Relief medicine offers flexibility and autonomy, but it also comes with recurring challenges: Chief among them is documentation. For many relief veterinarians, medical recordkeeping is a persistent bottleneck that adds unnecessary mental strain and eats into already limited time.

Relief vets are expected to produce clear, complete, and timely records while working in unfamiliar systems. Each clinic has its own standards, software, and preferences. We’re often asked to meet those expectations while adjusting to new workflows, team dynamics, and full caseloads. That pressure affects everything from clinical decision-making to mental health.

Just like a tidy spay incision is one of the only visible markers of surgical quality, the clarity and completeness of medical records are often the only ways practices can evaluate the performance of relief veterinarians. Even the most personable, clinically skilled relief vet won’t be invited back if their notes don’t meet the minimum standards to protect the hospital from liability.

Over the years, I’ve tried everything. I’ve tried copying past notes, building templates, using text expanders, and asking technicians to transcribe exam details. Some tools helped in specific settings, but none worked consistently across clinics. Even though I type 120 words per minute, the real barrier wasn’t transcription. It was the cognitive load of remembering and articulating every clinical detail, in the right format, at the right time.

I needed a tool that stayed out of the way, ensured accuracy, and helped me complete notes on time. One that could capture the minutiae (“Was it the third digit or the fourth? How big was that mass?”) without letting anything slip. I needed something that integrated into my workflow rather than adding to it. An artificial intelligence (AI) scribe filled that gap.

Relief practice allows veterinarians to thrive

Relief work demands adaptability, especially with documentation. Every clinic has different expectations for what constitutes a complete medical record. If we’re not prepared, those differences can add friction to an already demanding day.

AI scribes help by adapting to each clinic’s documentation style and structure, producing accurate and detailed notes without requiring extra effort. Consistency matters. It ensures the medical director, the next vet, and the support team can all understand what happened and why. I no longer have to memorize each clinic’s idiosyncrasies because the scribe handles formatting and organization, letting me stay focused on patient care.

When I step into an ongoing case, the AI-generated summaries help me catch up quickly, even in high-volume settings. And when it’s time to hand off a case, I know the notes will be clear, well-structured, and helpful, which reduces guesswork and miscommunication for whoever takes over next. Staff can follow discharge instructions without hunting me down for clarification, which cuts down on callbacks and keeps things running smoothly after I leave.

In relief work, the person reading your notes tomorrow is rarely the one you spoke to today. That makes clarity essential for both clinical continuity and client communication.

AI-generated notes follow a consistent structure that makes it easier for other vets to review the patient’s history and continue care without confusion. Discharge instructions can be auto-drafted using the clinical information already in the record, saving time and increasing accuracy.

Support staff benefit, too. When instructions are clear, the front desk and technicians don’t have to interpret or fill in missing information. That reduces medication errors and follow-up calls, ensuring better continuity of care.

Some platforms go a step further with easy-to-read summaries for pet owners that include visuals and simple explanations of diagnosis, treatment, and home care. Having that kind of clarity built in reflects well on the relief vet, enhances the clinic’s reputation, and, most importantly, empowers clients to follow through confidently to the benefit of our patients.

Bringing relieve veterinarians to the practice team

Let’s be clear: AI scribes don’t make clinical decisions; they generate drafts. I remain responsible for accuracy, and I always review each note before it’s finalized. Sometimes I adjust a phrase or add a detail, but the workload is significantly lower than writing from scratch.

Research in both human and veterinary medicine has shown that ambient documentation tools improve efficiency and reduce burnout. I’ve seen those benefits firsthand as a relief vet, and I continue to be surprised at all the ways that using an AI scribe makes my relief practice more sustainable.

In my daily work, I rely on my AI scribe to do the following:

Create consistent, readable records that align with each clinic’s style and workflows

Summarize prior visits to streamline ongoing case management

Improve client communication with autogenerated discharge instructions

Provide metrics on caseloads and documentation trends

Offer clinical support through integrations such as the Sophie AI deep research tool

How AI can boost productivity without replacing staff

As a result, my quality of life and quality of care have significantly improved. I can leave a clinic knowing I left clear, structured notes for a smooth patient handoff to the next care provider. I don’t have to worry about using new or unfamiliar software from clinic to clinic. And I can take a break without feeling like I might be falling behind. My AI scribe gives me peace of mind that I can no longer practice without.

