Vetnews | Julie 2024 18 « BACK TO CONTENTS Events I WVAC 2024 • Team Training and Well-being: A well-trained and content veterinary team in an affirmative work environment is better positioned to deliver quality care and exceptional customer service. • Community Engagement: Active participation in local events, sponsorship, and outreach programs fosters a sense of trust and belonging, ultimately fortifying the practice’s client base. In conclusion, this abstract provides a glimpse into the multifaceted realm of cultivating pet owner loyalty and satisfaction within the veterinary industry. It emphasizes the significance of a holistic approach amalgamating medical expertise with client-centred care, technology integration, and continuous improvement. By addressing these facets, veterinary practices can foster loyal, satisfied pet owners who are more inclined to entrust their beloved pets to the care of the practice over the long term. Balancing busy work and home life Mats Abatzidis MSD Animal Health, Johannesburg, South Africa There is a daily, weekly and annual repetition that tends to set up in our work, the travelling to and from work, as well as the environment at our workplace and back at home. In addition, some of us feel trapped by the necessity for work and survival, which is also where we spend most of our time. Studies have shown that the effects of our career can impact our overall mental health, causing problems with sleep, anxiety, and depression. Quitting or continuously changing jobs, our circumstances or routines is not realistic, but we can work toward being happier at work and at home. And that has some serious perks. The talk focuses on sharing a few proven ways to be happier at work and at home. Compassion fatigue and depression are real threats in our line of work. The suggestions and tool shared are designed to be used immediately and easily, which will ease anxiety, improve our mood and allow us to be more productive at work and at home. In addition, I will be sharing some resources that can be used in the future to help you along and that can be used as a form of monitoring your progress. “When we feel positive and optimistic, we’re more interested in what we’re doing and more likely to see opportunities we may miss out on with a negative mindset.” - Eric Karpinski ‘New Business - New Life’ Christian (Ian) Swanepoel Private Business, Cape Town, South Africa Embarking on a new business venture may initially appear formidable; however, this session aims to unveil strategies that instil confidence in taking this significant leap. Attendees will be equipped with essential skills and practical tools necessary for planning and executing such endeavours with assurance. The presentation will encompass various aspects, including making business strategy an enjoyable endeavour, acquiring legislative knowledge for protection, resource planning to facilitate ambitious aspirations, and the crucial management of staff and relationships—acknowledged as the most valuable resource in any enterprise. Additionally, insights will be shared on implementing digital systems to structure operations in a paperless fashion. The overarching advice emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with excellence, a key practice observed in the success stories of thriving business individuals, encouraging attendees to adopt this practice for their own prosperity. Exposing the digital shades of grey: how to optimise digital exposures Sara N Hoepner University of Pretoria, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Companion Animal Clinical Studies, Pretoria, South Africa Are you turning grey because of your digital shades of grey (or lack thereof)? This 30-minute review session will include a brief overview of radiographic technique, frequently encountered causes of poor diagnostic quality images, and common misconceptions when it comes to digital radiography and image quality troubleshooting. v Metabolic bone disease in reptiles Dorianne Elliott Valley Farm Animal Hospital, Extraordinary Lecturer, Dept of Companion Animal Clinical Studies, University of Pretoria Metabolic bone disease (MBD) is a blanket term which is used to refer to several disease syndromes related to abnormal calcium homeostasis or metabolism. Many exotic species including reptiles commonly present with this condition. Depending on the species and life stage there are distinct clinical presentations associated with MBD. The syndrome is caused by any breakdown in the chain of events responsible for calcium regulation in the body of the reptile. This chain consists mainly of exposure to unfiltered sunshine (UVB), correct environmental temperature gradient, vitamin D3 metabolism, calcium metabolism, phosphorus metabolism and calcium: phosphorus ratio. Diagnosis and treatment of affected patients will be discussed.
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