Equine Veterinary Telemedicine Q&A with Dr. Mike Pownall

The AVMA defines telemedicine as use of a tool to exchange medical information electronically from one site to another to improve a patient’s clinical health status. Examples include using Skype or a mobile app to communicate with a client and visually observe the patient for a post-operative follow-up examination and discussion. It is important to remember that telemedicine should be conducted within an existing Veterinarian-Client-Patient relationship and in compliance with the laws and regulations within the state in which one is licensed to practice.

Among the equine practices already employing telemedicine as a component of patient care is McKee-Pownall Equine Services near Toronto, Ontario. Co-founder Dr. Mike Pownall took time to discuss what he has learned from his telemedicine experience and offer tips to those thinking of getting started.