The evolving role of artificial intelligence in cytology

This article and video are sponsored by Zoetis.

In today’s veterinary landscape, speed, clarity, and confidence matter more than ever. This is especially true in oncology, where the wait for cytology results can impact not only clinical decisions but also the emotional experience of the pet owner.

As caseloads rise and client expectations shift, veterinarians are increasingly seeking diagnostic tools that fit the pace and demands of today’s clinical environment. The profession is moving toward solutions that deliver timely, accurate insights within a single appointment—supporting efficient, cost-effective decision-making and enhanced patient care.

This is where artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as an auspicious path forward. Clinicians such as New York–based medical oncologist Sue Ettinger, DVM, DACVIM (Oncology), are seeing firsthand how AI-supported diagnostic tools are elevating standards of care, streamlining workflows, and providing faster, more reliable results in the clinic.¹

Cytology has traditionally been constrained by cost barriers, long turnaround times, and the practical challenges of sending samples to reference laboratories. Ettinger has been eager to see digital cytology evolve in a way that improves daily clinical practice while offering faster, more reliable, and more affordable solutions for pet owners.

“I've always been a big advocate of using cytology in day-to-day practice. The idea of digital cytology and quicker turnaround was something I was interested in. So, I started using Vetscan Imagyst® 3 or 4 years ago, and then we expanded the ecosystem in my practice,” Ettinger said.

Today, the shift into a new era of AI-supported cytology is already well underway. Advances in AI, thoughtfully integrated into clinic workflows, are redefining what cytology can look like in a modern veterinary setting. Instead of being limited by laboratory schedules or per‑site fees, veterinarians can efficiently screen masses, rule out benign lesions, and begin treatment conversations in minutes^2,3 rather than days, with tools like Vetscan Imagyst AI Masses. This evolution indicates a future where many of the long-standing limitations of traditional cytology workflows can be overcome.

The latest technology

AI Masses is 1 of 7 testing applications available on Vetscan Imagyst, Zoetis’ multiuse veterinary AI analyzer. The Vetscan Imagyst platform is designed to deliver highly accurate^2,3 and timely point-of-care insights, with the introduction of AI Masses reflecting the company’s commitment to continuous innovation.

This new indication enhances Zoetis’ cytology offering by enabling fast, accurate^2,3 AI analysis of lymph node and skin/subcutaneous masses. Results are delivered in minutes,^2,3 offering clinicians the ability to make informed decisions during the same appointment—benefiting the vet, the pet, and the owner.

Speed as a priority

Having practiced for more than 20 years, Ettinger began using Vetscan Imagyst about 4 years ago, citing the speed of diagnosis^2,3 as particularly impactful. Rapid clarity can change the entire trajectory of a case and offer peace of mind to pet owners as they consider their next steps.

Ettinger is acutely aware of the growing demand for rapid information in today’s clinical environment. As she notes, “no one wants to wait until tomorrow to get results.” With AI Masses, she has observed firsthand the impact of being able to deliver much faster preliminary diagnoses,^2,3 allowing her team to spend more time guiding owners through treatment options during the same appointment, as she explains in the video.

What’s next?

AI-supported diagnostic tools, like AI Masses, are designed to complement and strengthen clinical judgment, not replace clinical expertise. They provide veterinarians with faster access to reliable and consistent point-of-care results that help support timely decision-making and clearer conversations with owners about their pet’s health. As these technologies continue to develop, they are becoming a practical part of everyday veterinary workflow, making advanced diagnostic insights more accessible, improving turnaround times, and helping clinicians manage caseloads more effectively—ultimately, freeing up valuable time to focus on patient care and outcomes.

For more information, visit www.zoetisdiagnostics.com.

*Vetscan Imagyst is the only commercially available veterinary AI analyzer on the market offering 7 microscopic testing capabilities, making it the most capable analyzer in the world.

References

1. Shin Y, Lee M, Lee Y, Kim K, Kim T. Artificial intelligence-powered quality assurance: transforming diagnostics, surgery, and patient care—innovations, limitations, and future directions. Life (Basel). 2025;15(4):654. doi:10.3390/life15040654
2. Zoetis Data on File. Study Report - DHXMZ-US-25-285
3. Zoetis Data on File. Study Report - DHXMZ-US-25-286

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