Seven key innovations that have shaped the future of veterinary medicine

By Dr. Alea Harrison, Chief Medical Officer, Banfield Pet Hospital

This year, Banfield is celebrating 70 years since we opened our first hospital – that’s seven decades of delivering care to pets and growing alongside the veterinary profession. As I reflect on our personal evolution as a practice, it’s incredible to think about the profound transformations that were simultaneously shaping the broader veterinary industry. From the release of new medications to prevent deadly illnesses to the advent of sophisticated diagnostic tools, veterinarians are more equipped than ever to deliver exceptional care and enhance the lives of both pets and their owners.

Below are seven innovations in veterinary medicine that have reshaped the profession and improved veterinary care over the past seven decades.

1. A more proactive approach to preventive care
High-quality preventive medicine forms the cornerstone of comprehensive veterinary care for pets, and over the past 70 years we’ve seen remarkable advancements that have shifted the focus from a reactive to a more proactive approach to detecting and preventing illnesses in pets. Vaccines and protection against vector-borne diseases have been some of the most important advancements in preventive veterinary care, helping to improve the health and lifespan of pets.

While the profession faces challenges with compliance of these vaccines and preventive medications, I’m encouraged by the continued collaborative efforts within the industry to reduce the occurrence of these preventable illnesses.

2. ‘Chasing zero’ – improving anesthetic safety
The veterinary profession continues to focus on and invest in ongoing learning to improve patient safety. This includes years of collaboration between veterinarians, anesthesiologists, research analysts, and industry experts to improve veterinary anesthesia outcomes, with adverse events becoming increasingly rare.

For more than 15 years, Banfield is proud to join the profession in “chasing zero” by offering our comprehensive books on anesthesia standards and protocols to all veterinary professionals free of charge. The goal of each of these books is to provide evidence-based medical quality standards and protocols, based on proven fundamentals of quality and medical best practices, that will lead to sustainable outcomes for veterinary practices and the best results for each pet.

3. Revolutionary diagnostics
Early veterinary diagnoses relied heavily on physical exams and limited laboratory tests; however, recent innovations in diagnostic tools provide faster and more reliable insights, empowering veterinarians to make informed diagnoses and treatment decisions more quickly.

The development of advanced diagnostic technology has made it possible to detect conditions that were once nearly impossible to identify in pets—such as cancer, fractures, internal injuries and parasites—quickly and with precision. These tools give veterinarians greater confidence in their diagnoses while streamlining workflow and helping manage client costs – all helping veterinary professionals focus on what matters most: the care they provide.

4. Unlocking more tailored care: DNA testing
By unlocking genetic information, pet DNA tests have evolved how veterinarians can diagnose, treat, and prevent various conditions in pets, adding another layer of tailored care. We often don’t have access to a pet’s background – particularly for pets that come from shelters or rescues – and DNA tests are sometimes the only window into their breed composition and genetic health risks.

Knowing whether a dog carries the MDR1 mutation, for example, can help veterinarians adjust medication dosages, improving safety and effectiveness during treatments such as dental procedures. Owners with dogs that have the POMC gene can be given special weight management and exercise plans for their pets, as they are at greater risk of weight gain. Similarly, mixed-breed dogs with chondrodystrophic genes (like dachshunds) can benefit from implementing preventative measures like ramps to protect their spines.

5. Reducing our carbon footprint
Humans, animals, and our planet are inextricably linked, and a ‘One Health’ approach is essential for building a more sustainable future for veterinary medicine. The veterinary profession positively impacts society by helping keep pets healthy and happy, but like every industry, there are environmental impacts associated with veterinary care. As we gain a deeper understanding of how to provide care more sustainably, significant progress is being made to contribute to a more sustainable future for pets and the people who love them. This includes initiatives to decrease greenhouse gas emissions, reduce waste, and promote pharmaceutical stewardship.

6. Improving access to care
As pet ownership rises and the human-animal bond deepens, the veterinary profession continues to make significant strides towards making veterinary care more accessible. For example, virtual advancements like telehealth that enable owners to receive pet care advice from the comfort of their homes as well as utilizing veterinary technicians at the top of their license to help more pets be seen. Additionally, with the growing number of shelters, non-profits and veterinary professionals who volunteer their time and supplies, an estimated hundreds of thousands of vulnerable pets across the country receive free essential care every year.

7. Exploring AI-powered solutions
As with all industries, the veterinary profession is increasingly exploring the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance patient care and streamline practice operations. From AI-powered diagnostic imaging tools to AI-driven software that can streamline administrative tasks, manage patient records, and optimize scheduling, these technologies have the potential to complement veterinarians’ expertise and improve the overall efficiency of veterinary care.

As decades of clinical research meld with advancements in technology, the veterinary profession is poised to deliver a leap in pet health. With first-of-its-kind global studies like Biobank underway and the ongoing collaboration between veterinarians, medical professionals, environmental scientists, and public health experts deepening, we can help provide a new standard of care grounded in medical excellence.