Ethical considerations of artificial intelligence in veterinary medicine decision-making

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.