The Royal Veterinary College (RVC) has partnered with Dechra Veterinary Products to develop a cutting-edge Endocrinology app. The app will assist vets in treating endocrine disorders in companion animals – particularly in dogs.
Endocrine disorders, which result from the overproduction or underproduction of hormones, are a longstanding challenge in veterinary care. These disorders disrupt normal hormone activity and can lead to a variety of health issues in animals. The traditional approach to diagnosing these conditions involves a comprehensive history and physical examination followed by laboratory tests. However, variations in clinical signs among affected animals make the diagnostic process challenging. Enter this innovative app, designed to revolutionise the diagnosis of endocrine disorders.
A Collaborative Effort
The app is built on results by a VetCompass PhD study which was funded by Dechra and carried out by the RVC. Its diagnostic prowess is based on machine learning AI, utilising anonymised clinical records from millions of dogs within RVC’s VetCompass database.
One of the app’s standout features is its predictive capabilities for diagnosing Cushing’s Syndrome. Cushing’s is a condition characterized by the excessive production of cortisol in dogs. By analysing clinical signs, the app can determine the likelihood of Cushing’s Syndrome, assisting in its diagnosis. Additionally, the app offers insights into the treatment and monitoring of conditions involving hormone deficiencies, like Addison’s.
Among the experts involved is Dr. Dan O’Neill, Associate Professor for Companion Animal Epidemiology at the RVC. He said, “Cushing’s Syndrome can be a very challenging disorder to diagnose; the new Endocrinology App from Dechra aims to assist veterinary surgeons to understand how likely a dog suspected of having Cushing’s is to have the condition and whether further investigations are warranted.”
Greater Confidence in Diagnosis with Endocrinology app
The Endocrinology App is available for free download across EU countries. The app’s Veterinarians can access this powerful tool on both Apple and Android devices. The app’s cutting edge AI helps with diagnosis even in cases with atypical clinical signs.
Craig Sankey, European Business Manager for Endocrinology at Dechra, added: “We are excited to launch this app, which we believe will be a valuable tool for veterinarians in diagnosing and treating endocrine disorders. We know that endocrine disorders can be complex, and this app will be a valuable addition to the existing comprehensive support provided by Dechra, helping veterinarians navigate this field with more confidence and ease.”
With this innovative app, veterinarians now have a powerful tool. By improving diagnosis and treatment of endocrine disorders, they can help improve the health and well-being of dogs in turn.
