Vetnuus | July 2024 17 and memory, a role that has been described as: “relax, eat, sleep, forget, and protect”. Any potential therapeutic product should not be a self-administered nor an unregulated modality but should adhere to good medical practices and care ‘Primum non nocere’ and veterinarians should take back the leadership when it comes to potential veterinary therapeutic use. Through counselling, we must protect our patients, and clients, from the use of excessive quantities of a product, indiscriminate and inappropriate use of cannabis, and possible deflection from already proven and helpful treatment the patient is already using. Through Self-study and Literature review, I want to start the discussion about Cannabis and the ECS, the Legal sphere of Cannabis currently in SA and through education and cultivating scientific curiosity, assist Veterinarians on how to discuss Cannabis with clients wanting to use it in their pets, and on how to use it for medicinal purposes in their animal patients legally and safely. High time we talk about cannabis in veterinary medicine - product selection, dosing and conditions potentially treatable with cannabis Erika L Venter-Van Zyl Private, Cape Town, South Africa The use of Phytocannabinoid containing products in pets is gaining popularity as pet owners explore the use to either substitute pharmaceuticals or to use in conjunction with prescribed treatments. The use is also influenced by already available products containing Phytocannabinoid molecules, but these products are very illregulated, no standards exist or are few, and neither are there any products registered with Act 36, for use in companion animals. T hese challenges put the Pet owner and Pet at risk of being defrauded, and in extreme cases where the amount of phytocannabinoids or the source of the product, is unknown, could cause harm to the pet. It is the Vet’s responsibility to guide clients on product selection and dosing. Medical cannabis is not just about CBD and THC, and choosing a product for a condition needs an understanding of medicine, physiology, pharmacology and the chemistry of the plant molecules. Phytocannabinoids and the terpenes contained in the plant have an entourage effect and a biphasic effect. Veterinarians should also advise on dosing amounts, but no formal dosing recommendations exist, but the rule “start low and go slow” should always be followed. I will also discuss how to titer the dosage for each patient’s needs and phytocannabinoids ratios to use for certain clinical applications, how to read product labels and Certificate of Analysis (COA). Cannabis or Marijuana is not a silver bullet treatment, but new research and scientific evidence into the therapeutic use of cannabis are published almost monthly and, even though very new in companion animal medicine, the body of evidence in its use as a medicinal substance is growing. Looking at the current published scientific data, and anecdotal reports, I will discuss Cannabinoids can be used for pain management, neurological conditions, well-being, gastrointestinal health, dermatology and skin, and cannabinoids in oncology and immunology. v Keeping the love alive Marlena M Du Toit Private, Cape Town, South Africa In the busyness of our daily lives, with demanding jobs, talented children and a … social life, we often neglect our most intimate relationship - The one with ourselves and our partner. Let’s bust some of the myths around sexuality and discover ways to keep intimacy a top priority. As a sexologist, gynaecologist, and lecturer at Stellenbosch, I am aware of the demands that surround us. During this session, we discover the human sexual responses, take a fresh look at desire, intimacy, orgasm and our mindset. I will share some to add to your skill set and engage in practical ideas to keep your relationship a priority in the demanding world of 2024 and beyond. Enhancing veterinary nursing practice success: Creating pet owner loyalty and satisfaction Dalene Jansen Van Vuuren Private, Cape Town, South Africa In the dynamic arena of veterinary medicine, the primary objective for veterinary practices is the cultivation of pet owner loyalty and satisfaction in an ever-evolving and competitive landscape. This abstract provides a comprehensive overview of indispensable strategies and optimal practices to ensure the enduring success and sustainability of veterinary and nursing facilities. The primary focus of this presentation is to explore various dimensions contributing to pet owner loyalty and satisfaction: • Compassionate and Client-Centered Care: This is the cornerstone of a client-centred approach in veterinary practice. Beyond tending to the medical needs of pets, veterinary professionals must prioritize empathy, clear communication, and active listening to genuinely convey value and understanding to pet owners. • Preventive Healthcare Education: Education of pet owners about preventive care, nutrition, vaccination schedules, and wellness exams is vital for promoting pet health and longterm satisfaction. • Marketing and Branding: These strategies aim to attract new clients while nurturing existing relationships, thereby reinforcing the practice’s presence in the competitive landscape. • Communication and Transparency: Effective communication forms the bedrock of trust. Veterinary teams must communicate clearly through both in-person interactions and digital channels, providing pet owners with detailed information regarding their pets and costs. • Customer Feedback and Improvement: Regular solicitation and incorporation of client feedback serve as powerful tools for service enhancement and loyalty reinforcement. Facilities should establish mechanisms to collect feedback to facilitate continuous improvements. >>> 18 Events I WVAC 2024
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