Teleneurology video recordings and live streams provide reliable neuroanatomic lesion localization in dogs and cats.

Teleneurology via video recording or live stream reliably localizes neuroanatomical lesions in dogs and cats.

This prospective cross-sectional study evaluated the reliability of teleneurology consultations for neuroanatomical lesion localization in small animals, comparing two remote modalities—prerecorded video and live streaming—against in-person examination by a board-certified neurologist or neurology resident. Conducted over two months at an academic teaching hospital, the study enrolled 55 client-owned dogs and cats, with 30 in the prerecorded video group and 25 in the live stream group. Neurologic examinations via both teleneurology modalities were performed by veterinary students, while the reference standard was an in-person examination performed by a blinded specialist. Agreement was assessed using Cohen's kappa statistic. Both modalities demonstrated strong agreement with in-person localization: κ = 0.84 (95% CI, 0.69–0.98) for prerecorded video and κ = 0.85 (95% CI, 0.66–1.00) for live streaming. Discrepancy rates were low, at 13% (4/30) and 12% (3/25) for groups 1 and 2, respectively. The authors suggest teleneurology holds promise for nonemergent consultations, recheck appointments, and postoperative follow-ups, especially when examinations are conducted with a dedicated videographer ensuring examination quality. Limitations include the relatively small sample size, single-center design, and use of veterinary students rather than experienced clinicians to perform remote examinations. The authors emphasize that further protocol standardization is needed before widespread clinical adoption. Overall, this study provides encouraging evidence supporting the integration of teleneurology into veterinary neurology practice as a reliable diagnostic adjunct.

This summary was distilled by AI and may occasionally misinterpret data. Confirm critical details with the primary literature before clinical application.