, is a practicing relief veterinarian and lead veterinarian at ScribbleVet, an AI scribe service for veterinary professionals. She leverages her experience across diverse clinics to design prompts and fine-tune tools for clinical accuracy, driving real-world AI scribe adoption in veterinary practice.

Articles

Using a digital scribe can improve workflow efficiency, ensure consistent recordkeeping, and boost client communication.

AI provides relief for the relief veterinarian

This summer, a veterinary hospital and pet resort network in North America announced a new member of its board of directors. Meanwhile, a pet biotechnology company has added two new veterinarians to its leadership team, where they will direct US Department of Agriculture-regulated biologics, and more.

Continue reading to learn more about each of these individuals.

Brian McKeon, MBA, board directors, National Veterinary Associates

Brian McKeon, MBA, board directors, National Veterinary Associates. (Image courtesy of National Veterinary Associates)

Last month, McKeon was appointed to the board of directors of National Veterinary Associates (NVA). In his most recent role, McKeon served as the executive vice president and special advisor for IDEXX Laboratories. Before that, McKeon was a chief financial officer and treasurer for IDEXX for more than a decade. From 2003 to 2013, McKeon served on IDEXX’s board of directors. Other positions McKeon has held include executive vice president and chief financial officer at Iron Mountain Incorporated and at Timberland Company.

“We are thrilled to welcome Brian to our Board of Directors,” Ken Burdick, executive chairman of NVA, said in a company news release.

 “His extensive experience in finance and strategic planning, along with his proven leadership in the veterinary and diagnostics industries will be invaluable as we continue to grow and innovate in the veterinary care sector.”

Antonella Borgatti, DVM, MS, DACVIM (Oncology), DECVIM-CA, director of clinical development, Biologics, Akston

Antonella Borgatti, DVM, MS, DACVIM (Oncology), DECVIM-CA, director of clinical development, Biologics, Akston. (Image courtey of Akston)

Earlier this summer, Borgatti was appointed director of clinical development of USDA-regulated biologics at Akston. In her new position, Borgatti oversees study design and execution and ensures regulatory compliance for therapies for pets, including those targeting cancer, chronic pain, dermatitis, and obesity.

With more than 17 years of experience, most recently, Borgatti was the professor of veterinary oncology, head of oncology clinical research, and director of the clinical investigation center at the University of Minnesota. At the University of Minnesota, Borgatti also directed the Medical Oncology Residency Program. Her clinical experience includes time at the Veterinary Specialty Hospital of the Carolinas in Cary, North Carolina, and Carolina Veterinary Specialists.

Kristina Kalevas Camp, DVM, PhD, director of regulatory affairs, Biologics, Akston

Kristina Kalevas Camp, DVM, PhD, director of regulatory affairs, Biologics, Akston. (Image courtesy of Akston)

Appointed alongside Borgatti, Camp is directing regulatory strategy for USDA-regulated biologics, managing submissions to the USDA Center for Veterinary Biologics, and ensuring compliance across internal teams and external partners at Akston. In her most recent role, Camp was the senior associate director of regulatory affairs, biologicals for US and primary markets at Boehringer Ingelheim. Prior to that, she was an associate veterinarian at Hayes Barton Animal Hospital in Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina, and at the Veterinary Specialty Hospital of the Carolinas in Cary, North Carolina.

"At Akston, we are reimagining what is possible in pet health — bringing forward biologics that last longer, work better, and are easier to deliver," Todd Zion, PhD, co-founder and chief executive officer of Akston, said in a news release.

 "Dr Borgatti and Dr Camp bring the right combination of veterinary knowledge, deep scientific expertise, and regulatory leadership needed to accelerate that vision. Their impact will be felt across our entire pipeline - from pioneering cancer therapies to new solutions for chronic pain, dermatitis, and obesity, ensuring we deliver innovation that truly changes the standard of care for pets everywhere."

National Veterinary Associates Welcomes Brian McKeon to Board of Directors. News release. National Veterinary Associates. August 18, 2025. Accessed September 14, 2025. https://www.nva.com/newsroom/mckeon-brings-public-company-financial-expertise-and-proven-leadership-in

Akston Expands Leadership Team with Appointment of Two Veterinarians to Advance First-in-Class Biologics for Pets. News release. Akston. August 19, 2025. Accessed September 15, 2025. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/akston-expands-leadership-team-with-appointment-of-two-veterinarians-to-advance-first-in-class-biologics-for-pets-302532937.html

New leadership moves, recognition, and achievement.

