Use an AI tool to analyze two versions of the same animal case with different owner backgrounds, then compare the results and reflect on what you learn.
Use your vet science knowledge and critical thinking to question how technology can help or harm—and imagine ways to make AI more fair and inclusive for animals and their people.
WHY THIS MATTERS: Veterinarians are starting to use AI tools to help diagnose and treat animal patients. But how fair are these tools? Do they respond the same to all cases—or are their suggestions influenced by factors like where the owner lives or how much money they have?
In this activity, you’ll examine two identical medical cases and see how AI responds when only the owner’s background changes. Your goal is to uncover any hidden patterns of bias and reflect on how AI might affect fairness in veterinary medicine.
Instructions
Step 1: Pick Your Animal Case Choose one animal case from the class list. Keep these details the same for both versions:
- Animal species and breed
- Symptoms
- Likely diagnosis
Step 2: Create Two Versions Change only the owner background in each version:
- Location (urban vs. rural)
- Income level (high vs. low)
- Access to care (e.g., near or far from vet clinics)
Case Version 1 (Owner Info):
Case Version 2 (Owner Info):
Step 3: Ask AI for a Diagnosis Use ChatGPT or another AI tool. Paste the full description of each case, including the animal’s symptoms and owner’s background.
Example prompt: “Act as a veterinary assistant. A rural, low-income owner brings in a 2-year-old Golden Retriever with a limp and swollen joint. What is a likely diagnosis and treatment plan?”
Step 4: Record the AI Responses
Case | Diagnosis | Treatment | Reasoning | Notes on Bias or Assumptions 1 2
Conscientization
Reading the world through this activity
- What unfair patterns or biases showed up in the AI’s responses?
- Did the AI consider the owner’s financial situation or location?
- Which owners or animals seemed to be prioritized or ignored?
- What power dynamics are visible in how the AI responded?
Praxis
Reflection leading to transformation
- How does this connect to real-life access to vet care?
- Could these biases impact real animals and owners?
- How could future AI tools be improved for fairness?
- What actions can you take as a student, future vet, or tech user?
Dialogue
Ongoing discussion
- What was the most surprising result your group discovered?
- Did you notice any patterns in other groups’ results?
- How does this relate to broader social justice issues?
- What’s one way to keep exploring fairness in AI and vet med?