threatening situations, an e-visit can only be a temporary solution, and that a visit to an office or clinic is often necessary.
One of the challenges in accessing vets online is problems with access to appropriate technology and the quality of internet connections. Although online services are becoming increasingly popular, there are still regions and situations where a stable internet connection is not guaranteed. Poor video quality, transmission delays or intermittent connections can significantly hamper an effective consultation. As a result, it can be difficult for the vet to accurately assess the health of the animal, which affects the quality of the service offered.
VetFile tries to minimise these barriers by offering intuitive interfaces and technical support, but there is still a risk that external factors will affect the quality of the consultation. It is worthwhile for vets and their clients to be aware of these limitations and be prepared for potential technical issues.