Paws and profits: Pet biotechnology company appoints 2 veterinarians to its leadership team, and more

It is not uncommon for veterinary professionals to encounter questions about dogs exhibiting aggressive behavior. Although common, there is no single right answer to these questions or a definitive solution when these issues arise. So, what can be done? And what conversations should be had with clients regarding canines with a history of aggressive behavior?

During his lecture, "Risk Assessment of Dogs With a History of Aggressive Behavior," Christopher Pachel, DVM, DACVB, CABC (IAABC), emphasized to attendees why it is crucial to understand the context of aggression, including environmental factors, behavior patterns, and emotional states from the patient, as well as relationships between family members and pets to see whether there is a problem to be worked through.

According to Pachel, when talking to clients, it can be helpful for the veterinary team to start by discussing with the client what aggression really is and what it is not. Aggression is threatening or harmful behavior that is directed toward another person or group, not an overall temperament or character trait. By providing clients with this understanding of what aggression really is, it can help teams encourage clients to remain more objective and less likely to take any information or recommendations personally, or to interpret them as a comment on their own behavior.

“We know that there are so many factors that impact how and why a dog may show aggressive behavior in one context vs another, and that's why we're really going to be focusing on this risk assessment to identify what those safety concerns [are] and what it would look like to create a management plan, or overall treatment plan, to both identify and address them to the best of our ability,” Pachel said.

A risk assessment is not capable of or intended to provide a completely accurate prediction of future behavior or a guarantee. Instead, the goal of it is to help identify situations, locations, and contexts where the aggressive behaviors could present to help the veterinarian decide whether there are any strategies that will help the pet be treated and managed safely. A risk assessment is a way to identify the “holes in the fence” that may need to be addressed at the time the assessment is occurring, according to Pachel.

To begin a risk assessment, age is an important factor because it can be normal to see aggression even at a young age. For puppies presenting with aggression, it can be because of multiple reasons, such as fear, which Pachel said is one of the most common motivations behind growling. For veterinary teams, if you are able to put the appropriate interventions in place, many dogs will go on to have successful outcomes at home.

When it comes to aggression, it is important to rule out pain, especially when the aggression appears to be related to age. Pachel explained that in the case of aggression, it is assumed to be pain until proven otherwise.

“Where that factors into our risk assessments is that even if that owner manages pain appropriately, even if we put appropriate treatment into place, pain is often something that's progressive, as are some of the other conditions that we navigate,” he said.

“So thinking about how we support those clients, knowing that we'll have our point of assessment, we can put some treatment in place, and we may have a much more successful management strategy. But if that osteoarthritis, or whatever the condition is, continues to progress, we may reach a point where there's a breakthrough event again, and there may be an ongoing conversation. So setting the stage for that at the very first conversation can be really helpful,” Pachel said.

Risk assessment for dogs with a history of aggressive behavior is a complex, multifaceted process that requires careful consideration of individual patient factors. By focusing on clear communication, ethical decision-making, and tailored management strategies, professionals can help ensure the safety and well-being of both animals and people.

Pachel C. Risk assessment of dogs with a history of aggressive behavior. Presented at: Fetch Coastal; September 12-13, 2025; National Harbor, MD.

A canine patient with a history of aggression comes into your clinic—now what?

Evaluating the risks of canines with a history of aggression

In this interview with Christopher Rocchio, DVM, shares common misconceptions surrounding sell veterinary practices during Fetch National Harbor

Common misconceptions when selling a veterinary practice

Fetch National Harbor, Christopher Rocchio, DVM, CEO and founder of Monarch Practice Transitions, shared a few common misconceptions veterinary professionals have when it comes time for them to sell their practice. Throughout the interview, he highlights topics such as the idea that selling to corporations is straightforward and lucrative, but in reality, it may not be as attractive in the backend as it is in the initial offer. 

