Veterinary telemedicine

“Telemedicine can be broadly defined as the use of telecommunications technologies to provide medical information and services” (1). Modern telemedicine applications originate with the transfer of electrocardiograms in Europe at the beginning of the 20th century. Not long after, consultations by radio were used to assist patients on ships and in remote places. In North America, a wave of programs including transmission of radiographic images began in the 1950s. NASA’s need to have the capacity to remotely provide medical assistance to astronauts spurred developments in the USA. Later, telemedicine was seen as a partial answer to shortages of family doctors and specialists, especially in remote areas. Telemedicine is also seen as providing efficient and convenient access for busy working people