Demystifying artificial intelligence for veterinary professionals: practical applications and future potential

The field of veterinary medicine, like many others, is expected to undergo a significant transformation due to artificial intelligence (AI), although the full extent remains unclear. Artificial intelligence is already becoming prominent throughout daily life (eg, recommending movies, completing text messages, predicting traffic), yet many people do not realize they interact with it regularly. Despite its prevalence, opinions on AI in veterinary medicine range from skepticism to optimism to indifference. However, we are living through a key moment that calls for a balanced perspective, as the way we choose to address AI now will shape the future of the field. Future generations may view us as either overly optimistic, blinded by AI's allure, or overly pessimistic, failing to recognize its potential. By understanding how algorithms function and predictions are made, we can begin to demystify AI, seeing it not as an all-knowing entity but as a powerful tool that will assist veterinary professionals in providing high-level care and progressing in the field. Building awareness allows us to appreciate its strengths and limitations and recognize the ethical dilemmas that may arise. This review aims to provide an accessible overview of the status of AI in veterinary medicine. This review is not intended to be an exhaustive account of AI.