The adoption paradox for veterinary professionals in China: high use of artificial intelligence despite low familiarity

The adoption paradox is driven by a practitioner-led, "inside-out" integration model where AI is used to augment clinical capabilities, countered by an "interpretability gap" that limits trust and familiarity. This contrasts with the more administrative, "outside-in" pattern seen in North America. The findings underscore a need for specialized veterinary AI tools, enhanced training focused on critical appraisal, and robust regulatory frameworks to safely harness AI's potential in one of the world's largest veterinary markets.