Below is a partial transcript, edited lightly for clarity 

There are almost 70 very aggressive corporate consolidators out there, and they have access to many of the practice owners information. And so I think the biggest misconception is practice owners feel like all these corporations want my practice. This is going to be a very easy thing to do to sell my practice. And so they venture out on their own, and these corporate consolidators are very friendly at first, and they're taking you out to dinner, and, you know, complimenting you. And then they give you an offer that seems almost more than you ever thought you would get. And at that point, when you sign a letter of intent, the whole process changes. The corporation now is doing what they call due diligence, and their goal is to go into your practice and find some sort of financial information to lower the price that they said they were going to sell it to you for. And so a lot of veterinarians practice owners that are out there doing it themselves. Really don't have anybody behind them to defend their financials. And these corporate people are very well trained. Many of them are MBAs. They're going to eat you for lunch. 

So and at that point, what happens is you're faced with either walking away from the deal or just selling and saying, 'Okay, well, you know, we've been through the process even though we're not getting what we thought we were going to get. Let's just do it.' And so we meet a lot of those practice owners who have tried to do it themselves and failed, and at that point that process is kind of spoiled. So you know, you really should have some sort of representation, a broker representing you financially in the negotiations, and a very good veterinary lawyer who's going to be representing you for all the legal terms that you're dealing with with the corporation.

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Learn the importance of professional representation when navigating corporate buyouts and transitions in the veterinary industry in this interview with Monarch Practice Transitions

At the beginning of her keynote address at the 2025 Fetch dvm360 Conference in National Harbor, Maryland, Leliani Alvarez, DVM, DACVSMR, shared a quote by Martin Luther King Jr., that she loved: ‘"If you can't fly then run, if you can't run then walk, if you can't walk then crawl, but by all means keep moving forward.’ She uses this quote as in relation to her patients, who have difficulty walking because of injury, back surgery, paralysis, or bed ridden, who need to move in some way. To move, according to Alvarez, is the most impactful way you can improve the lives of patients like hers.

Throughout the rest of her keynote address, Alvarez shared with attendees personal anecdotes, scientific evidence, and 2 minutes of dancing to show everyone the benefits of regular exercise.

Leliani Alvarez, DVM, DACVSMR, on stage at Fetch National Harbor during her day 1 keynote address

“So if a patient has broken a leg, if a patient has cancer, if a patient has a herniated disc and has lost motor activity to their legs, we have to find a way for them to move, because it's the most impactful thing you can do to improve their quality of life. And so, in fact, movement is a multi drug. It affects practically every system in our body in a positive way. Most of us think about movement as being really important for joint health, and absolutely is, but it's also important for your brain function,” Alvarez told attendees.

It is no secret that clients want their pets to be around for as long as possible as well as spend as much time with them as possible. When it comes to exercise, it can also increase metabolism because muscles use a lot of energy; meaning muscle mass requires more energy to move and you burn calories. Because exercise is already known in animals, this gives owners a chance to be able to able to help keep their pet healthy but also have set time and activities to do together. 

Alvarez also explained to attendees that through her time working in rehabilitation, movement has a very impactful effect on movement in neurologic function. Through neuroplasticity—as you move, your muscle send signals to yours nerves, which then transmits to your spinal cord, and then your brain, plus proprioception—the signals tell where you are in space. So when you move regularly, but also when your older patients move regularly, it can decrease the risk of slipping and falling.

Circulation is also something that Alvarez said movement can benefit. “We talked about the improved stroke volume and injection fraction, but it's also from circulation in your muscles, and as your muscles contract. Interestingly, there are mitokines, so cytokines that are released from the muscle that are anti inflammatory and, in fact, tumor protective, and that's actually produced just from your muscles,” Alvarez explained.

Another part of the body that benefits from movement is immune function. In humans, people who exercise regularly have lower incidence of colds and upper respiratory infections. Alvarez told attendees that the take away from her lecture should not be to exercise 7 days a week in order to be healthier and have a better immune system, but to follow Goldilocks principles. This means that you can do moderate levels of exercise to really benefit and help strengthen yourself because too much exercise can have a negative impact on your immune system. An example of this Alvarez used during her address was sled dogs and high endurance athletes.

Exercise is not only good for the health of patients, but for the veterinary staff as well. By taking time to take care of the bodies of patients and team members through movement, it can help improve almost all aspects of the body, and also quality of life. And for when you are feeling stressed or need a change during your day, Alvarez said put on your favorite song and dance it out for a few minutes.

Alvarez L. Motion is lotion: How movement extends life quality and quantity. Presented at: Fetch dvm360 Conference; September 12-13, 2025; National Harbor, MD.

