Language Models in Veterinary Clinical Practice: Applications, Risks, and Practical Guidance

Nathan Bollig; Jonathan L Lustgarten; Elizabeth Venit

doi:10.1016/j.cvsm.2026.03.014

Language Models in Veterinary Clinical Practice: Applications, Risks, and Practical Guidance

Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. 2026 May 18:S0195-5616(26)00052-5. doi: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2026.03.014. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Nathan Bollig¹, Jonathan L Lustgarten², Elizabeth Venit³

Affiliations

¹ Association for Veterinary Informatics, Madison, WI, USA. Electronic address: nbollig@avinformatics.org.
² Veterinary AI, Vetcove, Miami, FL, USA.
³ American Association of Veterinary State Boards, Overland Park, KS, USA.

PMID: 42150940
DOI: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2026.03.014

Abstract

This article reviews computer systems that support veterinary clinical practice using artificial intelligence language models for language interpretation and generation, such as systems for client communication, medical records, clinical decision support, and clinical practice assessment. It provides guidance on incorporating tools based on large language models into clinical workflows to improve efficiency, clinical accuracy, and provider performance. Key inherent risks and recommendations for the responsible use of this technology by veterinary professionals are provided.

Keywords: AI in veterinary medicine; Artificial intelligence; Clinical decision support; Large language models; Natural language processing; Responsible AI.

Publication types

Review