The Paws-itive Impact of AI on Pet Healthcare
A New Era in Animal Healthcare: X Caliber
In a breakthrough that is revolutionizing the way veterinarians diagnose and treat animal diseases, artificial intelligence (AI) is being used to analyze X-ray images of animals. The technology, developed by South Korean telecom provider SK Telecom, is helping veterinarians pinpoint X-ray abnormalities in seconds, making diagnostics both quicker and easier to explain.
The story of Mozzi, a five-year-old goldendoodle, is a testament to the power of AI in animal healthcare. When Mozzi started walking abnormally, his concerned owner rushed him to the vet, where an AI-powered diagnostic tool analyzed his X-rays and revealed a 22% chance of knee dislocation. While not an emergency, Mozzi’s condition required careful management to head off surgery.
A Global Leader in AI Adoption
South Korea, a global leader in the production of chips that power generative AI, has been quick to embrace novel uses of the technology. The government is now leading the charge in applying AI to various industries, including animal healthcare.
X Caliber: The Beginning of AI Healthcare
SK Telecom considers X Caliber "the beginning of AI healthcare", said Joo Ye-seul, manager of the software’s global team. "We plan further expansion into additional domains based on this." The service is already available in the US, Australia, and some Southeast Asian countries.
Transforming the Veterinary Industry
Veterinarians say X Caliber has transformed their ability to diagnose diseases. "Dogs with heart disease, for example, tend to have enlarged hearts," said Oh I-se, CEO of Sky Animal Medical Group. "We use a method called VHS (vertebral heart size), which used to require measuring one by one, manually. But now AI can reveal the result in 15 seconds, so it is much more convenient."
Paws-itive Trends in South Korea
In South Korea, where more and more people are turning to "pet parenthood" instead of having children, it is not surprising that AI healthcare would begin with animals. Pet ownership has roughly doubled in the last decade, with one in four households now having at least one furry friend. Last year, more strollers were sold for pets than for human babies on popular e-commerce platform, Gmarket.
The Pet Care Industry
The pet care industry is worth an estimated eight trillion won ($6 billion) in 2022, a fourfold increase compared with five years earlier. The government aims to double the industry’s value by 2027 and is helping support pet food and healthcare businesses through various loans and tax incentives.
The Future of Pet Healthcare
As AI continues to transform the veterinary industry, it is likely that we will see more innovative applications emerge. "Devices that can monitor mild to severe diseases in the daily life of pets are expected to expand," said Kim Soo-kyung, a senior manager at the Economic Research Institute in KPMG Korea.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is X Caliber?
A: X Caliber is an AI-powered diagnostic tool used to analyze X-ray images of animals.
Q: What is the success rate of X Caliber?
A: X Caliber has a disease detection rate of up to 86%.
Q: How does X Caliber work?
A: X Caliber uses AI to analyze X-ray images, identifying abnormalities in seconds, and provides a diagnosis to veterinarians.
Q: What are the benefits of X Caliber?
A: X Caliber provides faster and more accurate diagnosis, reducing the need for unnecessary surgeries and improving the quality of life for animals.