# Ethical considerations of artificial intelligence in veterinary medicine decision-making

## TL;DR

This paper explores the ethical challenges of using AI in veterinary medicine, emphasizing the need for responsible integration to support, not replace, professional decisions.

## Contribution

The paper identifies key ethical areas for AI in veterinary medicine and proposes necessary standards and research directions.

## Key findings

- AI should support, not replace, veterinary professionals in decision-making.
- Standards for AI use and education are needed to ensure ethical integration.
- Further research is required on AI's impact in ambiguous clinical cases.

## Abstract

The rapid growth and development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is leading to a paradigm shift across multiple disciplines of decision-making. Veterinary medicine is an area wherein this proliferation offers profound potential for advancement, but is also ripe with potential ethical dilemmas resulting from the assimilation of AI technology into the decision-making process. While AI can increase accessibility of advanced veterinary care and improve efficiency of clinical and administrative workflow, the successful implementation of it into veterinary decision making requires assessment of key areas. These areas are the accuracy and reliability of AI diagnostic interpretations, the ethical implications of bias in AI algorithms, stewardship of privacy and personal data, and the balance of innovation with legal and professional responsibilities of animal welfare. Results of this review found that AI should aid, not replace, veterinary professional decision-making. To that end, continued research into accuracy and vigilance to mitigate bias is necessary, foundational standards for AI use and education must be enacted, and further research into the effect of AI on clinically ambiguous cases is imperative to safeguard the ethical standards of veterinary decision-making.