Diagnostic tool provides veterinarians the ability to identify parasites,
view images and share results with pet owners within nine minutes
Today Zoetis announced the launch of Vetscan Imagyst™, a diagnostic platform that uses a combination of image recognition technology, algorithms and cloud-based artificial intelligence (AI) to deliver accurate testing results to the clinic. Imagyst’s first indication will be for testing fecal samples for parasites, and it has the potential for broader applications to different types of testing in the future. Imagyst was developed to first help veterinarians make accurate and timely point-of-care intestinal parasitic diagnoses for dogs and cats. With deep learning capability powered by artificial intelligence, Imagyst revolutionizes in-clinic fecal testing during the time of visit by giving veterinarians the ability to accurately diagnose patients quickly and treat if necessary.
Intestinal parasites remain a prevalent issue in pets, dependent upon lifestyle and use of preventative medications. According to the Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC), the most frequently diagnosed internal parasites are whipworm, hookworm, roundworm, Giardia, and coccidia, which are most commonly diagnosed by fecal examination.1 Zoetis developed Imagyst to provide veterinarians the ability to make fast and accurate diagnoses by automating the fecal examination to detect these internal parasite eggs, cysts, and oocysts. With test results in hand within nine minutes, veterinarians will now be able to share results with pet owners and provide treatment options during the initial visit, ultimately removing the need for pet owners to return for a second appointment.
“Parasites are a threat throughout the year, making routine monitoring critical to pet health,” said Richard Goldstein, DVM, DACVIM, DECVIM-CA, VP Global Diagnostics Medical Affairs at Zoetis. “With Vetscan Imagyst, the ability to have accurate, fast results at the point-of-care empowers veterinarians to diagnose and treat in the same visit, increasing compliance and eliminating follow-up appointments and call backs, thus enhancing the overall pet owner experience.”
Screening for intestinal parasites is critical to help protect pet patients and their families from zoonotic risks.2 CAPC, an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to increasing awareness of the threat parasites present to pets and family members, recommends fecal testing for dogs and cats at least four times in the first year of life, and then one to two times per year in adults, depending on patient health and lifestyle factors. Now with Vetscan Imagyst, veterinarians are provided easy, actionable, and reliable results during the patient visit.
“Vetscan Imagyst is the most recent breakthrough technology platform to join our Zoetis diagnostics portfolio,” said Lisa Lee, Senior Vice President, Global Diagnostics at Zoetis. “Diagnostics play a crucial role in veterinary medicine and provide veterinarians with more accurate insights that inform the care they provide to animals. Zoetis is focused on driving innovation and comprehensive solutions for our customers across the entire continuum of care with our world-class portfolio of diagnostic instruments and rapid tests”.
Talk to your Zoetis representative to learn more about Vetscan Imagyst or visit us at www.vetscanimagyst.com.
About Vetscan Imagyst
Vetscan Imagyst is an image recognition platform that is utilized to detect intestinal parasites in cats and dogs through a fecal examination. As advances in technology continue to change the diagnostic landscape of veterinary medicine, Vetscan Imagyst offers an innovative solution for fecal testing from a unique, clean sample prep to analysis. By leveraging deep learning, Vetscan Imagyst uses cutting-edge algorithm identification technology to improve fecal point-of-care diagnostics and enhances the diagnosis process by reducing user variability and human error, expediating treatment intervention, and maintaining sharable records for future needs. This technology will help veterinarians make decisions and improve the treatment process for the future while also providing value to the veterinary client, leading to increased compliance.
About Zoetis
Zoetis is the leading animal health company, dedicated to supporting its customers and their businesses. Building on more than 65 years of experience in animal health, Zoetis discovers, develops, manufactures and commercializes medicines, vaccines and diagnostic products, which are complemented by biodevices, genetic tests and precision livestock farming. Zoetis serves veterinarians, livestock producers and people who raise and care for farm and companion animals with sales of its products in more than 100 countries. In 2019, the company generated annual revenue of $6.3 billion with approximately 10,600 employees. For more information, visit www.zoetis.com.
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References
1. CAPC Prevalence Maps - Giardia. https://capcvet.org/maps#2020/all/giardia/cat/united-states/ Accessed June 2020
CAPC Prevalence Maps – Hookworm. https://capcvet.org/maps#2020/all/hookworm/cat/united-states/ Accessed June 2020
CAPC Prevalence Maps – Whipworm. https://capcvet.org/maps#2020/all/whipworm/dog/united-states/ Accessed June 2020
CAPC Prevalence Maps – Roundworm. https://capcvet.org/maps#2020/all/roundworm/dog/united-states/ Accessed June 2020
2. Animals (Zoonotic). CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/animals.html. Accessed June 2020.
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