Advantages and limits of virtual vet visit
Düsseldorf. Digitization does not stop at veterinary medicine: more and more veterinarians in Germany are offering online consultation hours. The development brings with it some advantages for animal owners and their protégés. But not every vet visit can only take place virtually.
“A major advantage of the online consultation, we are talking about telemedicine, is the relief of the veterinary emergency service. If it can already be determined in advance that it is enough to wait and make an appointment the next day, then the emergency service can concentrate on the acute cases,” explains Dr. Karl-Heinz Schulte, former second vice president and chairman of the telemedicine working group in the Federal Association of Practiced Veterinarians (BPT) and member of the board of the North Rhine Veterinary Chamber. There is also no transport to the practice and no waiting in the waiting room, instead the animal is unexcited in its familiar surroundings. In addition, the prerequisites are slightly met: For the video meeting, all you need is an internet connection and a device such as a smartphone or a laptop.
For which cases is the virtual consultation hour suitable?
Especially when there are no acute pain or injuries, but pet owners want to be confirmed that everything is basically fine with their pet, online consultation hours offer a good alternative to visiting practice. Typical concerns include nutritional issues or abnormalities such as nausea, digestive problems, loss of appetite or reduced activity. The online conversation is also a good way to obtain second opinions if owners are unsure about the correct procedure or diagnosis. The virtual meeting is generally suitable for all animals. In telemedicine, the same standards apply as for conventional vet visit: the veterinarian can be described in the case and advises whether there is a problem and how the animal can be helped. In the video consultation, he can also take a first look at the animal and give the owner instructions or take these photos of details or parasites and have them sent digitally. Some questions can often be clarified completely. If specific examinations are necessary, a follow -up date can be agreed in practice.
Telemedicine also has its limits. “In the case of acute emergencies, for example with shortness of breath, severe bleeding, injuries or after an accident, you should not hesitate and immediately consult a veterinary practice or a veterinary emergency service so that you can help immediately. Here, every minute can count. But online advice can help with the animal to go directly to a clinic instead of making a normal date,” said the expert. Some studies require blood tests or X -rays – this only works with the equipment on site. Also prescription drugs may only be prescribed in practice after a veterinary examination.
Where can I find online consultation hours?
Whether the veterinarian also offers an online consultation is usually noted on the respective website or can simply be asked when you visit the vet. Usually there is an appointment and a link via which the meeting can be started. Several providers also specialize in telemedicine, such as Pfotendoctor, Pet Docs or Firstvet. These platforms work with veterinarians and can often offer an appointment quickly and around the clock, but cannot take over any direct follow -up examinations. Sometimes the offer is limited to dogs and cats, but others, on the other hand, treat horses beyond pets, for example.
“When it comes to costs, you can see that online consultation hours are still a relatively young development,” explains Dr. Schulte. “In the fee schedule for veterinarians there is therefore no own entry for this service. Many animal health insurance also covers this type of examination – keepers should check this or ask for your insurance company.
Industrial Association pet supplies (IVH) e. V.