Veterinarians can download weeks of behavioral data before the animal ever steps foot in the clinic. Telemedicine triage now allows vets to watch a video of the animal in its home environment—where true behavior emerges—rather than in the sterile, fear-inducing exam room.
One such animal was a scruffy little terrier mix named Max. Max had been found wandering the streets, dirty and hungry, with a noticeable limp in his leg. The shelter's veterinarian, Dr. Emma, quickly examined Max and took X-rays, which revealed a fractured tibia. Max was in need of surgery, and Dr. Emma scheduled the operation for the next day.