Leliani Alvarez, DVM, DACVSMR, danced up the keynote stage on Day 1 of Fetch National Harbor.

The power of movement 

A developmental drug targeting pain associated with feline osteoarthritis (OA) has received a positive opinion from the European Medicines Agency Committee for Veterinary Medicinal Products (CVMP). With this opinion, the CVMP is recommending marketing authorization for relfovetmab (Portela; Zoetis), a monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapy.

Relfovetmab is on track to be the first approved long-acting anti–nerve growth factor (NGF) mAb therapy for cats, according to Zoetis. The company is anticipating the drug to become commercially available in the European Union in 2026.

The single-injection drug is designed to target NGF, a key mediator of OA pain, and provide 3 months of relief. The CVMP’s recommendation for marketing authorization is based on a positive benefit-risk balance of the safety and efficacy data submitted by Zoetis. Relfovetmab demonstrated effectiveness in alleviating OA pain in clinical trials. The therapy was also found to be well tolerated, including in felines with kidney disease.

“The CVMP’s positive opinion for [relfovetmab] represents a significant step forward in advancing feline pain management,” Rob Polzer, PhD, executive vice president and president of research and development with Zoetis, said in a news release.

 “The long-acting antibody properties of [relfovetmab] and its unique binding site to NGF will soon offer veterinarians and cat owners in the European Union a new option to alleviate pain associated with [OA], thereby helping to improve the quality of life for affected cats.”

Although less than 20% of felines are diagnosed with OA, up to 40% of cats have clinical signs of the chronic and progressive joint disease.

 “The statistics show that about 60% of cats over the age of 6 [years] have x-ray evidence of arthritis, and 90% of cats over the age of 12 [years] have radiographic [OA]," said Kristin Kirkby Shaw, DVM, PhD, MS, DACVS-SA, CACVSMR, founder of Canine Arthritis Resources and Education (CARE).

“Arthritis is very common in cats. As they age, basically all cats are going to develop arthritis similar to how all humans...develop some degree of wear and tear and joint disease,” Kirkby Shaw said in a 

OA causes inflammation and breakdown of joints, which leads to pain and mobility issues.

 “Cats are, importantly, meant to be vertical creatures; they want to jump up [and] get up high. And as their joint disease and their associated pain get worse, it gets harder and harder for them to get up onto those higher surfaces,” Kirkby Shaw said.

The disease also affects sleep, relationships, and cognition, according to Zoetis.

 “If they ache and are trying to protect themselves from threats, they might actually pull away from engaging with their family. They may not want to be held or may not want to sit on the couch next to the family,” Kirkby Shaw said.

Quality of life can be improved with the management of pain associated with OA, and relfovetmab could join Zoetis’ frunevetmab (Solensia) therapy—an anti-NGF mAb for monthly relief of pain associated with OA in cats—as another therapeutic option.

“If approved, [relfovetmab] will be a new, science-driven solution designed to support long-term comfort and mobility for cats—with the added benefit that pet owners only need to bring their cats in for an injection once every 3 months," Richard Goldstein, DVM, DACVIM, DECVIM-CA, global chief medical officer and head of medical affairs with Zoetis, said in the release. "We look forward to providing veterinarians with another innovative tool to help them improve the quality of life for the animals in their care."

Zoetis receives positive opinion from CVMP for Portela (relfovetmab) to alleviate pain associate with osteoarthritis in cats. News release. Zoetis. September 12, 2025. Accessed September 12, 2025. 

https://investor.zoetis.com/news/news-details/2025/Zoetis-Receives-Positive-Opinion-from-CVMP-for-Portela-relfovetmab-to-Alleviate-Pain-Associated-with-Osteoarthritis-in-Cats/default.aspx

Kirby Shaw K, Bautista-Alejandre A. Feline arthritis remains underdiagnosed. 

. May 22, 2025. Accessed September 12, 2025. 

https://www.dvm360.com/view/feline-arthritis-remains-underdiagnosed

Kirby Shaw K, Bautista-Alejandre A. How osteoarthritis affects cats. 

. May 23, 2025. Accessed September 12, 2025. 

https://www.dvm360.com/view/how-osteoarthritis-affects-cats

The monoclonal antibody therapy (Portela; Zoetis) is designed to provide relief from pain associated with osteoarthritis.